welding on the tractor

[boatmoter]

Hello, I need to weld some hooks on my bucket on my 1705, do I need to unhook the battery before welding?

only if it has a computer

 

[jgmo]

Didn't read all replies so apologies if this duplicates other's advice. It's always a good practice to disconnect battery prior to welding because of transient current that can run through wires and, sometimes, even steel reinforced hoses.

If your machine has any computers, micro processors or digital devices, it is CRITICAL that you disconnect the batteries to prevent damage to those items from stray current induced by welding.

Good luck.

 

[dieselscout80]

I thought I remembered hearing that the battery buffer/smooth out the electrical spikes of welding rather than going straight to the electronics/computers. I think you would have to disconnect all grounds as well as the battery to really isolate the electronics.

FWIW Off the top of my head I have welded on all of the following without disconnecting the battery 1980 Scout, 97 GMC K3500 6.5TD, 2006 NH TC45DA and 2020 Ram 2500 none have been damaged by it.

I do place the ground clamp as close to the welding as possible.

 

[macdoesit]

If your tractor is newer with computer, by all means disconnect pos and neg cables. My 2000 Kubota does not have computer and I have done lots of welding and no battery disconnecting and no problems.

 

[olenjohn]

Why would you bother asking the question? Just unhook the battery. You spent more time asking the question and reading answers that to disconnect it.

 

[5030]

Candidly, I never disconnect the battery on anything when welding. As long as you put the ground clamp as close to the part being welded and the metal where you place the ground clamp is clean and bright, the chances of stray currents are almost nill.