Railroad Track Equipment Operator how-to

How to Tamp Track to Surface

Tamping levels track.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Tamping levels track. In short: check; position; set, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Check the plan.

  2. Position the tamper.

  3. Set lift and line.

  4. Tamp each tie.

  5. Check level.

  6. Move forward.

Safety reminders for railroad track equipment operators

  • Follow roadway worker protection
  • Use lookouts
  • Get track authority
  • Wear high-visibility gear

Tie · Ballast · Tamper · Spike · Gauge · Track authority: see the full railroad track equipment operator glossary.

More railroad track equipment operator how-to guides

Learn this in Railroad Track Equipment Operator trainingTake the practice test
Enroll in trainingTake fit quiz