Welding a new end to a tractor's lift arm question?

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I need to weld a new socket end to my ford 601 workmaster's lift arm.I know that the lift arm is tempered and I'm wondering if there is anything I should do to try and keep the temper strong.The reason I'm even asking is that I put a Tractor Supply Company lift arm on my tractor and it didn't last a day without bending. The old original lift arm that I have will flex but not bend, so I'm going to cut the ends off the soft metal lift arm I just bought and weld them to the old, stronger lift arm.   ....I'm trying to make sense. lol.
Reply:I have welded several of those on lift arms with no problems. Just bevel both sides of the lift arm, just like the weld on eye, and make several passes on each side, alternating from one side to the other.Question..........what are you doing to bend the lift arms????? They are pretty danged tough!!I would return the junk ones to tractor supply and buy just the ends that you have pictured.miller... 225g, s32p, 250x, 304, 12vs, MSW41     victor o/a thermal dynamics cutmaster 50 lenco panel spotter        hobart hf-boxG3 Farms.....raising cattle, hay, kids and hell, ...oh yeah I'm a fire sprinkler contractor by trade.
Reply:I'm digging sandy clay out of my pond with a box scoop. All it takes to bend the new arm is to drive on the bank which is about a 45 degree angle and if the new lift arm is on the down hill side with a load in the bucket, it bends where the sway chain is hooked to it. Pretty dang soft metal. I already took one India made lift arm back and bent the replacement right off the bat. They at least have forged eye ends on them, so I figure just to cut them off and go on. $50 lesson so far and I probably should take this one back but figured I'd just cut the ends off and use them.
Reply:I welded new ones for my WD Allis tractor about 10 years ago.  Worked just fine so I'd say go for it   I ground a double bevel and welded from both sides with 7014.  I'm sure 7018 would be most welders 1st choice - but 7014 is a common rod for me to use since I do not have a rod oven.Dave J.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Thanks fellas! I appreciate the help, I'll make sure to grind and prep accordingly.
Reply:You might try using sway bars on each side, that would help stabilize the scoop. If you don't have pins for them on the tractor it is not hard to fabricate some mounts.miller... 225g, s32p, 250x, 304, 12vs, MSW41     victor o/a thermal dynamics cutmaster 50 lenco panel spotter        hobart hf-boxG3 Farms.....raising cattle, hay, kids and hell, ...oh yeah I'm a fire sprinkler contractor by trade.