Press and Forklift
The UTRGV High-Bay area is equipped with a fully-automated four-post 600,000 lb (300 ton) capacity hydraulic press. The press is utilized very frequently to press railroad tapered-roller bearings on and off the test axles that are used with the bearing dynamic testers housed in the bearing testing laboratory. The 300 ton hydraulic press is the only one at this capacity south of San Antonio, Texas, which gives UTRGV a unique capability to serve the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) needs in terms of compression and tension testing of materials at this high load capacity.
Additionally, the UTRGV Railroad Research Group has access to a 2100 lb Capacity ME12 AC V.Mariotti Forklift for which all associated research assistants receive certified operation and safety training. The research assistants are responsible for implementing safety protocols and operating both the forklift and the large press to perform day-to-day research activities.
