What type of road is the A55?

May 09, 2026 Leave a message

What type of road is the A55?

 

The A55 steel rail is a specialized crane rail belonging to the DIN 536-1:1991 standard. Unlike standard transportation rails used for trains or subways, the A55 is a "low-profile" rail specifically designed for industrial crane runways, overhead gantry systems, and heavy-duty material handling tracks. Its geometric design-featuring a wide base and a squat height-makes it a "runway" for mobile machinery rather than a traditional passenger or freight railway.

 

  • Rail Category: DIN 536 A-Series

 

  • Profile Type: Low-profile "A" Section

 

  • Primary Function: Track for industrial cranes and mobile machinery

 

  • Geometric Ratio: Highly stable ratio with a base width (150 mm) nearly 2.3 times its height (65 mm).

 

a55 rail

 

GNEE RAIL maintains a state-of-the-art production facility dedicated to the rolling of high-precision A55 steel rails, ensuring every batch meets the strict mechanical and dimensional requirements of the European Standard DIN 536 P1:1991.

 

What are the differences between A55 crane rail and 54E1 railway rail?

 

A55 is a specialized DIN 536 crane rail designed for heavy lateral loads in industrial settings, while 54E1 is a European standard (EN 13674-1) railway rail designed for high-speed or heavy-haul train traffic.

 

Technical Comparison Table

 

  • Choose A55 for gantry cranes, overhead bridge cranes, and heavy port machinery where the load is massive but the movement is slow and the rail is fully supported.

 

  • Choose 54E1 for standard gauge freight lines, passenger railways, and light rail systems where the rail must span sleepers and handle high-velocity dynamic impacts.

 

uic54 rail

 

Feature DIN 536 A55 (Crane) EN 13674-1 54E1 (Railway)
Height 65mm 159 mm
Base Width 150 mm 140 mm
Head Width 55 mm 70 mm
Weight ≈31.8 kg/m ≈ 54.77 kg/m
Standard Support Continuous (Steel/Concrete) Intermittent (Sleepers/Ties)
Typical Speed Very Low (< 10 km/h) High (120 - 160km/h)

 

Can the A55 rail profile be used for gantry cranes?


Yes, the A55 rail profile can be used for gantry cranes, particularly for light-to-medium-duty applications. Manufactured in accordance with the DIN 536 P1:1991 standard, this rail is designed with a wide base and thick web to provide stability for overhead and gantry crane runways.


Key Suitability for Gantry Cranes

 

 

  • Applications: It is ideal for small-to-medium gantry cranes, workshop lifting tracks, and automated material handling lines.

 

gantry crane

 

  • Load Type: Designed for medium-load requirements, offering a balance between strength and weight (31.8kg/m).

 

  • Performance: The 55mm head width ensures smooth performance with reliable wear and corrosion resistance.

 

FAQ

 

  • Is A55 rail the same as a standard train track?


No, the A55 rail profile is an "A" type crane rail. Train tracks are usually "T-shaped" (Vignole rails) and are much taller. The A55 is a low-profile rail designed for the wide wheels and lateral stability requirements of industrial cranes.

 

  • What does the "55" in A55 stand for?


The "55" refers to the head width of the rail, which is 55 mm according to the DIN 536-1 standard. This width determines the contact area for the crane wheels.

 

  • Can A55 rail be welded to create a continuous track?


Yes, it is highly suitable for welding. Most large-scale A55 crane tracks use Alumothermic Welding kits for Rails to eliminate joints, which reduces vibration and protects the crane components from impact damage.

 

  • What is the standard A55 rail weight per meter?


The theoretical weight is approximately 31.8 kg/m. This data is crucial for engineers when calculating the total load on the baseplates/steel soleplates and the supporting structure of the A55 overhead crane rail systems.

 

Request Latest Price

 

GNEE RAIL provides comprehensive technical support to help you select the right A55 Steel Crane Rail and accessories for your specific application. Whether you need a detailed breakdown of the A55 rail dimensions details or a quote for a complete track system, our team is equipped to provide high-performance solutions tailored to your load requirements.

 

Contact Us to discuss your project and receive a professional technical quote. We offer integrated services from material grade selection to global logistics, ensuring your A55 Crane Rail system is built for safety and long-term performance.