Welding on a tractor - Avoid Damage?

rebel300r · Oct 5, 2005

Hi, I am building a subframe for a backhoe on my JD 4120. I need to do some of the welding while the frame is on the tractor. How do I prevent damage to electrical components while I am welding?

Scott

strokerduster · Oct 5, 2005

remove the negative cable from the battery.

escavader · Oct 5, 2005

YES,ditto on the battery cable.ALSO dont put your grounding clamp on the opposite side of a bearing so electricity is passing through it.dont ask me how i know /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gifALAN

Soundguy · Oct 5, 2005

Ditto what the others said. In general I try to "not" weld on a tractor.. but if I have to.. I disconnect the lines to the alternator, pull bat cables, and then put the ground clamp as close as practicle to the area being welded.. and as others said... don't let bearings conduct welding current!

Soundguy

Cord · Oct 5, 2005

So long as you don't connect the welder right to the battery it won't be part of the circuit. There is no need to disconnect it.

rebel300r · Oct 6, 2005

Thanks a lot guys.

Ok, so far I have: disconnect battery and alternator, ground right next to the weld, don’t fry bearings and limit it to the minimum amount of welding I can get by with. Anything else before I start?

Scott

Boomerang1 · Oct 6, 2005

If your tractor has an ECM or other computer components you should remove it before welding. Doesn't matter if the battery is disconnected or not, you could still fry the system.

blackd · Oct 6, 2005

Watch your sparks. A fire from sparks may not be easily seen through your helmet when welding. Plastic will burn. AND don't ask me how I know!

Soundguy · Oct 6, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( So long as you don't connect the welder right to the battery it won't be part of the circuit. There is no need to disconnect it. )</font>

In theory, that works.. However I have seen at lest a few examples of sensitive electronics on a car/truck damaged from welding ont he vehicle with everything hooked up. By disconnecting the battery.. you isolate the rest of the car.. that's why I like to disconnect it...

Soundguy