Soft weld???

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I was doing some bull dozer work for an old timer the other day, tightening up the blade. He was talking about how "cat" used to build up worn pins with "soft weld" and drive them back in, to take up slop in the blade linkage. I'm wondering if anyone has a clue what he talking about? I assume this is a stick weld, but would love to know more about it, like rod type, etc.Last edited by delaet20; 06-18-2014 at 09:08 PM.Reason: TypoBruce DeLaetHeavy Equipment Mechanic and Welder1948 SA-200 short hood1949 LincWelder 1801963 SA-200 red faceMiller S-32-P
Reply:Probably referring to Lincoln's "Soft Weld" high nickel rods used for cast iron."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Hello delaet20, he may also be referring to essentially applying sacrificial weld metal to the pin so that it will wear before the bushings do. I believe that Cat often uses hardened inserts in a lot of their pivot linkages. If the pin is softer it will wear out instead of the bushing/insert. A pin is generally much easier and less costly to change than a bunch of bushings/inserts, most likely. Additionally, think along this line: often 1 pin vs. 4 bushings, in some instances, and if the bushing bores are worn out of tolerance that means bore welding, machining, and then installation of new bushings. So he very well could be referring to cheap insurance and additional service life before serious repairs are required. Good luck and best regards, Allanaevald
Reply:Aveld, that is exactly what he wanted. He just kept saying "soft weld", which I had never herd of, so I thought I would bring it here, where there is a vast array of knowledge.I am thinking that farmersamm may be right. I bet back in the day that stuff was a whole lot cheaper then it is now.Thank you both.Bruce DeLaetHeavy Equipment Mechanic and Welder1948 SA-200 short hood1949 LincWelder 1801963 SA-200 red faceMiller S-32-P