Can worn grousers on track shoes be rebuilt by welding?

Expert_Answer

Yes — grouser rebuilding (re-lugging) is an established practice for dozer shoes: hardfacing wire or grouser bar stock is welded onto the worn lug to restore height. It makes economic sense mainly on large dozers where shoe sets are expensive and the base plate is still sound. There are limits: welding heat affects the shoe's hardened layer, rebuilt lugs rarely wear as evenly as rolled originals, and cracked, bent or thin plates should not be rebuilt. Excavator triple grouser shoes are usually thinner and rarely worth rebuilding — replacement is the standard route. Compare the full rebuild cost (labour, consumables, downtime) against new shoes before deciding; on small and mid-size machines new shoes typically win. VANROCK supplies new track shoes in all common widths and grouser styles for 54+ brands, quoted on request through its dealer network.

Answered by VANROCK specialists · Published 7/25/2026