Flange lubricator

nounStandard termRailroad

A trackside or locomotive-mounted device that applies grease to wheel flanges.

A mechanical or electronic system that dispenses a precise amount of grease or solid lubricant onto the wheel flange or the gauge face of the rail. This reduces friction, prevents excessive wear on curves, and eliminates the high-pitched squeal caused by metal-on-metal scraping.

Heard on the job

The flange lubricator on curve three is clogged with dirt and needs to be cleaned out.