Zugrohre

Zugrohre are metal guide rails or beams that provide a precise reference path for vehicles and machinery. The term is German and translates loosely into “guide rail.” Zugrohre are typically fabricated from steel or aluminium and are shaped to specific tolerances, often with a cross‑section that matches the coupling or guide system of the equipment they support. They can be mounted horizontally or vertically, and are used in a variety of contexts where exact positioning is required.

In the railway sector Zugrohre serve as static reference tracks for train operators, especially on low‑speed roads or within workshops. They allow locomotives or railcars to be moved, positioned, or staged with high positional accuracy without the need for a full locomotive track. The guide rail is bolted to ballast or concrete, and the vehicle’s braking or steering system engages the rail to maintain alignment.

Outside railways, Zugrohre find use in construction and maintenance equipment. For example, they are employed on construction sites to guide machinery such as backhoes, dump trucks, or crane carriers along predetermined paths to avoid collisions and minimize wear on road surfaces. In automated material handling, Zugrohre serve as guidance for reach stackers or automated guided vehicles (AGVs), ensuring that the vehicle follows a fixed track.

Zugrohre can be custom‑made or standardized. Standard sizes and mounting systems (ISO or national standards) are common in continental Europe; they allow interchangeable use across different vehicles and equipment. The system’s simplicity and low cost make it a popular choice for temporary routing needs or for projects requiring high precision without investing in permanent track infrastructure.