Stump jumper welding

[Degolyerent]

I Lack knowledge in knowing what grade rod is best to weld crack in my stump jumper.I realize that it is a very hard, high grade steel because of the abuse it takes
I have old ac welder ( Lincoln 225) stick welder, can someone reccomend what rod I need for this application?

 

[vic4news]

I'm just a hobby welder, but I usually use 6011 and sometimes 7018AC for things like this.

Vic

 

[Shield Arc]

Knowing what rod is important enough, but knowing the procedure is just as important.

Are you talking the frame of a truck? Don't know what a stump jumper is!

 

[BeezFun]

Are you talking the frame of a truck? Don't know what a stump jumper is!

A stump jumper is the frisbee shaped disk under a bush hog that the blades attach to. It allows the bush hog to jump over stumps without ruining the blades or tearing itself apart. It spins pretty fast, takes a lot of abuse, so a good weld is important. Also balancing it would be an issue. They don't have to be perfect but if you booger up the weld with a lot of extra material, it could make the thing vibrate pretty bad and put wear on the bearing.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

I would not weld the stump jumper UNLESS you are a qualified welder. Those things can detonate and fly apart sending pieces clean through the top of the bush hog and into your hear or any body part and incredibly fast speeds. Likely a crack in the jumper is an indication of metal fatigue. Either replace it or get someone qualified to look at it.

 

[Shield Arc]

I would not weld the stump jumper UNLESS you are a qualified welder.

I'm most likely not qualified, but I'd probably tackle it.
Maybe I should see it before making a statement like that tho!

 

[Degolyerent]

I added a pic, you can see small cracks on either side of yoke on both sides of unit, they do not extend all the way across, I have 'v' cot along the cracks since this pic, I plan on welding the ' v' full and grinding it back flat so blades can swivel like designed. Then I will remove jumper and weld on other side. What I was trying to find out is which grade rod to use for this application

 

[Brad_Blazer]

It only spins at around 800RPM.

I would use 7018, welding in short sections to reduce the heat affected zone and mitigate weld shrinkage. Your plan sounds okay. Take some pics so we can see how it turns out.

 

[LD1]

I'd weld it also. But I am comfortable with my skills as well. I wouldn't be afraid for using the MIG on both sides if it were mine. But thats just me.

And 7018 is a difficult rod to run for a rookie and/or small homeowner buzz-box. So without knowing your skill and welding setup, I am going to err on the side of caution and tell you to take it off and take it to a weld/fab shop.

They probabally wouldnt charge much, especially if it is a small local outfit.

And out of curiousity, have you even priced a new one?

 

[Shield Arc]

Good plan of attack with any crack, is first drill a hole on each end of the crack.