Abstract: An inclined furnace grate for an industrial furnace or incinerator with transverse grate beams supporting a downwardly stepped succession of banks of stationary and reciprocating grate bars, the grate beams having arranged in their supporting surfaces removable bearing pads of abrasion-resistant, alloyed cast iron for the sliding support and lateral positioning of the reciprocating grate bars, thereby protecting the softer cast iron grate beams against sliding wear and abrasion. The removable bearing pads are received inside shallow recessed seats and retained in place by the adjacent stationary grate bars.