R.T. Wiley in his book "Monongahela The River And It's Region" wrote that the primary use of these barges was as an icebreaker.  These barges were strongly built and reinforced with metal sheeting and steel bars, they were then loaded with stone and pushed through the ice crushing the ice and thus clearing a path.  These photos show not only the strong appearance but that another use of these barges was to haul items.

JW in his journal wrote that on February 3, 1908 a bulldozer was being towed through a river full of ice.  He also wrote on various dates that the bulldozers were being used to haul equipment, building supplies, boat parts, and coal. Several of these dates are May 21, 1904 and March 9, 1910.  There are various other entries about the Bulldozers in the journals that can be found by using the search function on the Home Page.