Mystery Item - big as a breadbox

[denemante]

Hey people...I need help determining what I found. I made a little web photo gallery of the piece with details on the find. Check it out and e-mail me at denemante@bellsouth.net if you can help:

http://danray.homeip.net/thething/index.htm

 

[Anonymous]

Hello denemante,
the head markings on the bolts (SAE 5) indicate they are fairly modern.

A skid plate maybe?

 

[denemante]

Hi Gabe,

Can you tell me where you found those headmarkings? I've looked all over the net and haven't been able to find ones like that. Thanks!

 

[Anonymous]

A link below to an image search:

http://images.google.com/images?q=bolt+SAE+markings&dnum=20&svnum=10&hl=en&lr=&start=0&sa=N&filter=0

Just a note, bolts are rated for their load bearing capabilities. SAE 5 bolts are not normally considered automotive grade, but are used for small engines, etc. One exception to this, would be for applications where the bolts are intended to shear when the force on the part would otherwise cause structural damage.

First thing that came to mind when I saw your item was a muffler shield for a motorcycle, but that doesn't make much sense considering the weight of it. A skid plate is a best guess, possibly from heavier peice of equipment like a tractor or a skidder (in part to explain why it was found all by itself.)

Dunno, maybe just a piece of mill machinery that someone chucked into the bush, although from the markings and condition of the bolts, it doesn't look like it's been in the ground for the 70 years since the mill closed.

I checked to see the year when they began SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) ratings on bolts, but didn't find anything off hand. Off the top of my head, I'd guess that is something that didn't begin until after WWII and into the 1950's.

 

[Mercdimer]

Just my opinion, it almost looks like a section of "track" from a dozer/excavator/ or perhaps off a military vehicle such as a tank or "half-track"?? This would explain the "cut-outs" on the item, such as a cog-driven mechanism??

 

[MonDak]

Mercdimer nailed it. It is a pad off of an excavter track. The 3 lines on the bolt head indicate that someone installed it with to soft of a bolt. Normally a grade 8 bolt would have been used.

 

[Texas T]

Cleats similar to what you have, were staggered on a metal tractor wheels steam & fuel powered . Sometimes for pulling large logs out of the forest, and pulling loads in general on muddy ground. Bolts sheared to protect the axle and gears. I think they were also used on field wagons/before tractors. Local tractor dealer might help??

 

[Anonymous]

from the link below:

>>>Track Shoes
wide selection in width and type of track shoe grousers are available to meet OEM needs

Available in several styles and a range of widths.

Standard single grouser moderate service shoes provide good penetration and traction.
Extreme service single grouser shoes provide up to 50% longer wear life in high impact and abrasive conditions.

Double grouser shoes offer less turning resistance for greater maneuverability.

Triple grouser shoes offer the lowest penetration and turning resistance, and the best maneuverability.

In addition, special-use shoes such as flat, self-cleaning and rubber/polyurethane bonded are available.

Shoes are rolled from modified medium carbon steel and deep hardened for long wear life. They have heavy cross sections with curved leading and trailing edges to resist bending.<<<

For more information, check out our downloadable Track Shoes Specification Data Sheet.
http://www.cat.com/cda/layout?m=37681&x=7

 

[Anonymous]

n/t