Abstract: A self-propelled rail transport vehicle for carrying a hydraulic crawler crane is provided. The transport vehicle is designed to normally travel along the rails of a track and allow crane operation either from the transport or from a ground off-loaded position. The crane may be delivered and loaded on and off the transport at any convenient ground rail location, and when taken off the transport, may be used to lift the transport from the tracks, so as to allow trains to pass unobstructed. The crane may then be used to lift the transport back on the track after which the crane may be loaded onto the transport. Once the job at a site is complete, the carrier and crane may be returned to its original location by rail or by truck. A latching mechanism is located in the center of the carrier deck of the transport. The latching mechanism is adapted to engage with a retractable pin mounted to the underside of the car body of the crane.