The National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) has named FTS Tools and Holland L.P. the first- and second-place winners of its Innovation in Technology and Process award. FTS Tools and Holland representatives will be presented the award at the NRC's annual conference in Marco Island, Florida, on January 8, 2025.

Now in its third year, the NRC Innovation in Technology and Process Award recognizes innovation and unique technologies/services and/or processes, created or implemented by an NRC member company.

The NRC awarded FTS Tools with first place award for it for EZ Jack Track Maintenance Tool, a 10-ton rated, battery-operated lifting jack delivering an unprecedented combination of portability, efficiency, and environmental consciousness. Its lightweight nature allows for easy transport and use across various rail work scenarios, from daily maintenance tasks to urgent lifting needs.

EZ Jack can be swiftly attached to rails or track components utilizing a Milwaukee battery system for power. This integration not only ensures a seamless fit into existing tool ecosystems, but also reduces the logistical complexities associated with equipment maintenance. The battery operation means workers no longer need to exert themselves with manual lifting or rely on hydraulic systems, significantly lowering the risk of injuries that can arise from handling traditional jacks.

“The EZ Jack is super versatile. It's great for fixing small problems on the tracks or for bigger jobs like moving heavy bridge pieces,” attested Zachary J Divers, NS supervisor of track. It can handle all sorts of situations, whether we're in a tight spot or working out in the open. Since we started using the EZ Jack, our work has changed for the better. Jobs that used to need a bunch of tools and people can now be done by just one person, which saves time and money.”

The second-place award went to Holland for its Argus 2.0 Track Inspector System. This portable inspection system combines track geometry with visual inspection expertise in an easily deployed universal hitch mount inspection package. Its design allows railroads and contractors to convert any available hi-rail platform with a hitch mount into an inspection vehicle.

With a fully portable hi-rail hitch mount track geometry and rail profile system, any hi-rail can be converted to a geometry inspection car, which increases the efficiency and productivity of existing railroad assets and personnel. With conventional, heads-up, and autonomous software options, FRA213 visual inspections can be enhanced with full track measurement capability.

More frequent measurements will prevent track-related derailments and enable railroads to conduct data-driven maintenance planning. Automated defect vetting by track class takes away the need for geometry expertise and allows those in other roles to inspect track with limited need for additional training.