welding on frame

[clutchdog]

Does it harm anything electrical if were to weld on the frame of my bucket while the battery remains connected on my L4200 tractor?

Thanks

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

In my experience YES it can fry several things.
Remove one of the battery leads before welding.

 

[Tooljunkie]

You will get mixed opinions. Disconnecting battery doesent really do much as most components are switched off during welding. Theres a tool for protecting vehicles from voltage spikes when welding. Pulling processors/ecm or computerized controls off the machine completely would be the safest. That being said i welded on all kinds and never had issues. Mig welders run a fairly low voltage, depending on machine. Tig, plasma and ac stick welders pose the greatest risk.

Make sure the ground clamp is on a clean bare metal surface.

 

[D2Cat]

"Make sure the ground clamp is on a clean bare metal surface."

This is extremely important. You don't want current trying to find a ground.

 

[sawmill]

Also make sure your ground is on the same steel you're welding on.
You don't want to ground through any bearings or bushings.

 

[Tarmy]

I have welded many times on my tractor..no problems. Disconnect the battery...or remove fuses in the block if your worried. Now I wouldn't go welding on the dash or on any electrical devise (like the light or alternator or something)...but you should have the BARE METAL ...FOR THE GROUND CONTACT.

 

[hodge]

If you are welding on the bucket itself, and can easily remove it, do that.

 

[philztoy]

I was going to say disconnecting the battery is a good idea. And then that having been said I have welded things to the frame without disconnecting the battery. I normally use a mig welder and I noticed the post about that being safer, so maybe that is why I have had no problems. I will be watching this thread for those with more knowledge to answer.

I haven't welded on any newer computer controlled tractors (although my 2000 tractor has some digital perhaps). Disconnecting the battery on a modern computer controlled tractor makes me nervous too.

 

[ShaunRH]

Yeah, on my L3200 I'd isolate the electronics. On the D-17, it asks me all the time, "What's an electrical system?"... LOL!

 

[MagKarl]

Up to you, no clear answer. I weld on my stuff when needed, haven't had any problems. Pickup, tractor, motorcycles, mowers, etc. I always ground on the same part if possible. Doesn't mean you won't have troubles though. Your call.

 

[philztoy]

Yeah, on my L3200 I'd isolate the electronics. On the D-17, it asks me all the time, "What's an electrical system?"... LOL!

LOl. You gotta love the simplicity of the older metal. My 450C only knows it has an electrical system when the mice eat through the one wire to the fuel pump.