The type II bearing scanner provides a very compact and rugged system for recording the heat from railcar bearings as they move through a wayside location. The scanner clamps directly to the base of the rail. Shock and electrical isolation from the rail is provided. The system is small enough to fit between two ties and low enough to avoid being struck by hi-rail equipment. The scanners have 10° of lateral adjust-ment built into the patented alignment system. Type II scanners can reliably scan bearings at speeds to 100 MPH.