Weld strength

[Joey]

A friend of mine is not computer savvy and needs an answer to a question. He has a 140 that has a weld on a bolt flange on a drop axle where it bolts onto the differential (trans housing?). His question is, would the tractor be ok for work use, considering where the weld is? This is all the information I have, so if more info is needed, or maybe pictures, let me know and I'll contact him. Thanks

[Bob Perry]

I think the only way to get a definitive answer on something like this is to take a picture, and the answer is going to relate to where the break is, and what kind of stresses are put on it. Is it going to sit, just for show, or is the tractor going to be used like a tractor.

[Joey]

Bob,

I was told that the tractor was going to be worked and not be a show piece. I'll ask him to take a picture of it and provide a few more details.

[Matt Kirsch]

Frankly, I wouldn't give it a moment's thought.

Put the tractor to work and keep an eye on the weld. If it breaks, fix it.

[Bob Perry]

The only thing I can say about that, is that it depends on the situation, but when something breaks, it puts you out-of-service for that particular job, unless another tractor is available to take over. And that's not always possible, if the broken tractor was using an attachment or implement specific to it. To me, a good farmer would take care of things in the off-season, while that particular tractor is not needed. So if there's a risk of something failing, be pro-active and fix it before it lets you down. For example, if I thought there was increased stress when a plow is attached, I'd rather fix it in the winter than wait until spring and find out when I start to plow.

[Eugene]

I would be wondering why the casting broke in the first place. I would disassemble and inspect.

Until I knew the answers I would be more than a bit cautious about using the tractor.

What is the history on this tractor? New purchase and newly discovered flaw?

[Joey]

All good questions, but I won't see my friend again until Monday, hopefully. However, just found out that Isaac may swing a little bit and head for the Louisiana coast. We may be a little busy next week.

I'll try to get some pictures and a little more history. I think this tractor was found and taken out of the scrap yard. That may tell you a little bit.

[RaymondDurban]

The strength of the weld is dependent on the materials and process in which it was welded, and of course the ability of the welder who made the repair. If none of the above is known, it's impossible to tell you it's inherent strength.

[Virginia Mike]

Raymond's right. If the welder knew his stuff, the weld should be stronger than the parent metal.