Abstract: The present invention relates to air-cooled grate bars, in particular for mechanically conveying mechanical grates such as pivot step grates, comprising a cap of U-shape which is provided over the respective grate bar and is in particular welded on and which forms with the grate bar disposed therebelow passages extending longitudinally of the grate bar, the cap being led at the bearing-side end of the grate bar up to shortly before the curvature end and the cap and thus the passages being in each case sealed at the end face at the curved cap end.