Manufactured by Tesco Equipment, refers to a specialized, heavy-duty utility truck platform designed for the unique maintenance demands of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and other similar light rail or commuter rail networks.
Unlike standard hi-rail vehicles, the Tesco BART system is a dedicated maintenance-of-way (MOW) platform that integrates high-capacity scissor lifts with a multi-purpose service body.
Core Features of the Tesco BART Railway System
The system is typically built on a heavy-duty chassis (such as a Ford F-750 class) and includes:
- High-Capacity Scissor Lift: Integrated with a BSL 100-20 (Bridge Service Lift) system, providing a stable 7,000-lb capacity work deck that can reach vertical heights of 20 feet.
- Expandable Work Surface: The platform features side extensions that reach up to 3 additional feet on both sides, allowing crews to work across the full width of a rail track or catenary line.
- Aluminum Stake Platform Bed: Most configurations utilize a 16-foot aluminum stake bed designed to resist the corrosive environments common in Bay Area tunnels and coastal sections.
- Stability Interlocks: To meet 2026 ANSI standards, the system includes stabilizers that inhibit the truck from driving or shifting when the lift is deployed, ensuring safety even in 90-mph wind conditions.
Key Applications
The BART Railway System is utilized for critical infrastructure maintenance where stability and high payload are prioritized over simple reach:
- Overhead Catenary Repair: Used to repair and maintain the high-voltage lines that power electric trains. The large platform allows multiple workers and heavy reels of wire to be elevated simultaneously.
- Tunnel and Underpass Maintenance: Its compact “no-boom” design is ideal for restricted clearance areas like the Transbay Tube, where an articulated arm would be restricted.