Moulded Strakes for the Vintage Machinery Industry
When it comes to restoring vintage traction engines and agricultural vehicles, attention to detail is everything. Moulded Strakes, originally used as traction aids on metal wheels, are a crucial component of many historical machines. At Clifton Rubber, we manufacture robust, reliable rubber moulded strakes that preserve the character of your equipment while enhancing functionality for today’s operating conditions.
Custom Moulded Strake Manufacturer & Supplier for the Vintage Machinery Industry
What Are Moulded Strakes?
Moulded strakes are raised ridges or bars that were originally riveted or bolted onto the metal wheels of traction engines, steam rollers, and vintage tractors. They provided essential grip and traction on soft ground, enabling these heavy machines to move efficiently across farmland, tracks, and rural terrain.
In the modern era, where vintage engines are often used on hard or tarmac surfaces, rubber moulded strakes are the preferred solution. These components mimic the look and pattern of traditional strakes but are made from elastomer compounds that reduce wear on roads and improve ride quality.
Use of Moulded Strakes in Vintage Machinery
Traction Engine Wheel Restoration
Rubber strakes are ideal for enthusiasts restoring historic steam engines or showman’s vehicles. They help maintain the authentic wheel profile while meeting today’s usability standards.
Steam Rallies and Road Runs
For working vintage vehicles, moulded strakes provide reliable grip on grass, gravel, or track routes without damaging modern road surfaces or causing excess vibration.
Replacement of Worn Metal Strakes
When original metal strakes have become worn, cracked or unsafe, rubber moulded alternatives offer a long-lasting, maintenance-friendly option that’s also safer for road use.
Agricultural Heritage Equipment
Older ploughing engines and vintage farm machines that traditionally relied on metal traction aids can be updated with rubber strakes to reduce impact and preserve structural integrity.
Solutions We Provide
Custom-Formed Rubber Strakes
We manufacture strakes in a wide variety of shapes and dimensions to suit traditional wheel designs. Each product is moulded for consistency, durability, and ease of fitting.
High-Durability Rubber Compounds
Our moulded strakes are made using hard-wearing elastomer materials engineered to withstand heavy loading, abrasion, and weathering over extended periods.
Authentic Pattern Replication
We work from customer samples, historic drawings, or dimensional data to ensure that replacement strakes match the appearance of the originals as closely as possible.
Bolt-On and Bonded Options
Depending on your application, we can supply strakes as bolt-on components or offer bonding solutions directly to metal wheel rims.
Why Choose Clifton Rubber for Vintage Strakes?
Decades of Experience
With over 50 years of expertise in rubber moulding, we understand the specific challenges involved in vintage machinery restoration and reconditioning.
Made to Your Specifications
We offer tailored manufacturing to meet the unique requirements of each machine, whether that’s a set of custom-sized strakes or a full restoration project.
Technical Support & Advice
Our expert team is always on hand to offer advice on installation methods, material choices, and optimal strake configurations for your intended use.
Manufactured in the UK
Every moulded strake is produced at our ISO-accredited UK facility, ensuring consistent quality, quick lead times, and full control over production.
About Clifton Rubber
Clifton Rubber is a trusted UK-based manufacturer of rubber and polyurethane products, serving a wide range of industries—from agriculture and defence to transport and heritage machinery. Our reputation for delivering reliable, high-performance rubber components is backed by decades of technical knowledge and customer service excellence.
In the vintage machinery sector, we’re proud to support enthusiasts, collectors, and restorers in keeping Britain’s mechanical heritage alive. Whether you’re restoring a traction engine, preparing for a steam fair, or maintaining a working vintage vehicle, our rubber moulded strakes offer the perfect blend of tradition and innovation.