Abstract: A stoker rod assembly employs a stoker rod having a longitudinally extending bore. A holddown device has a base which is mounted in the trough of the discharger floor, an engagement assembly which is inserted through a slot in the bottom wall of the stoker rod and a connecting part extending between the base and the engagement assembly. The slot comprises a first region having a width selected to allow the passage of the engagement assembly into or out of the bore. A second longitudinally extending region has a width selected to allow longitudinal movement of the connecting part. The width of the engagement assembly is greater than the width of the second region, wherein the engagement assembly is retained in the bore when the engagement assembly is positioned above the second region. Bearing wheels or bearing pads in the engagement assembly slidably engage the internal surface of the stoker rod to hold down the stoker rod as the rod oscillates longitudinally in the trough.