PLATE HANDLING SYSTEM

A rail plate handling device is provided for removing plates located on rail ties on a railroad track having a pair of rails, and includes a fram e configured for movement relative to the track, at least one tie plate grippi ng assembly mounted to the frame, the assembly configured for grasping a select ed tie plate, pulling the plate away from the rail and away from the tie, and subsequently releasing the plate onto the track. The device is mounted upon a cart which is movable on the track, and features gripping assemblies for working on both rails. A tie jack is preferably provided for ensuring the release of the tie from the gripped plate. Still another feature of the present device is a pla te height mechanism associated with each gripping assembly for ensuring that th e gripping assembly engages the plates at the proper height.