The Right Equipment Brings Efficient Results
A flour and grain facility in the upper Midwest needed a better way to move railcars around its site. They had worked with Riekes Equipment before for forklift service, and now they needed to solve an equipment challenge. The mill's existing equipment was causing more problems than it solved, and they needed to explore new options. The main goals were to lower maintenance costs, reduce equipment downtime and, most importantly, find a machine that better matched the way they moved product across the site.
Their existing setup used equipment designed for much larger-scale operations. While it technically worked, it wasn’t efficient. They needed something sized and built for shorter, more frequent moves. It needed to be practical, dependable and cost-effective. The facility was committed to making a profit because they had contributed in excess of 50% of their profits to the State General Fund for more than 50 years. Since their team already had a relationship with Riekes, it made sense to connect and see what solutions Riekes offered beyond forklifts and service.
INITIAL CHALLENGE
The facility had been using two oversized shuttle wagons to move railcars around their site. These machines were built to haul large loads across long distances, which didn’t match how the company actually used them. Their process required frequent movement of a smaller number of railcars, often in shorter bursts of activity throughout the day. Because of this mismatch, their existing shuttle wagons broke down often and were expensive to maintain.
The rubber-on-steel drive system used in the old wagons was one of the main issues. The rubber tires wore down quickly and needed to be replaced about every two years, an expensive and frustrating task. Beyond that, the size and weight of the machines made them harder to maneuver and more likely to experience mechanical failure. The company needed railcar movers that were designed for their specific use - not just something that worked, but something that worked better.
OUR SOLUTION
Riekes recommended switching to RailKing mobile railcar movers, which are much better suited for the customer’s needs. These machines are built specifically for short hauls and frequent movement around facilities like theirs. One of the key differences was the use of steel-on-steel drive systems, which provide greater durability and drastically reduce wear and tear. Compared to rubber tires, the steel wheels on the RailKings last much longer and don’t require constant replacement.
Riekes didn’t just drop off new equipment, we worked alongside the customer to ensure everything fit into their operation. The Riekes sales team guided the equipment selection. Our service, parts and training teams helped with the full rollout. We even brought in a RailKing specialist to provide on-site training, making sure operators knew how to use the equipment safely and efficiently from the start. This full-team approach helped make the transition smoother and more successful.
THE RESULTS
The switch to RailKing mobile movers made an immediate impact for the company. Maintenance costs dropped dramatically, by more than 80% per unit each month, because the RailKings are simply a better fit for the work being done. With fewer breakdowns and longer-lasting components, operations became more predictable, and downtime was reduced.
The equipment didn’t just save money, it also made the work easier. One of the biggest advantages is the remote-control feature. Operators no longer have to climb in and out of the cab multiple times to move and fill cars. They complete all their tasks remotely, which speeds up the workflow and improves safety at the same time.