08-12-2025, 12:52 PM
Introduction to Grouser Bars and Ice Cleats
Grouser bars and ice cleats are essential traction-enhancing components for tracked machines operating in rugged, icy, or muddy terrain. Welded directly onto the track shoes of dozers, loaders, and excavators, these additions improve grip, reduce slippage, and enhance machine stability. While manufacturers offer factory-installed options, many operators retrofit their machines with aftermarket grouser bars and cleats to suit specific jobsite conditions.
This article explores sourcing strategies, supplier recommendations, and technical considerations for acquiring grouser bars and ice cleats—especially for operators based in the northeastern United States.
Terminology Explained
Operators in New York and surrounding states often face high shipping costs when ordering heavy steel components from distant suppliers. Grouser bars and ice cleats are bulky and dense, making freight a significant portion of the total expense. Finding a local supplier can dramatically reduce costs and lead times.
Recommended Suppliers
In 2015, a contractor in upstate New York retrofitted his CAT 953 track loader with ice cleats after a severe ice storm turned his jobsite into a skating rink. The cleats were sourced locally and welded onto the outer edges of the track shoes. The modification allowed the machine to maintain traction on frozen slopes and complete a critical drainage project ahead of schedule.
Technical Considerations for Installation
Grouser bars have been used since the 1940s, when tracked machines began replacing cable-operated bulldozers in forestry and mining. Ice cleats gained popularity in the 1970s in northern Canada and Scandinavia, where frozen terrain posed serious mobility challenges. Today, custom traction solutions are standard practice in snow-prone regions.
Case Study: Logging in Vermont
A Vermont-based logging crew added ice cleats to their John Deere 700H dozer during a winter harvest. The terrain included steep, frozen inclines and compacted snow. The cleats allowed the machine to maintain control while skidding logs downhill, reducing fuel consumption and improving safety.
Conclusion
For operators in the Northeast, sourcing grouser bars and ice cleats locally can significantly reduce costs and improve turnaround time. Whether upgrading a track loader for winter work or enhancing traction for muddy conditions, these components play a vital role in machine performance and jobsite safety. By selecting the right materials, using proper welding techniques, and maintaining the installation, contractors can extend the life of their tracks and tackle challenging terrain with confidence.
Grouser bars and ice cleats are essential traction-enhancing components for tracked machines operating in rugged, icy, or muddy terrain. Welded directly onto the track shoes of dozers, loaders, and excavators, these additions improve grip, reduce slippage, and enhance machine stability. While manufacturers offer factory-installed options, many operators retrofit their machines with aftermarket grouser bars and cleats to suit specific jobsite conditions.
This article explores sourcing strategies, supplier recommendations, and technical considerations for acquiring grouser bars and ice cleats—especially for operators based in the northeastern United States.
Terminology Explained
- Grouser Bar: A steel bar welded across the track shoe to increase traction. Typically made from high-carbon or heat-treated steel.
- Ice Cleat: A pointed or serrated steel protrusion added to track shoes to bite into frozen surfaces.
- Track Loader: A tracked machine with a front-mounted bucket, used for digging, grading, and loading.
Operators in New York and surrounding states often face high shipping costs when ordering heavy steel components from distant suppliers. Grouser bars and ice cleats are bulky and dense, making freight a significant portion of the total expense. Finding a local supplier can dramatically reduce costs and lead times.
Recommended Suppliers
- Dura-Tuff
- Known for high-quality grouser bars made from heat-treated alloy steel.
- Offers competitive pricing and responsive customer service.
- Shipping from outside the Northeast may be costly, but product quality is widely praised.
- Known for high-quality grouser bars made from heat-treated alloy steel.
- Industrial Tractor Parts Co. (ITP of NY)
- Located in Long Island City, New York.
- Offers grouser bars and potentially ice cleats.
- Ideal for operators seeking local pickup or reduced freight costs.
- Contact: 877-487-6369 or 718-721-6661
In 2015, a contractor in upstate New York retrofitted his CAT 953 track loader with ice cleats after a severe ice storm turned his jobsite into a skating rink. The cleats were sourced locally and welded onto the outer edges of the track shoes. The modification allowed the machine to maintain traction on frozen slopes and complete a critical drainage project ahead of schedule.
Technical Considerations for Installation
- Steel Grade: Use hardened steel (e.g., 4140 or equivalent) for durability.
- Welding Technique: Preheat bars before welding to reduce brittleness. Use low-hydrogen electrodes.
- Placement Strategy:
- Grouser bars: Centered across each shoe for balanced traction.
- Ice cleats: Staggered pattern to prevent excessive vibration.
- Grouser Bar Dimensions: 1" × 2" × 24" (typical for mid-sized loaders)
- Ice Cleat Height: 1.5"–2.5" above shoe surface
- Welding Rod: E7018 or equivalent low-hydrogen rod
- Preheat Temperature: 300–400°F for hardened steel
- Inspection: Check welds weekly for cracks or separation.
- Wear Monitoring: Replace bars or cleats when worn below 50% of original height.
- Storage: Keep spare bars in a dry, covered area to prevent rust.
Grouser bars have been used since the 1940s, when tracked machines began replacing cable-operated bulldozers in forestry and mining. Ice cleats gained popularity in the 1970s in northern Canada and Scandinavia, where frozen terrain posed serious mobility challenges. Today, custom traction solutions are standard practice in snow-prone regions.
Case Study: Logging in Vermont
A Vermont-based logging crew added ice cleats to their John Deere 700H dozer during a winter harvest. The terrain included steep, frozen inclines and compacted snow. The cleats allowed the machine to maintain control while skidding logs downhill, reducing fuel consumption and improving safety.
Conclusion
For operators in the Northeast, sourcing grouser bars and ice cleats locally can significantly reduce costs and improve turnaround time. Whether upgrading a track loader for winter work or enhancing traction for muddy conditions, these components play a vital role in machine performance and jobsite safety. By selecting the right materials, using proper welding techniques, and maintaining the installation, contractors can extend the life of their tracks and tackle challenging terrain with confidence.
