Abstract: A load support device for supporting metal slabs as they are moved through a heat furnace having therein a plurality of pipe beams through which a coolant is continuously circulated. The load support device consists of a saddle member mountable on the pipe beams, and having therethrough a longitudinally disposed central opening. A replaceable core, supported in the central opening and removably attached to the saddle member, has on the upper end thereof a head for supportively engaging the metal slabs.A projection on the lower end of the replaceable core extends below the saddle member so that it will be surrounded by coolant thereby greatly increasing the rate of heat transfer from the replaceable core, which substantially reduces the operating temperature of the head. Deformation, cracking, spalling and burn-out of the head is thus significantly retarded so that those cores with badly worn heads can be replaced when the furnace is shut down for routing inspection and general maintenance.