Wheelshop & Axle Shop

Wheelshop Wheelshop

Home to one of North America’s largest manufacturers of freight car axles and Canada’s leading Wheelshop. Our modern 80,000 sq. ft facility provides clients with unrivaled quality, versatility and value.

Led by industry veterans, our Wheelshop & Axle Shop is complimented by a team of skilled tradespeople and engineers. Reinforced by the earned trust of our sizable repeat customer base, their capabilities form a distinguished level of service unrivaled in Canada.

Our responsive manufacturing and flexible production capabilities facilitate the needs of Class 1 railroads, short-lines, municipal transit and repair facilities simultaneously. Advanced systems meticulously track each of our client orders to ensure quality and timely delivery.

Wheelsets

  • Axle and wheelset operations under one roof.
  • Multiple new wheel mount lines and axle requalification.
  • Dedicated wheel reprofiling cell.
  • Extensive inventory of finished wheelsets allows for advanced shipment to clients.
  • Consignment inventory methods available.
AAR M-1003
Bearings

Axles

As one of North America’s largest manufacturers of freight car axles. Our shop is the preferred supplier to Class 1 railroads, car builders, third-party wheel shops and mining companies.

Offering both finished and semi-finished AAR freight car axles as well as customer specific requests.

AAR M-1003

Commonly Available Axles

Class
Size
Condition
Class D
Class D
New
Class E
Class E
New, Converted & Requalified
Class E
Class E
New
Class F
Class F
New & Requalified
Class K
Class K
New & Requalified
Class G
Class G
New

Bearings

Subject to the unforgiving nature of the railway and harsh backcountry climate, a rail wheel bearing is a mission critical component.

Working closely with clients, our bearing specifications are tailored to their operating conditions, optimizing for performance and longevity.

Our Wheel & Axle Shop carries the largest inventory of railroad bearings and parts in Canada.

AAR M-1003
Bearings

Wheels

Ronsco is an essential rail wheel supplier to Class 1 railroads, car builders, third-party wheel shops and mining companies.

Dedicated to providing a broad range of dependable quality wheels, we source only the best products from around the world. Ronsco maintains inventory of all common AAR wheels and many niche types not typically available from conventional manufacturers, such as multi-wear, K36, P33 and D38.

Bore diameters supplied to suit customer requirements.

AAR M-1003

Commonly Available Wheels

Item
Tread Diameter
Tread Thickness
Wear
Class / Grade
Application
E28
E28
28”
1 ½”
1-Wear
C
Freight Car
J33
J33
33”
1 ½”
1-Wear
C
Freight Car
P33
P33
33”
2 ½”
Multi-Wear
C
Freight Car
H36
H36
36”
1 ½”
1-Wear
C, D
Freight Car
J36
J36
36”
2”
2-Wear
C, D
Freight Car
K36
K36
36”
2 ½”
Multi-Wear
C, D
Freight Car
B38
B38
38”
1 ½”
1-Wear
C
Freight Car
D38
D38
38”
2 ½”
Multi-Wear
C
Freight Car
T40 (A41)
T40 (A41)
41”
3”
Multi-Wear
B, C
Locomotive

FAQ - Wheelshop & Axle Shop

General: Does Ronsco's Wheel & Axle facility offer round trip transportation of wheelset and return cores?

Yes, our Wheel & Axle facility offers round trip transporation upon customer request. Contact us to learn more.

Axles: What is a converted axle?

The term “converted” is an AAR designation implying the axle has been created from a larger size axle.
Often referred to as a “turndown”, a 6 x 11 axle is machined out of a scrap 6 ½ x 12 and considered new.

Axles: What is a requalified axle?

The term “requalified” indicates a used axle that has undergone a process of evaluation to ensure it meets minimum AAR requirements.

Axles: What freight car axles are available from Ronsco’s Wheel & Axle facility?

Ronsco provides the full range of new axles, re-qualified Class F (6 1/2 X 12) and converted Class E (6 x 11). Please to refer to our catalogue or contact us to learn more.

Axles: Does Ronsco produce locomotive and passenger car axles?

Yes, Ronsco produces a range of locomotive and passenger car axles.
Please contact us to learn more.

Axles: Does Ronsco offer warranty on axles?

Yes, Ronsco provides warranty on axles.
Please contact us to learn more as warranty coverage varies between product condition types.

Bearings: What bearings are available from Ronsco’s Wheel & Axle facility?

Ronsco provides new and reconditioned bearings configured to your specifications. We offer NT, HDL and EcoTurn seals with standard, fitted or universal backing rings. We invite unique configurations and will accommodate your needs. Please to refer to our catalogue or contact us to learn more.

Bearings: What type of bearing seals does Ronsco offer?

Our inventory includes Standard NT, HDL and EcoTurn.
To view our catalogue,click here.

Bearings: Does Ronsco provide bearing training?

Yes, Ronsco in collaboration with Timken Rail offer complementary technical training to our customer. Focusing on subjects such as components, performance and failure analysis.

Bearings: Does Ronsco purchase used bearing cores?

Yes, subject to condition Ronsco will purchase bearing cores.
Please contact us to learn more.

Wheels: What freight car wheels are available from Ronsco’s Wheel & Axle facility?

Ronsco is an industry leading supplier of forged and cast wheels. Conventional wheels are in stock along with many less common multi-wear wheels such as K36 and D38s. Please to refer to our catalogue or contact us to learn more.

Wheels: What wheel profiles are available from Ronsco’s Wheel & Axle facility?

The versatility of our equipment allows us to offer all profile types.
Customized or alternate profiles are available upon request. To learn more please contact us.

Wheels: What bore diameters does Ronsco offer?

Often dependent on the wheel model, we work with our clients to offer a bore diameter suiting their needs.
Please refer to our catalogue for examples or contact us for further inquires.

Wheels: Does Ronsco supply Class D grade wheels?

Depending on wheel type, we currently supply H36 and K36 in both Class C and D material.

Wheels: Does Ronsco offer cast or forged wheels?

We offer both cast and forged wheels in accordance with our customer's preference.

Wheelsets: Does Ronsco offer turn-for-turn or blended pricing on freight wheelsets?

Yes, both options are available at your request. Ronsco work’s closely with our clients to evaluate their needs and pair an appropriate scenario.

Core exchange scenarios such as turn-for-turn are often the preferred method of railroads. Alternatively, our years of experience have facilitated a blended price model favoured by independent repair facilities. Lastly, we provide an outright purchase scenario with no obligation to return core materials.

Wheelsets: What are the differences between “turn-for-turn” and a “blended” price model?

Both models require the client to provide an equal number of wheelset cores in return of the turned sets issued by Ronsco.

Recognized as the preferred method of railroads, Turn-for-turn offers the lowest initial fee with a variable pricing system. Additional costs may be incurred when cores are deemed “non-turnable”. Final charges are issued once all cores are received and evaluated.

The blended model is favored by independent repair facilities as it offers a fixed fee. Regardless of the condition of customer cores, no additional costs will be incurred. Although the risk of back charges is removed, a blended model comes with substantially higher costs compared to turn-for-turn.

To speak with someone about the best model for your organization please contact us.

Wheelsets: Does Ronsco purchase wheelset cores outright?

Yes, we are always seeking to acquire good wheelset cores and grow our pool.
Suitable cores must be removed from normal operating service. No flood damaged or straight plate wheelsets are accepted. Please contact us to proceed further.