Rafna RailGear

What Rafna RailGear does

Rafna RailGear, operated by G&B Specialties, Inc. and headquartered in Berwick, Pennsylvania, manufactures road-to-rail vehicle conversion systems marketed under the Rafna brand. The company offers 14+ product models (designated R-150 through R-1150) covering vehicles from light pickups at 7,000 lbs GVWR to heavy-duty commercial chassis at 66,000+ lbs GVWR, including specialized configurations for Kubota RTVs, Ford, GM, Dodge, Freightliner, International, Kenworth, and Sterling vehicles. All systems incorporate the proprietary Cushion-Ride rubber spring suspension, automatic road/rail locking mechanisms, 12VDC hydraulic pump systems, and full track circuit isolation on all four rail wheels. The product line includes mechanical models (R-307A), hydraulic rotating designs (R-150, R-230, R-290, R-450, R-460, R-490, R-650, R-890), and dual-scissor heavy-duty configurations (R-1100, R-1130, R-1110/1150).

The company generates revenue through three streams: railgear conversion kit sales (hardware), replacement parts and accessories (mounting kits, hydraulic kits, wheel kits, brake kits), and professional services through its authorized service center network. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed, with sales conducted via an online quote request system categorized by vehicle type and geography, supplemented by dedicated corporate account sales contacts for the US (Adam Harrison) and Canada (David Letourneux). The go-to-market combines direct-to-consumer-style online quoting with enterprise field sales targeting railroad industry professionals, fleet operators, and maintenance contractors across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Marketing relies on the website quote system, a TSB/TRB technical bulletin newsletter, and a service center locator tool.

Rafna is a subsidiary of Wabtec Corporation (NYSE: WAB), a leading global provider of freight and transit rail equipment and services, with the company operating under Wabtec's privacy policy and terms of use. The business was established around 2000 and leverages over 20 years of specialized railgear manufacturing experience, supported by a small dedicated engineering, service, and sales team based in Berwick. The company's competitive position is built on proprietary suspension technology, broad vehicle compatibility, regulatory-compliant track circuit isolation, and an installed-base service and parts infrastructure that creates ongoing customer dependency.

Name

Rafna RailGear

Legal name

G&B Specialties, Inc.

Website

https://rafna.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Rafna RailGear, a Wabtec subsidiary, manufactures road-to-rail vehicle conversion systems across 14+ models (7,000-66,000+ lbs GVWR) using proprietary Cushion-Ride suspension. It serves railroad maintenance contractors, fleet operators, and railroad industry professionals across the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Berwick

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Railgear Product Sales: Sale of railgear conversion kits and components for converting road vehicles to rail-capable vehicles. Products range from light-duty (R-150, R-180) to heavy-duty (R-1100, R-1150) with GVWR ratings from 7,000 lbs to 33,000+ lbs.
2. Parts and Accessories: Replacement parts, mounting kits, hydraulic kits, wheel kits, brake kits, and miscellaneous accessories for existing railgear installations. Dedicated parts contacts for US and Canada markets.
3. Service and Support: Service center network providing installation support, maintenance, and technical assistance. Contact information provided for service manager.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Rafna RailGear manufactures and sells railgear conversion systems that enable road vehicles to transition between road and rail operation. The company offers 14+ distinct models (R-150 through R-1110/1150) covering vehicles from 7,000 lbs to 66,000+ lbs GVWR, with proprietary Cushion-Ride suspension, automatic locking systems, and full track circuit isolation. Products are sold directly to railroad companies, contractors, and government agencies in North America, complemented by replacement parts and service support.

