Grinding Trains Library / Harsco Rail / RGH20C
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Harsco RGH20C Rail Grinder

The Harsco RGH20C is a 20-stone transit and switch grinder designed for switches, guarded curves, road crossings and complex track structures. Its independently controlled hydraulic grinding units operate across the rail head and can be fitted with verified 152 mm wheel configurations.

Last source review: 8 September 2026 · Manufacturer and fleet-reference data
Harsco RGH20C transit and switch rail grinder
Harsco RGH20C switch and crossing grinder. Fleet-specific equipment may differ.
Grinding units20
Unit speed6,000 RPM
Angle range75° gauge–45° field
Machine classTransit / switch

Model overview

What is the Harsco RGH20C?

RGH20C is commonly used for the 20-stone configuration within Harsco Rail’s RGHC transit and switch grinder family. Harsco describes the platform as suitable for switches, guarded curves and road crossings, with adjustable-gauge versions available. Independent grinding heads allow different rail-head positions to be treated under preset pattern control.

This page documents the RGH20C model and ordering information for its grinding consumables. For a broader comparison of Harsco platforms, see the Harsco rail grinding guide.

Technical reference

RGH20C key specifications

The RGHC grinding-system values are taken from Harsco Rail’s transit/switch grinder brochure. Vehicle dimensions below describe the documented RGH20C fleet example represented by the original page and can vary between delivered machines.

SpecificationPublished valueQualification
Grinding units20; 10 per railRGH20C configuration
Grinding-unit driveIndependent hydraulic motorsRGHC platform
Grinding-unit speed6,000 RPMManufacturer brochure
Grinding angle range75° gauge to 45° fieldIndependently variable
Length27.07 m (88.83 ft)Fleet-reference value
Width2.64 m (8.7 ft)Fleet-reference value
Transport / working height3.80 / 3.72 mFleet-reference value
Weight per car39,500 kg dry / 44,000 kg wetFleet-reference value
Maximum travel speed80 km/h (50 mph)Fleet-reference value
Minimum travelling radius20 m (65.6 ft)Fleet-reference value
Maximum towing speed100 km/h (60 mph)Fleet-reference value
Sources: Harsco Rail RGHC transit/switch grinder brochure and the documented data retained from this RGH20C library entry.
Operating principle

How the RGH20C grinding system works

01

Select pattern

The operator selects a preset grinding pattern for the required rail-head profile and track structure.

02

Position heads

A linkage rotates each unit while translating it across the rail from gauge to field side.

03

Control power

Each hydraulically driven grinding unit can be controlled independently during the pass.

04

Contain debris

Protective skirts, spark suppression, water systems and dust collection manage the grinding environment.

Use cases

Typical RGH20C applications

Switches and crossings

Independent head control supports grinding around complex turnout components.

Guarded curves

Rail-head treatment where guard rails and restricted geometry require flexible head positioning.

Road crossings

Specialty grinding through embedded or constrained track structures.

Transit track

Profile correction and surface-defect treatment on metro, commuter and urban rail networks.

Video reference

Harsco RGH20C video

The original page’s RGH20C video is retained as an operating reference. Fleet configuration and working conditions may differ.

Harsco RGH20C video previewWatch the Harsco RGH20C video

Grinding wheel reference

152 × 80 × M20 rail grinding wheel

This resin-bonded 152 mm grinding wheel uses an M20 threaded mounting and is listed for verified Harsco RGH20C applications. The installed head, thread, operating speed and existing wheel marking must be checked before ordering.

152 x 80 x M20 rail grinding wheel for Harsco RGH20C
Dimensions
152 × 80 mm
Mounting
M20 internal thread
Bond
Resin bond
Maximum speed
50 m/s
M20 and 5/8-11 are different thread systems and are not interchangeable. Confirm the wheel marking, thread, maximum RPM, head position and approved drawing before ordering.
RFQ checklist

Information required before ordering

01Machine model, car and serial information
02Existing wheel marking and complete dimensions
03Confirm M20 thread and mounting geometry
04Maximum RPM and grinding-head position
05Rail condition and grinding application
06Quantity, destination country and delivery date
Buyer questions

Harsco RGH20C FAQ

What is the Harsco RGH20C?

It is the 20-stone configuration commonly associated with Harsco Rail’s RGHC transit and switch grinder family.

Where is the RGH20C used?

The platform is designed for switches, guarded curves, road crossings, transit track and other structures requiring independent grinding-head control.

How fast do the grinding units rotate?

Harsco’s RGHC brochure specifies 6,000 RPM for the independent hydraulic grinding units.

What wheel is shown on this page?

The product reference is a 152 × 80 mm resin-bonded wheel with an M20 internal thread and a published maximum speed of 50 m/s.

Can an M20 wheel replace a 5/8-11 wheel?

No. M20 is metric and 5/8-11 is imperial. Confirm the installed spindle thread and approved drawing before ordering.

References

  1. Harsco Rail RGHC Transit/Switch Grinders brochure — manufacturer description of configurations, grinding units and operating range.
  2. Harsco Rail company brochure — RGH20C application summary.
  3. Harsco RGH20C video — video retained from the original model entry.
  4. 152 × 80 × M20 product page — product specification and enquiry information.
  5. Harsco rail grinding guide — related machines and consumable guidance.

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