Fork lift fork repair

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I need to weld a replacement lower guide to a Caterpillar class #3 fork. The replacement part is cast or forged steel.  I asked the vendor for a welding procedure but they can't come up with one. Thinking about welding out with 6010-5P or root with 5P then finish with 7018. The broken weld looks like it was dual shield.   I am concerned knowing the fork does have spring steel properties but not really spring steel. Any advice welcomeI did find this.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=43948 Attached ImagesLast edited by DanD78; 03-28-2013 at 10:31 AM.Reason: Found an old thread
Reply:I think you will be OK staying with 6010-5P.The bottom guide doesn't support any of the weight borne by the fork.Its primary job is to keep the fork from bouncing off when unladen or from "camming out" when sidewise pressure is on the fork.Having said that I suggest that you do apply some preheat to the fork in the weld area, but keep it to a minimum value just so there isn't a lot of thermal shock when from the welding.  You don't need to warm it up more than about 225-250 F before welding.Don't quench.
Reply:Do not use 6010, preheat, and use 7018Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Originally Posted by TozziWeldingDo not use 6010, preheat, and use 7018
Reply:I like Tozzi's idea the best.
Reply:D not use 6010 or any 60 series rod. Pre-heat to about 500deg f. and weld it with 7018. When pre-heating spit on the area if the spit jumps around on the hot area your good to go. That is a small piece and you do not want to get it too hot. after your first pass wait till the color goes out of the weld, chip the slag and clean the area before making the next pass.
Reply:Don't weld.  Buy new forks.  They're not that expensive.Lincoln Power Mig 216Lincoln AC/DC-225/125Miller  625 X-Treme PlasmaMiller 211 Forney 95FI-A 301HF 91110Victor Journeyman O/PMilwaukee DaytonMakita  Baileigh NRA Life Member
Reply:Originally Posted by SuperArcDon't weld.  Buy new forks.  They're not that expensive.
Reply:I'd agree with Tozzi also here. I find it odd that the vender couldn't give you any joy on welding it? Maybe a  call to a Cat dealer could sort it out. 7018 with preheat would be pretty safe for the lower clip but it would be the sh!ts if cat calls out something like A5.5 electrode or A5.29 wire in the 110ksi range with controlled pre & post heats...Matt
Reply:I have found that the Cat fork lift people are a lot different from the dirt moving folks.  The agricultural folks are even different yet.  You would be wasting your time looking for motor grader parts at the ag dealer or fork lift parts at the earth moving dealer.  In all fairness it has only been a few days sense I asked for the procedure but the parts guy didn't know there was such a procedure.  The service guys send their fork repairs to another shop a few towns east of me.  It would be very awkward to call them because I turned down a employment offer several years ago.I am in no hurry to get this welded back on so I am going to give him a few more days.  If no procedure I will follow the preheat and 7018 plan.Dan
Reply:I get you Dan, the parts man can't get at that information - the shop foreman either has the skinny in the file cabinet or calls Cat & gets it.Just noticed your location, I dealt with Capitol machinery (now Altorfer) for many years but haven't spoken to anyone since '93 so I'm pretty sure my little black book would be no good. Anyway if you can get them to tell you the 1E material spec I can tell you if it's easy-peasy or a trouble maker and the recipe for welding. I'm betting it's on the easy side as they have gotten away from hardness intensifiers in things that get welded in recent years.Forks might be one of those things that I'd have to work from CE calculations to get the correct pre-heat numbers and any post heat if needed.Matt
Reply:Originally Posted by DanD78I have found that the Cat fork lift people are a lot different from the dirt moving folks.