Machines rely upon tracks — tracks are particularly important when transporting materials over areas that don’t have traditional roads. Of course, the tracks we’re talking about aren’t train tracks, but the tracks attached to machines like bulldozers — or even tanks. With that being said, much of the time tracks sometimes have difficulties in functioning over loose materials like snow and soil. Snow in particular can change the way tracks lay. The issue that that tracks are most often attached to machines that are meant to cross rough or difficult to master terrain. What makes a difference for tracks, then? The answer lies within grousers. Grousers function in that they increase the traction for continuous tracks. However, their function changes depending on grouser bar sizes. Grouser bars are essentially the key parts of grousers, and can vary in shape and size, and even in the material from which they are made. Below, we’ll explore how grousers emerged on the market, and the difference they make for machines operating via continuous track systems.
A Brief History Of Grousers
Grousers as we know them today originally were developed with heavy equipment in mind, and in particular tanks. They were made with the trackshoes of armored vehicles in mind, and attached to their outside edges. This all began in World War I, and they were meant to better the performance of such vehicles in the snow or mud. Grouser bar sizes were often quite large when used for tanks, and grouser bar materials had to be incredibly sturdy in order to withstand not only the elements, but the onslaught of attacks that were launched against tanks. As time went on, of course, tanks were not the only machines that needed to use grousers.
What Are Grounders Used For Today?
In this day and age, grounders are more likely to be used for bulldozers, excavators, and loaders versus tanks. As such, grouser bar sizes must range in order to accommodate the specific needs of such machines. They can either be permanently attached to, or formed by a single piece with a trackshoe. Of course, no matter what, grousers are not meant to function on paved roads. For that matter, whatever the grouser bar sizes, they do tend to become dirty, especially when you’re dealing with mud. It’s important that grousers are regularly checked for debris, as an excess of debris can limit their functionality. When properly cared for, grousers have been regularly used on farmlands, as well as seafloors and even Mars.
What Are Grousers Made Of?
Obviously, grousers need to be made of sturdy materials. They may be crafted into complex shapes like spikes and involute curves. Therefore, the materials from which grousers are made must also be malleable to a certain extent. Typically, therefore, grousers are made from forged steel and other such metals.
Grousers are just part of a machine — they may not seem like much on their own. But they’re an integral part of some of the machines we rely upon most, and shouldn’t be neglected.
