Cleaning up B6000-noticed that Front Frame was Welded due to FEL?

[warmblood58]

Been cleaning up my b6000 that also has the B219FEL. I see a very clean weld repair on both sides of frame under engine and behind front diff - did these frames have weakness issues when fitted with FEL? I am thinking that PO must have overloaded bucket and perhaps hit a hard bump other and cracked/bent frame? Seems like welding in some gussets might be wise though in reality, my work for this little tractor will be pretty lightweight-any thoughts experience with broken frames on these B6000's? Thanks

 

[GreensvilleJay]

re: I am thinking that PO must have overloaded bucket and perhaps hit a hard bump other and cracked/bent frame?

this can happen to almost any tractor, especially if repeated enogh times.

Yes, weld some 'gussets' or 'fish plates' or whatever people call 'extra steel'. One rule of thumb is the gusset should be 6x longer than the height of the frame. Say frame is 2" tall,pieces would be 12" long, 6"" both sides of the split. Longer is better but often things like holes and preattached 'things' get in the way.
patch steel should be same thickness as frame

 

[Lil Foot]

Pics would help.

 

[warmblood58]

re: I am thinking that PO must have overloaded bucket and perhaps hit a hard bump other and cracked/bent frame?

this can happen to almost any tractor, especially if repeated enogh times.

Yes, weld some 'gussets' or 'fish plates' or whatever people call 'extra steel'. One rule of thumb is the gusset should be 6x longer than the height of the frame. Say frame is 2" tall,pieces would be 12" long, 6"" both sides of the split. Longer is better but often things like holes and preattached 'things' get in the way.
patch steel should be same thickness as frame

Yep, I work with a shop and will bring them my little tractor in a few weeks for strengthening - will take some before and afters -