Kioti BD11-0100 vs BD11-0100-A - Dipperstick Assy for KB2376 BH

[huffabub]

Hi all, I have a Kioti kb2376 BH for my LK3054xs TLB machine. Unfortunately I broke a weld at the dipperstick/boom pin on the main dipperstick arm. It appears the sleeve at the joint suffered a weld failure and tweaked itself about 10 degrees out of perpendicular this weekend while removing a small stump. Unfortunately, I noticed it after the wall of the dipperstick fractured and allowed the sleeve to twist while also putting a bend on the dipperstick cylinder arm.

here's a couple of pics



Curious for some advice.

Is this something that is repairable? I dont have the weld tools or shop to tackle, but have some friends that do.
Is this something a professional should repair?
am I better off replacing with stock part? Does anybody know the difference between the BD11-0100 and the BD11-0100-A part. All the Kioti parts diagrams I can find online come up with the BD11-0100 part but a local dealer said BD11-0100-A was needed. the difference in price is almost $700. can someone tell me the actual difference between the two parts?

Appreciate any help that can be provided.

Thanks,
Ken

 

[Diggin It]

Maybe it's just the picture, but that arm does NOT look very strong. Seems the metal is far too thin.

 

[huffabub]

maybe that's the difference between BD11-0100-A and BD11-0100? I was surprised when I could lift the stick with one hand. thinking about bringing it to a fab shop for a rebuild/strengthening