Product overview

Rafna RailGear offers a comprehensive portfolio of railgear systems that convert road vehicles to operate on railroad tracks. The product line spans 14 distinct models across weight categories: R-150 through R-1150, ranging from light-duty vehicles (7,000 lbs GVWR) to heavy-duty applications (66,000+ lbs GVWR). All models feature the proprietary Cushion-Ride suspension system for ride quality and reduced vibration. The portfolio includes mechanical models (R-307A), hydraulic models (R-150, R-230, R-290, R-450, R-460, R-490, R-650, R-890), and scissor-design models (R-1100, R-1130, R-1110/1150). Each model is designed for specific vehicle makes and configurations with corresponding mounting kits, hydraulic systems, and wheel packages.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• R-150 Railgear Railgear system applicable to vehicles up to 7,000 lbs GVWR. Both rotating and vertical front railgear are available. Railgear locks automatically in both road and rail position. Features Cushion-Ride rubber suspension, 12VDC electric/hydraulic pump and reservoir with sealed push button controls, 8" diameter cast steel wheels with heavy duty tapered roller bearings, and full track circuit isolation on all four wheels. Vehicle applications include 14-15 Ford Ranger (Mexico), 00-05 Dodge Dakota, and 00-11 Dodge Durango.
• R-180 Railgear 100% duty cycle railgear designed for Kubota RTV-X1100C Series vehicles (2,350 lbs). Features rotating front and rear railgear units with 8" wheels and Cushion-Ride rubber spring suspension.
• R-230 Railgear Railgear for vehicles up to 8,500 lbs GVWR with rotating front and rear railgear. Features Cushion-Ride suspension, 8" diameter forged steel wheels, and full track circuit isolation.
• R-290 Railgear Ultra-compact railgear for vehicles up to 12,500 lbs GVWR with identical rotating front and rear units. Features tubular oscillating axles for increased ground clearance, 10" diameter cast steel wheels, and emergency hand pump.
• R-290HD Railgear Heavy-duty railgear combining R-450 or R-460 front units with R-290HD rear unit for vehicles up to 14,500 lbs GVWR. Raises vehicle minimum 2" above rail when on track.
• R-307A Railgear Mechanical railgear for vehicles up to 11,500 lbs GVWR featuring rubber cord torsion bar suspension, mechanical safety locking pins, and guide wheels insulated for electric track signaling.
• R-450 Railgear 100% duty cycle railgear for light trucks up to 19,500 lbs GVWR with two hydraulic cylinders on both front and rear units. Raises front wheels minimum 2" above rail head.
• R-460 Railgear 100% duty cycle railgear for vehicles up to 19,500 lbs GVWR with Cushion-Ride suspension and heavy duty springs. Features rod actuated vehicle axle lock.
• R-490 Railgear 100% duty cycle railgear for International CV 515 and Silverado 4500HD/5500HD/6500HD chassis up to 23,500 lbs GVWR with PTO application and hydraulic locking system.
• R-650 Railgear Railgear for vehicles up to 39,000 lbs GVWR using 12" diameter cast or forged steel wheels. Raises front wheels minimum 3" above rail head with full track circuit isolation.
• R-890 Railgear Heavy-duty railgear for vehicles up to 66,000 lbs GVWR with 14" diameter forged steel wheels. Features optional True-Slew rear axle with 5-1/2" slew capability and air brake package.
• R-1100 Railgear Railgear for vehicles 33,000 lbs GVWR and above using high carbon steel and hardened steel forgings. Features precision machined forged steel wheels with dual scissor rear railgear design.
• R-1130 Railgear Railgear for vehicles 33,000 lbs GVWR and above with dual scissor rear railgear incorporating Cushion-Ride springs for constant rail-head pressure. Adjustable axle from standard to wide.
• R-1110/1150 Railgear Dual-model railgear line for vehicles 33,000 lbs GVWR and above. R-1110 features X and Y plane adjustment while R-1150 rear supports 70,000 lbs for heavy duty applications.
• Railgear Parts and Accessories Replacement parts, mounting kits, hydraulic kits, wheel kits, brake kits, and miscellaneous accessories for existing Rafna railgear installations. Dedicated parts contacts available for US (Adam Harrison) and Canada (PBC) markets.
• Installation, Service and Support Authorized service center network providing installation support, maintenance, and technical assistance for Rafna railgear products across the US and Canada. Service center locator available with search radius up to 500 miles. Managed by the Service Manager (Jake Sanute).

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Knox Kershaw Inc. Knox Kershaw manufactures specialty track maintenance machinery, including ballast regulators and snow fighters used by North American railroads. Its self-propelled, hi-rail-capable equipment competes for the same maintenance-of-way capital budgets that drive Rafna's railgear sales.
• Plasser American Corporation: Plasser American is the North American arm of Plasser & Theurer and supplies tampers, stabilizers, and track maintenance machinery. Plasser's hi-rail equipment fleet targets the same Class I and transit MRO market that purchases Rafna's road-rail conversion kits.
• Herzog Technologies: Herzog Railroad Services and its affiliated Herzog Technologies provide hi-rail vehicles, track inspection equipment, and rail maintenance services to North American railroads. Like Rafna, Herzog builds road-rail-capable maintenance-of-way equipment and serves the same Class I and transit customer base.
• Nordco: Nordco manufactures railroad maintenance-of-way machinery including tie handlers, spikers, and rail inspection vehicles. Nordco's product line of self-propelled hi-rail maintenance equipment directly competes with Rafna's heavy-duty railgear kits in the rail MRO space.
• Hi-Rail Corporation: Hi-Rail Corporation specializes in converting standard road vehicles (typically trucks and pickups) for hi-rail use, mirroring Rafna's core railgear conversion business. It serves utilities, transit agencies, and contractors needing road-rail vehicles, making it a close functional direct peer.
• Harsco Rail: Harsco Rail (a division of Enviri/Harsco) supplies track maintenance equipment, including rail grinders, switch and production tampers, and hi-rail maintenance vehicles. Harsco sells to the same North American railroad and transit customers that buy Rafna's road-rail conversion systems.
• Loram Maintenance of Way: Loram is a leading provider of rail maintenance equipment and services, including track inspection, grinding, and tie handling vehicles. It competes with Rafna for railroad MRO capital budgets and sells hi-rail-capable specialty vehicles to similar Class I and short-line customers.

Broad incumbents

• Progress Rail Services (a Caterpillar company): Progress Rail, owned by Caterpillar, manufactures and remanufactures locomotives, freight cars, and rail products and provides rail MRO services. It overlaps with Rafna's parent Wabtec in the broader rail equipment space and competes for railroad MRO capex dollars.
• Caterpillar Inc. Caterpillar produces heavy-duty work trucks and construction equipment (e.g., medium- and heavy-duty chassis) that are common platforms for Rafna's railgear conversions. While not a direct conversion competitor, Caterpillar is the underlying OEM for many vehicles in Rafna's heavy-duty target segment.
• Wabtec Corporation: Rafna RailGear's parent company and a global rail equipment and services provider. Wabtec overlaps in rail rolling stock components, MRO services, and freight/transit rail systems, providing integrated parent-level exposure to the rail industry Rafna serves.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks2 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Rafna RailGear