Not all sand is created equal. Traction sand is a purpose-made, high-purity silica sand that’s been washed, dried and screened to exacting tolerances. Those processing steps remove dust, clay and other fines that cause clogging or inconsistent flow. The result is a sand that feeds cleanly through sanding systems, bites into the railhead under load, and remains stable in storage and application.

Key technical traits to look for:

High silica content for hardness and resistance to crushing.

Controlled grain size so it flows through sandboxes, dispensers and silos without jamming.

Sub-angular grain shape that balances grip with smooth delivery.

Low moisture and fines, preventing clumping and blockages.

Adelaide Industrial Sands’ traction sand is manufactured from carefully selected deposits and processed to meet these industry expectations, making it suitable for everything from depot top-ups to bulk logistics for large rail networks. Visit the product page for packaging and ordering options:

Why traction sand matters on the track

Rail adhesion can be compromised by rain, oil, leaf fall, frost or worn rail surfaces. When adhesion drops, wheel spin during acceleration or wheel slide during braking can follow — creating delays, increasing wear, and risking safety. Traction sand helps in three practical ways:

Improves acceleration and hill climbing — a sanded wheel obtains traction faster so locomotives can pull heavy loads with reduced slip.

Enhances braking performance — sand increases friction at the contact patch, shortening stopping distances and improving control in slippery conditions.

Reduces equipment wear and maintenance — because the sand supplied is hard and clean, it minimizes abrasive breakdown and keeps sanding apparatus functioning reliably.

In plain terms: a small amount of the right sand can prevent major operational headaches.

Practical benefits for operators

Choosing a high-quality traction sand is an investment in operational reliability. Benefits include:

Consistent performance across weather conditions.

Lower downtime from reduced wheel or rail damage.

Easier handling with packaging options for depot or bulk use.

Predictable inventory management thanks to standardised grain specifications.

Adelaide Industrial Sands offers multiple pack sizes — from small bags for depots to bulk bags and tanker loads — enabling efficient stocking for diverse operational scales.

How to select and use traction sand

If you’re responsible for rail or tram operations, consider these practical tips:

Match sand grain size to your equipment. Confirm that your sandboxes and dispensers handle the particle size provided.

Test in real conditions. A trial under your typical operating scenarios (wet rails, gradients, leaf fall) confirms suitability before committing to large orders.

Store correctly. Keep sand dry and covered to prevent contamination and moisture pickup.

Track consumption. Monitoring usage helps plan procurement ahead of peak seasons (autumn leaf fall, winter frost).

Keep sanding systems maintained. Clean filters and check lines regularly to prevent blockages.

A small product with measurable impact

Traction sand isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential. The right product reduces slippage, improves safety, and helps rail operators avoid costly maintenance and service interruptions. Adelaide Industrial Sands’ traction sand combines consistent raw material sourcing with careful processing — delivering a ready-to-use product that performs when it matters most.