Apparatus and method for wheel-assembly and traction-motor change out

A method for uninstalling a traction motor and a wheel assembly from a locomotive on a track, the method comprising:

• (i) driving an apparatus under the locomotive from a remote position;
• (ii) after at least a portion of the locomotive has been lifted such that the wheel assembly is clear of the track, operating the apparatus to support the wheel assembly with the apparatus such that the wheel assembly is clear of the track;
• (iii) operating the apparatus to support the traction motor with the apparatus;
• (iv) disengaging the wheel assembly and the traction motor from the locomotive;
• and
• (v) from a remote position, driving the apparatus out from under the locomotive.

A method for installing a traction motor and a wheel assembly on a locomotive on a track, the method comprising:

• (i) supporting the wheel assembly and the traction motor with an apparatus such that the wheel assembly is clear of the track;
• (ii) from a remote position, driving the apparatus under the locomotive when at least portion of the locomotive is in an elevated position relative to the track;
• (iii) operating the apparatus to lower the wheel assembly to engage with the track;
• (iv) lowering the locomotive to engage with the wheel assembly;
• (v) operating the apparatus to position the traction motor relative to the locomotive;
• (vi) engaging the traction motor with the locomotive;
• and
• (vii) from a remote position, driving the apparatus out from under the locomotive.