MAINTENANCE OF WAY, THE RIGHT WAY
Since 1964, Ballast Tools Equipment (BTE) has been solving the biggest, most persistent problems for maintenance of way crews across North America.
Founded in small-town Missouri as a tight-knit, firmly focused family business, BTE took a simple but novel approach to railroad maintenance innovation. We talked to customers about their equipment challenges. We analyzed the way things have always been done. Then we explored, engineered, tested, perfected, and presented a simpler, safer, more effective and efficient way.
Decades later, BTE is still partnering with our customers to deliver the very best, custom-engineering railroad maintenance and construction equipment that solves problems and simplifies workdays. Large railroads, short lines, and contractors alike rely on BTE’s hi-rail machines and attachments to manage everything from capital projects to emergency track repairs.
Today, every BTE solution is engineered to excel in power, durability, and usability, from our advanced hi-rail excavators and backhoes through our full line of purpose-built hi-rail attachments. And everything we do is focused on supporting and protecting a railroad’s most important resource: its people.
Wherever you are, we're close by
BTE continues to call Missouri home, operating out of our expansive headquarters in Festus, near St. Louis. To ensure fast, steady service across North America, we also operate strategic locations in Denver, Kansas City, Chattanooga, Dallas, and Houston, as well as Edmonton and Toronto, Canada.
Since BTE innovations are built on Caterpillar’s world-class engineering, our customers also have access to the expansive and extensive Cat Dealer network for parts and service.
When you need the right equipment or expertise right now, wherever you are, BTE is equipped to deliver.
WHY CHOOSE BTE?
The Difference is Clear, From Our Roots to Our Reach.
EXPERTISE
Since day one, BTE’s focus has stayed on elevating specialty railroad construction and maintenance equipment. We know the work. We know the challenges. And we know what this industry demands of its equipment. So we hire the most experienced, innovative engineers. We train and maintain a world-class service force. And without exception, we deliver maintenance of way solutions that outwork and outperform, by design. You can hear from our experts on the BTE blog.
INNOVATION
BTE believes in building better. So every piece of hi-rail equipment in the BTE line raises the maintenance of way bar in clear, measurable ways. From our proprietary Automatic Tool Recognition system—which error-proofs and optimizes machine setup—to wear-protected attachments that extend performance life by 10x or more, BTE innovations simplify operations, remove obstacles, and help your team get more done.
SERVICE
BTE is ISO 9001:2015 certified—a globally recognized standard for quality management. It means our commitment to our customers, from products to service, stands out across the globe. But we’re here to make sure we stand out close to home. When you buy or lease from BTE, we come to you for extensive operation and safety training. We stand by 24/7 for support needs. When you come to us with challenges, we engineer solutions. And we always build for the long haul.
WORK WITH BTE
The best in the industry come to BTE to ideate, innovate, and achieve, and to be part of making maintenance of way work safer and more efficient worldwide. If you’re looking to further your career with a family-owned brand that puts service at its center and proactively fosters employee growth, take a look at our careers.
Events
See BTE Innovations, Meet BTE Leaders
We take part in global trade shows and conferences throughout the year, frequently introducing new BTE products and innovations. Check out the schedule to see where the BTE team is going next.
