I have a 3 point hitch mower I snapped the 4x4 tubing frame I am hoping to just butt weld the crack and then build a split tube over it , my question can I do this well mounted to the tractor and electric weld it without causing electrical problems in the tractor after . A friend said all I have to do is disconnect the batteries , anyone lease help I got enough on my plate not needing more bad luck thanks guys
weld a new sub frame for my 3 piont hitch mower
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Jim Timber
Veteran Member
I'd unhook the battery entirely, but you can prevent most issues just clamping the work lead close to where you're welding.
If your tractor has a computer on it, I'd take the precautions as they can get damaged by the arc starting voltage spikes.
If your tractor has a computer on it, I'd take the precautions as they can get damaged by the arc starting voltage spikes.
Baby Grand
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It only takes a second to disconnect the battery.
When I went to welding trade school, my instructor was pretty emphatic that we should do it.
If you can easily disconnect the computer, I'd do that too.
Considering what they cost to replace, what have you got to lose but a few minutes of your time?
When I went to welding trade school, my instructor was pretty emphatic that we should do it.
If you can easily disconnect the computer, I'd do that too.
Considering what they cost to replace, what have you got to lose but a few minutes of your time?
dragoneggs
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As said and make sure you have a good ground (bare fresh metal) nearby and you should be good to go.
Sodo
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If you are OK exercising battery connections, you only have to disconnect one terminal from the battery (not both). There is some sense in removing one, but no sense removing both.
Agreed it can be quick and easy if the terminals and bolts are in good condition, or recently exercised, greased etc. In general I think you are more likely to cause extra work/problems exercising battery connections though. Especially if you have to start the tractor to run hydraulics, or move it etc, that's extra work right there.
I don't disconnect batteries. I attach the welding ground to a good shiny area near the weld and go to work. If I was welding close to the engine, I would consider disconnection in case I touched the wrong item with the stinger.
I have been paying attention to this issue for appx 40 years and not hearing of problems. If computer systems were that vulnerable I think you'd have to worry about the alternator, and perhaps the ignition system burning out your computer too, which is ludicrous of course. Static electricity has to be a lot more common threat. Think about how many times a tractor is driven up to the shop, welded on, then returns to service (without disconnecting). If this was a problem there would be lots of posts stating it drove up to the shop then didn't start directly after the weld. And had to replace the computer. Never heard it.
I understand it's the common wisdom, but,,,,,,, never heard 1st-hand evidence that it's true concern. If I was welding on someone else's eqpt I would ask them if they want to disconnect the battery first. I would say I've never heard of problems but mention that its common to do so. It might be a CYA move that professionals must do to protect themselves.
Agreed it can be quick and easy if the terminals and bolts are in good condition, or recently exercised, greased etc. In general I think you are more likely to cause extra work/problems exercising battery connections though. Especially if you have to start the tractor to run hydraulics, or move it etc, that's extra work right there.
I don't disconnect batteries. I attach the welding ground to a good shiny area near the weld and go to work. If I was welding close to the engine, I would consider disconnection in case I touched the wrong item with the stinger.
I have been paying attention to this issue for appx 40 years and not hearing of problems. If computer systems were that vulnerable I think you'd have to worry about the alternator, and perhaps the ignition system burning out your computer too, which is ludicrous of course. Static electricity has to be a lot more common threat. Think about how many times a tractor is driven up to the shop, welded on, then returns to service (without disconnecting). If this was a problem there would be lots of posts stating it drove up to the shop then didn't start directly after the weld. And had to replace the computer. Never heard it.
I understand it's the common wisdom, but,,,,,,, never heard 1st-hand evidence that it's true concern. If I was welding on someone else's eqpt I would ask them if they want to disconnect the battery first. I would say I've never heard of problems but mention that its common to do so. It might be a CYA move that professionals must do to protect themselves.
