Welding a tractor linkage arm

[jack_c]

This would be more appropriate for British Farming forum but I don't have a paid email address

 

Hopefully the brains on here will be able to help,

 

I want to change the standard ends on a tractor to the quick attach hook type,

 

I have an arc welder but was wondering which rods should I be using for this job?

 

Also would the pieces need to be pre heated before hand?

 

Thanks in advance

[NIGEL FORD]

not actually done that application myself but would suggest dissimilar steel type rods, (I used to use Messer Greisheim Grinox 29).

   As always preparation is the key, grinding back the joining faces to enable 100% penetration of the joint before building back up flush without overheating,allowing cooling between runs. I would add though that it may be more cost effective to find some genuine ones from a breaker, rather than have a failure? But if you're like me the challenge is rather tempting!!!

[jack_c]

The problem is its a second hand tractor we've bought,

 

At present it has the standard type ends but we are in favour of the hook type,

 

The tractor in question is a 2009 Massey Ferguson 3635 so very unlikely to get full arms,

 

It wouldn't be doing any seriously heavy lifting so hopefully if prep properly etc it should be ok?

[Tellarian]

FYI this is quite a common practice in some sectors - as an example Balfour Beatty shortened the linkages of their McCormick CX95s to allow them to lift greater weight when handling cable reels.

This may be of help:

http://www.malpasonline.co.uk/CatalogueViewer/PageViewer.aspx?publicationID=139&startPage=345

Edited December 1, 2012 by Tellarian

[Tractorman810]

Try Ron greets in Devon for the arms you never know wha they have in stock spares wise