What precautions should be taken when welding on a tractor

[midwesternhayfarmer]

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?

 

[dragoneggs]

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.

 

[Oldpath05]

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.

 

[boggen]

am interested in as well. with more and more sensors and then computer chips on tractors....

 

[jb1390]

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.

 

[Shield Arc]

Any vehicle with a computer, you should pick up one of these.

 

[dragoneggs]

Any vehicle with a computer, you should pick up one of these.

Can't hurt either.

 

[OkieDave]

Don't connect your ground on the opposite side of a bearing from your work, lest you cause the bearing to seize.

 

[LincolnShieldArc]

Put your ground clamp as close as you can to where your welding.

 

[flusher]

Grind the rust and paint off a location close to the welding area. Use a magnetic ground clamp if you can't get the jaws of the ground cable attached conveniently close to the weld area.

Airgas - RAD642118 - Radnor(R) Model MGC-3 3 Amp Magnetic Ground Clamp

Good luck