What precautions should be taken when welding on a tractor

   / What precautions should be taken when welding on a tractor #1  

midwesternhayfarmer

Bronze Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2014
Messages
64
Location
Iowa
Tractor
Allis Chalmers B, Massey 135, John Deere 4052R
I have heard that when welding on something with an engine, you should disconnect the battery and alternator. Also have heard that placing the ground close to the weld with good contact is all you need.

Any thoughts?
 
   / What precautions should be taken when welding on a tractor #2  
Can't hurt and easy safe bet to disconnect the battery. Get a good ground (bare metal) near your weld and you should be dancing.
 
   / What precautions should be taken when welding on a tractor #3  
Not sure about todays tractor, but mine I only make sure I have good ground from the welder, never yet unhook the battery, tractor will be ten years old this June. But if I bought a brand new tractor under warranty, I'd ask dealer.
 
   / What precautions should be taken when welding on a tractor #4  
am interested in as well. with more and more sensors and then computer chips on tractors....
 
   / What precautions should be taken when welding on a tractor #5  
Can't hurt and easy safe bet to disconnect the battery. Get a good ground (bare metal) near your weld and you should be dancing.

Leaving the battery connected is actually better. The battery helps equalize any electronics in the event of a voltage spike.

That being said, if you ground very close to where you are welding, you won't have any issues. Problems arise if you are welding in a different area than your ground. For example, welding on the exhaust with your ground on the frame.
 
   / What precautions should be taken when welding on a tractor #6  
Any vehicle with a computer, you should pick up one of these.
 

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   / What precautions should be taken when welding on a tractor #8  
Don't connect your ground on the opposite side of a bearing from your work, lest you cause the bearing to seize.
 
   / What precautions should be taken when welding on a tractor #9  
Put your ground clamp as close as you can to where your welding.
 
   / What precautions should be taken when welding on a tractor #10  

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