rebar for grousers

[bobz]

has anyone used 1/2" rebar for grousers on your tracks ? I'm looking for a cheap and strong solution. I want to weld one in the middle of each track. I have street pads on 1010 loader. I know about the extra strain it puts on the drive train. but I'm down to the bolts, trying to give the pads some integrity and grip too! they are thin on the ends as well , should I do1, 2 all 3 on each pad.?. looking for good ideas guys.... steal has really went up in price since we don't make any here in the usa bobz

[Tigerhaze]

Hi Bob-

If you use the search function you will find a number of threads discussing this, including size, spacing, and welding techniques. In addition, the other means of getting traction is the use of ice bolts, and that can also be found in these threads.

[jtrichard]

i would put 3 on each pad if not at-least 2

[bobz]

yes I did look at other past post, so at least 2 you say. I have a mig welder I was wondering about other steal like the rebar or would it be soft of a steal? I was hoping to get buy with one but 2 or 3 would be better that's for sure. more time and money. it's going to be a job anyway I go. thanks for the reply. weather is colder slows me down now

[bobz]

the ice bolts ! I have already bought a big bag of them I haven't put them on yet. really concerned about the thickness on the pads I have one or two the edges are bending from rocks , most of them are straight, trying to prolong the life of the pad itself

[dillon45]

When you get them installed let us know how they work out for you.
Hopefully the weather will warm up to give you time to weld them on.
Good luck.

[Scottyb]

this is my post from 2012......


If you are using Bolts like I did on my 350, I took Ken's tip and put bolts in the pads. I bought 2.5 inch 5/8 grade 8 bolts, a nut on top and bottom with a lock washer on the bottom. They stick up a good inch above the pads. I put two on every third pad and WOW. My loader climbs over anything and everything. I can't believe how good this works for me. I am pulling logs and making trails on frozen ground with a foot of snow. (last year we had 4 feet but I'm happy now as we have lots of trees to move.) I think the bolts are a bit too long on the frozen ponds as they bang a lot, but in the bush I am all smiles. total cost about $50... Thanks!!

Two problems, they were a bit too long, 2.25 inch would work and, some were out a bit too long on the inside of the pads and, they rubbed on the bottom of my rock guards. This made them very hard to remove in the spring. Easy on your reverser, these things can really dig in.

Scott

[bobz]

here is an update on welding rebar on 1010 loader street tracks .. it's been a little over a year welding 2 rebar on each track! works great haven't lost a one or doesn't so any wear . just plowed threw 36ins of snow on a 8ths of a mile dirt mountain hilly rd 1/24/16. only one time the crawler came to a stop from spinning and i had to back up hit the pile harder on an up hill run. she is slow in moving that why they callem crawlers but the power is good . the traction is awesome now . if i didn't do it , i would still be trying to plow out. i might go ahead and weld the 3rd one on. bobz [/img]