Improving Traction on Beavertail and Trailer Decks for Safe Equipment Loading

[MikePhua]

Adding traction to a beavertail and trailer deck is essential for safely loading tracked and wheeled equipment, especially in winter conditions. Solutions include welded key stock, removable guide rails, rubber mats, and strategic use of scrap materials to reduce slippage and side drift.
The challenge of loading in icy or uneven conditions
Loading heavy equipment like excavators or skid steers onto trailers becomes hazardous when snow, ice, or slope angles reduce traction. A common scenario involves a tracked machine sliding sideways on a steel deck, especially when the trailer is slightly tilted or the tracks are wet. Even a few inches of misalignment can make a 10'6" wide machine unsafe on an 8'6" wide trailer.
Operators often rely on placing the bucket down before the tipping point to control the breakover, but this technique alone doesn’t prevent lateral drift. The risk increases with narrow trailers, limited loading space, and winter conditions.
Welded traction enhancements
One of the most effective methods is welding ½-inch square key stock (also called bar stock) across the deck and beavertail. These bars act as mini cleats for the grousers to grip during ascent. For added durability:

• Weld key stock every 6–8 inches across the loading surface
  
• Use flat bar underneath for reinforcement
  
• Ensure welds are continuous and flush to avoid catching tires
  

This method works well for both tracked and wheeled machines, though spacing may need adjustment for tire widths.
Removable guide rails and alignment aids
To prevent side drift, some operators install angle iron rails spaced to match the inside edges of the machine’s tracks. These rails guide the machine during loading and can be:

• Welded permanently for dedicated trailers
  
• Bolted or pinned for removable use
  
• Positioned to allow clearance for other equipment like skid steers
  

For versatility, consider welding pockets into the deck to drop in guide pins or rails only when needed. This avoids interference with narrower machines and preserves deck space.
Rubber mats and recycled traction surfaces
Used rubber tracks or conveyor belts can be cut and laid flat on the deck. These materials offer excellent grip and are easy to source. Options include:

• ASV or Cat MTL tracks, which have embedded steel and high friction
  
• Bolt-on tire treads or sliced truck tires
  
• Conveyor belt strips nailed or bolted to the deck
  

These solutions are especially useful in winter, though they may degrade over time or shift under load. Regular inspection and replacement are recommended.
Low-tech traction aids for emergencies
In icy conditions, operators have improvised with:

• Wood ashes spread on the deck for grip
  
• Old tires laid flat under the tracks during loading
  
• Scrap bolts or rebar welded to the beavertail edge for grouser bite
  

These methods are quick, cheap, and surprisingly effective. One operator reported using shredded tires between the tracks during transport to prevent sliding and to have traction ready for unloading.
Design considerations and safety tips

• Ensure the hinge point between beavertail and deck has a sharp edge or welded bar for track engagement
  
• Avoid ground-bearing ramps in winter; consider non-ground-bearing detaches for safer breakover
  
• Keep the deck clean and dry before loading
  
• Use spotters and side mirrors to monitor alignment
  
• Always chain down immediately after loading to prevent movement
  

Conclusion
Improving traction on beavertail and trailer decks is a blend of engineering and field improvisation. Welded key stock, removable guide rails, rubber mats, and scrap materials all contribute to safer loading. With thoughtful design and seasonal preparation, operators can reduce the risk of sliding, misalignment, and equipment damage—especially when winter returns.