ITM RAILTUG TRACK BASED WELDING CARRIAGE
ITM RAILTUG, TRACK BASED WELDING CARRIAGE
The ITM RailTug (WA-RAILTUG) is a compact, digitally controlled track carriage that mechanises MIG/MAG welding and thermal cutting. It travels at a set speed of 10–200 cm/min on a rack-and-pinion track, so every weld bead or cut is consistent. It runs on flat plate, curved surfaces and pipe, using rigid, semi-flexible, Hi-Flex or ring tracks. It also works in multiple welding positions, including vertical and overhead. That makes it a practical first step into mechanised welding for fabricators building tanks, pressure vessels, bridge girders, structural steel and marine structures.
Consistent welds, less rework, less filler
Manual travel speed changes from welder to welder and from the start of a shift to the end. The RailTug takes that variable out. A closed-loop speed control system, using an electric motor with an encoder, holds travel speed steady under load, so heat input stays uniform along the whole joint. The result is bead geometry that matches your weld procedure, less over-welding, lower filler metal use and less distortion to correct afterwards.
An automatic arc on/off function starts the arc and carriage travel at the same moment, so you get clean, repeatable starts. A digital LED display lets you preset travel speed before you strike up.
Gets the operator out of the fume plume
With the RailTug doing the travelling, the operator can stand back from the arc instead of leaning over it for the full length of the seam. That reduces exposure to heat, UV and welding fume. This matters more as Australia moves from Workplace Exposure Standards to the new Workplace Exposure Limits (WES to WEL). Pair it with on-torch or source-capture extraction to cut exposure further.
Key features
- Rack-and-pinion drive: Positive, no-slip travel with electronic speed control, horizontally or vertically.
- Closed-loop speed control: Holds the set speed regardless of torch weight, cable drag or welding position.
- Strong pulling force: 300 N horizontal and 200 N vertical, enough to carry heavy torches and cable packages.
- Quick-clamp torch holder: Fits 16–22 mm torches as standard, or up to 35 mm with an optional clamp.
- Screw-drive cross slide: Fine torch positioning, including setting up double-bevel cuts.
- Welding and cutting: Handles MIG/MAG and SAW welding, plus plasma and oxy-fuel cutting with optional accessories.
- Travel direction switch: Forward, off or backward.
- Works on steel, stainless and aluminium: Magnetic units clamp the track to ferrous steel, and vacuum units hold it on non-magnetic metals such as stainless steel and aluminium.
- Lightweight: The carriage weighs around 10 kg, so one person can set it up.
- European-made: Built by Promotech in Poland and backed by a 3-year warranty.
Track options
Tracks are sold separately, so you can configure the RailTug for the work you do most:
| Track type | Use it for |
|---|---|
| Rigid track | Straight-line welding and cutting on plate and beams |
| Semi-flexible track | Straight and gently curved work; bends to a 5 m minimum radius without permanent deformation |
| Hi-Flex track | Large-diameter tanks and vessels, from 1.5 m OD upward |
| Ring track | Circumferential pipe welding and cutting, from 200 mm to 3 m OD |
| Custom rolled track | Specific diameters from 3 m to 10 m OD |
Technical specifications
| Model | ITM RailTug Track-Based Welding Carriage |
|---|---|
| ITM part number | WA-RAILTUG |
| Input voltage | 1-phase 115–230 V, 50–60 Hz |
| Power | 66 W |
| Travel speed (horizontal and vertical) | 10–200 cm/min |
| Pulling force | 300 N horizontal / 200 N vertical |
| Torch types | MIG/MAG, SAW, plasma, oxy-fuel |
| Torch diameter | 16–22 mm standard; up to 35 mm with optional clamp |
| Welding positions (EN ISO 6947 / AWS) | PA/1F/1G, PB/2F, PC/2G, PD/4F, PE/4G; vertical positions on request |
| Pipe and ring work | Ring tracks 200 mm – 3 m OD |
| Track mounting | Magnetic (ferrous) or vacuum (stainless, aluminium) units |
| Carriage weight | Approx. 10 kg |
| Warranty | 3 years |
What's in the box
- RailTug welding carriage
- Cross slide assembly
- Short rod torch holder with clamp
- Cable anchor
- 3 m power cord
- 6.5 m arc ignition cable
- 3 mm and 4 mm hex wrenches
- Operator's manual
Tracks and magnetic or vacuum mounting units are sold separately. Talk to QWS about the right setup for your job.
RailTug, RailBull or Rail Titan?
| ITM RailTug | ITM RailBull | ITM Rail Titan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part number | WA-RAILTUG | WA-RAILBULL | WA-RAILTITAN |
| Oscillation (weaving) | No | Yes: 0–50 mm width; trapezoid, triangle or straight-line patterns | Yes: in-built oscillator |
| Processes | MIG/MAG, SAW, plasma, oxy-fuel | MIG/MAG butt and fillet welds, with or without weave | TIG (HF resistant), MIG/MAG, cutting |
| Power | 66 W | 100 W | 100–240 V input |
| Best for | Straight stringer beads and mechanised cutting at an affordable entry price | Multi-pass and wider joints that need a weave | Precision TIG and modular, high-spec mechanised work |
Frequently asked questions
What is a track welding carriage used for?
A track welding carriage holds the welding or cutting torch and moves it along a rail at a constant, preset speed. This gives consistent bead size, penetration and heat input over long seams. Fabricators use it for tanks, pressure vessels, structural beams, bridge girders and shipbuilding.
Can the ITM RailTug weld pipe?
Yes. On a ring track the RailTug can weld and cut around pipe and round workpieces from 200 mm up to 3 m outside diameter. Hi-Flex and custom rolled tracks cover larger diameters.
Does the RailTug work on stainless steel and aluminium?
Yes. Magnetic units hold the track on carbon steel, and optional vacuum units hold it on non-magnetic materials such as stainless steel and aluminium.
Can I use the RailTug for cutting as well as welding?
Yes. With the optional accessories it can carry plasma and oxy-fuel cutting torches. The screw-drive cross slide also allows double-bevel cuts.
Can the RailTug weld vertically?
The rack-and-pinion drive can climb, with 200 N of vertical pulling force and the full 10–200 cm/min speed range. The flat, horizontal and overhead positions (PA to PE) are standard. Contact QWS to confirm the setup for vertical-up or vertical-down work.
Are tracks included with the ITM RailTug?
No. Tracks and mounting units are sold separately, so you only buy the track type you need: rigid, semi-flexible, Hi-Flex or ring.
Does the RailTug weave or oscillate?
No. The RailTug travels in a straight line, which suits stringer beads and cutting. For weaving, look at the ITM RailBull or Rail Titan, which both have built-in oscillators.
What warranty comes with the ITM RailTug?
The RailTug comes with a 3-year warranty.