Welding on Truck, tractors, etc.

admin

This weekend I was using my tractor with a box blade.   Noticed I had a crack in the metal of the implement.   Pulled into the barn, and proceed to repair with a bead of 7018.   When I was  done and satisfied with my repair, my tractor went on the friz.   I heard a small clicking then nothing.   No power to anything.     I pretty sure my welding caused this, or could have been a wierd fluke?  I was pretty tick off at myself.    Probably a good idea I suppose to disconnect the battery before welding these items.   I get to fix my tractor now.HH135 MigEverlast PowerUltra 205Century heavy duty 250dc/295ac stickA/O system, victor 450 series gauges w/cutting torch and j100 torch.
Reply:always, i mean ALWAYS disconnect the battery. its better to be safe than sorry.MM 251MM 135Lincoln Pro cut 55Bobcat 250Miller Thunderbolt ac/dcolder ac forneyJackson nexgen 3n13-Smith OP setups97 Dodge dieselMakita chopsawJet swivel head bandsawlincoln tig 300/30030a spoolgunpuma port. gas air comp.
Reply:Good idea to disconnect battery. What kind or age of tractor? if you cant unhook battery always make sure you are grounded directly to the pieces you are welding dont rely on bolts or other pieces. Clean ground site to shiney and you should be good. Dont want to arc through a bearing or something else.Millermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:I did some troubleshoot last night.   It appears the battery is bad.    Could doing what I did cause this?   Kinda wierd.    I will definitely take your advice and disconnect the battery next time.HH135 MigEverlast PowerUltra 205Century heavy duty 250dc/295ac stickA/O system, victor 450 series gauges w/cutting torch and j100 torch.
Reply:I would be very surprised if your welding killed the battery.  How old was the battery that died?I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:I would be surprised as well. I weld on heavy trucks and tractors all the time and don't disconnect anything. Just get the ground right at the work, which is usually away from the batt and electronics anyway, and weld. If the welding will be on top of electronics and batteries, I will remove them, not just disconnect. Batteries can explode and electronic stuff will melt, so its just not worth it. But out away from everything, I never do anything but ground right at the work.QamuIs Heg qaq law' lorvIs yInqaq puS
Reply:Yeah I welded the exhaust on my bike, and forgot about the battery.Luckily I grounded the bike stand, which is under the exhuast.Never had any problems.Had some nice flaming debri flying out of the pipes though!Lincoln 125HD, yep I'm a big spender.