More than a decade of firsthand experience with inspection camera equipment and the challenges operators face in the field led to the formation of TruGrit Traction, specializing in premium wheels and tracks for various brands of sewer crawlers.
The company was founded in 2015 by Tom Rebozo and Todd Weaver, who were colleagues at CUES in the early 2000s.
“At TruGrit, I wear multiple hats, overseeing sales and finances while staying closely connected with our customers to understand their evolving needs,” says Rebozo, whose entry into the sewer inspection industry was in 2001 as a product specialist and trainer at CUES. “What drives me is the opportunity to solve real-world problems, helping contractors and municipalities work more efficiently and cost-effectively.”
Cleaner recently spoke with Rebozo about the history of TruGrit Traction, its product development approach and what customers can expect from the company in the future.
Cleaner: Tell us a little about the history of TruGrit Traction.
Rebozo: TruGrit Traction was born out of a simple idea: To make sewer inspection equipment perform better, last longer and cost less to maintain. After years of working with OEM equipment, Todd and I realized there was a gap in the market — no one was addressing the traction issues that operators faced, especially in challenging environments like greasy sewer pipes. We started by reinventing the camera crawler wheel, securing patents for our TruGrit Carbide Grit Camera Crawler Wheel, the world’s first polymer-carbide hybrid wheel. Since then, we’ve expanded our product line to include everything from gritted cleats and regritting services to manhole tools and camera crawler parts. Today, we’re proud to be the only aftermarket supplier focused specifically on traction solutions for sewer crawlers.
Cleaner: What sort of needs do your products address?
Rebozo: Our products address a critical need for reliable traction in pipeline inspection equipment. Sewer environments can be unpredictable — greasy pipes, corroded surfaces and debris can all reduce a crawler’s ability to move effectively. This leads to wasted time, increased wear and tear, and ultimately higher costs to operate. Our patented wheels and traction products are designed to maximize production, improve efficiency and reduce downtime, no matter the pipe conditions. Additionally, our regritting services allow customers to extend the life of their wheels without the cost of full replacements.
Cleaner: What’s the most common problem you see your customers facing?
Rebozo: The most common issue we see is traction loss in difficult pipe conditions. Grease, sludge and varying pipe materials create environments where standard OEM wheels simply can’t maintain grip. This results in poor production, incomplete inspections and costly delays. Another challenge is the high cost of OEM parts, which often wear out quickly. That’s where we come in — offering durable, cost-effective alternatives that outperform OEM parts, saving customers both time and money.
Cleaner: What are some recommendations for customers shopping for camera inspection equipment?
Rebozo: When shopping for camera inspection equipment, don’t just focus on the camera’s resolution or how cool the crawler looks. Consider the environments you’ll be working in and think about traction as a key factor. Look for equipment that allows flexibility with wheel types and sizes, and make sure replacement parts are readily available and affordable. It’s also wise to invest in aftermarket solutions like ours that can enhance the performance of your existing equipment, extending its life span and reducing long-term costs. Lastly, it should go without saying, but local service is very important.
Cleaner: How do you see the inspection industry evolving?
Rebozo: The inspection industry is becoming more data-driven and efficiency-focused. As municipalities face tighter budgets and increasing infrastructure demands, the need for equipment that can perform reliably in harsh conditions is critical. We’re seeing more integration of smart technologies, like AI-assisted defect recognition and advanced data analytics. At the same time, there’s a growing emphasis on sustainability. Extending equipment life through durable parts and refurbishment services aligns perfectly with that trend. TruGrit Traction is positioned to support this evolution by offering products that improve efficiency without the need for constant equipment replacement.
Cleaner: What’s the philosophy behind development and innovation at TruGrit Traction?
Rebozo: Our philosophy is simple: Listen to the customer, identify the problem and create a solution that’s built to last. We don’t just design products in a vacuum — everything we develop comes from real-world feedback. Todd’s background as a mechanical engineer, combined with our field experience, allows us to approach innovation from both a technical and practical perspective. We focus on durability, performance and cost-effectiveness. If a product doesn’t make our customers’ jobs easier or more efficient, it doesn’t make it to market.
Cleaner: What’s new for TruGrit Traction in 2025? What can customers expect in the future?
Rebozo: It is shaping up to be an exciting year for TruGrit Traction in 2025. We’re expanding into the European market with a new company based in Ireland, allowing us to serve EU and UK customers more efficiently. This expansion includes local manufacturing and distribution, which will reduce shipping times and costs for our international customers. Product-wise, we’re continuing to innovate with new traction solutions and parts designed to fit even more brands and models. We’re also enhancing our regritting services to make them faster and more accessible, helping customers get their equipment back in the field with minimal downtime.
Cleaner: What do you want your customers to think of when they hear the name TruGrit Traction?
Rebozo: When customers hear the name TruGrit Traction, I want them to think of reliability, innovation and value. We’re not just another parts supplier. We’re a problem-solving partner dedicated to helping our customers get the most out of their equipment. Our products are designed to perform in the toughest conditions, and our team is committed to providing exceptional support. TruGrit Traction stands for products that last longer, work harder and save you money. That’s the legacy we’re building.
