Skid loader bucket repair

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Looking for some guidance here.  I have a bobcat bucket in need of repair.  On the bottom side of the bucket on my T190 there are what looks like a skid plate that is starting to peel back/seperate from the top part of the bucket due to backdragging almost the full length in the center of the bucket.  What would be the best way to go about repairing this?  I will try to get pictures tomorrow but if you are replying you probably know exactly what I am talking about My idea was to cut out the entire plate and replace with a 1/4" thick flat steel or try to bend back the parts that are starting to peel (maybe 5" worth) and then reweld the entire seam as it's wore through/cracked almost the entire length.  I only have mild steel though for the replacement.  I would assume this is something like AR400/500 steel on the bucket?  I have a Lincoln 225 ac stick machine, HH210 MVP set up with .035 flux core, Hobart plasma cutter, and an oxy/acetylene setup to work with.  I can use a Miller 212 as well if needed set up with C25.  What process would be best suited for this task?  Will preheating be required with the abrasion resistant steel?  If using the Lincoln what rod/rods should I go with?  6010 with a 7018 cap?  If I use the torch to remove the panel what will the heat do to the existing metal on the inside/bottom of the bucket?Chances are I will end up buying a new bucket sooner or later but if I can scrape by another year or so without the bottom falling apart that would be great.  Thanks in advance.Brett
Reply:not knowing the steel - preheat is a yes, you can torch the plate off but arc-air would be my choice.  If you are going to go with a mild steel wear plate then you know going in that it will not last long.  I use a lot of 110m on these.you *MIGHT* delay the inevitable by gouging out the cracks, cleaning out the dirt/rock/crud between the inner skin and the plate, stitch it back solid - then get busy with hardfacing rods.Remember with HS - its not just the rod but how its layed.  if you are doing dirt it will be a different pattern of beads than doing rock.I do this on loader buckets quite frequently,  customer has a bad case of wrong tools for the job.  you may get away with 7018 on the bucket skin, I don't have any docs on small buckets - call the manufacturer and wheedle.When any government, or any church for that matter, undertakes to say to its subjects, "This you may not read, this you must not see, this you are forbidden to know," the end result is tyranny and oppression, no matter how holy the motives.
Reply:Maybe you can get some ideas here:http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=39402MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:7018 welds fine to AR500Welding/Fab Pics: www.UtahWeld.com
Reply:Originally Posted by duaneb55Maybe you can get some ideas here:http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=39402
Reply:Thanks for the replies.  Here's what I am working with.Looking at the first picture my game plan is to use the torch to cut the the first/top two ribs of the skid plate off from where the crack is at the top the entire length and then at the bottom of the 2nd rib.  That measures right at 4 inches.  The steel I have to replace it is .325" on the micrometer in thickness with a height of 4 inches so the fit should be good with a little grinding.  I was hoping running the mig on tap 6 or 7 and stacking 3 beads or so would be ok.  I figured a fat bead would be ideal in this case.Most other parts are only cracked with no peeling.  Would it be sufficient to just clean out the cracks and weld them shut?  I figured a power washer would be ideal and then do some grinding.If I use the stick welder what size rods in a 7018 would you recommend and at what amperage?  Sorry for asking so many questions but I have no experience with steel of this nature so I am just trying to prepare myself the best I can.
Reply:You can use any size 7018 rod that you and your machine can handle running. With your machine I would sugest 1/8 rod. Since yor machine is ac only, be sure to use 7018 ac rod.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Originally Posted by ProChargerLooking for some guidance here.  I have a bobcat bucket in need of repair.  On the bottom side of the bucket on my T190 there are what looks like a skid plate that is starting to peel back/seperate from the top part of the bucket due to backdragging almost the full length in the center of the bucket.  What would be the best way to go about repairing this?  I will try to get pictures tomorrow but if you are replying you probably know exactly what I am talking about My idea was to cut out the entire plate and replace with a 1/4" thick flat steel or try to bend back the parts that are starting to peel (maybe 5" worth) and then reweld the entire seam as it's wore through/cracked almost the entire length.  I only have mild steel though for the replacement.  I would assume this is something like AR400/500 steel on the bucket?  Brett