Innovation and integrity are core values at L.B. Foster. We combine our state-of-the-art wheel/rail interface testing facility with rigorous scientific analysis and on-track field testing to bring you the next generation of gauge face products.
This pursuit of excellence highlights our core objective of providing our customers with the world’s most advanced friction management products that will consistently and reliably protect the wheel / rail interface.
Recognized globally as the experts in railroad friction management, we continue to develop innovative products that:
Reduce rail and wheel wear
Reduce lateral forces
Reduce derailment potential
Reduce energy consumption
Reduce Rolling Contact Fatigue (RCF) development
Gauge Face Greases
Our gauge face grease portfolio starts with SYNCURVE® and SYNCURVE Transit, exceedingly durable all-season rail curve lubricants giving the customer flexibility of either employing a lower application rate for existing spaced lubricators (up to 50% lower) or increasing lubricator spacing using current application rates. SYNCURVE and SYNCURVE Transit provide excellent protection in the wheel flange/gauge face interface and are ultimately biodegradable.
Along with SYNCURVE and SYNCURVE Transit, we also provide a full range of high-performance and environmentally friendly gauge face lubricants including:
DURACURVE® PRO is a highly durable rail curve grease that has extended carry distances and excellent wear protection. DURACURVE PRO has been formulated to optimize the pumpability, adhesion and water resistance required in the wheel/rail environment. DURACURVE PRO is currently available in a summer grade.
ALLCURVE® is a cost-effective all-season petroleum grease that meets adhesion, pumpability and load carrying requirements at all operating temperatures. ALLCURVE eliminates the need to inventory both summer and winter grades as part of your gauge face lubrication program.
BIOCURVE® LB2 is a premium quality readily biodegradable rail curve grease formulated with vegetable oils. BIOCURVE LB2 has exceptional product stability and lower propensity for bar clogging compared to other biodegradable greases. This product is recommended for locations requiring the highest level of biodegradability, such as near waterways or other environmentally sensitive areas. BIOCURVE LB2 is an all-season product suitable for year-round use in all climates.
DURACURVE® CE is a grease specifically designed to provide good wear protection, weather resistance, and effective carry-down at an economical cost. DURACURVE CE is currently available in a summer grade.
PROTECTOR® Application Systems
Our next generation PROTECTOR X trackside friction management systems include heavily sloped product compartment with the industry’s lowest cavitation levels and true first-in, first-out product utilization. These new systems allow for longer intervals between tank refills, easier product transitions between seasons, and less track access time required for maintenance.
Combined with our MC-4XL® or MC-5 application bars with GREASEGUIDES® and our next generation Remote Performance Monitoring (RPM), the PROTECTOR system is the most advanced friction management system available in the world.
MC-4XL (long length) and MC-5 (short length) applicator bars accurately deliver lubricant to wheel flange / rail gauge face. These two bars share our industry-leading channel and port design, providing equal and reliable delivery of grease to each port and preventing clogs.
L.B. Foster's patented GREASEGUIDE troughs re-direct and guide grease back to the wheel flange where it can carry out its intended purpose — protecting the rail and wheels. GREASEGUIDE technology helps to improve lubricant pick-up, thereby increasing carry-down and reducing waste.
For more information or to order any of our gauge face greases or application systems, including MC-5 application bars, please contact InsideSales@lbfoster.com or (412)-928-3400.
Built on over 40 years of in-service experience and continuous technological innovation, L.B. Foster PROTECTOR systems are known to be:
Exceedingly reliable
Easy to maintain
Consistent and precise in their application rate. Our innovative control system uses proprietary compensation algorithms to seamlessly adapt to changing operating conditions and consistently outputs the correct amount of grease.
Our gauge face lubrication product portfolio
Whatever your gauge face lubrication challenge, we can help. On top of the products showcased above, we offer:
Our legacy PROTECTOR IV electric application systems
PW and 761 hydraulic application systems
