Specializing in Heavy Equipment Repair
Our passion for repairing construction and heavy equipment is at the heart of our business, making us the preferred choice for construction companies and those operating large machinery. With our dedicated team of experts, we are committed to getting your equipment back in action quickly, offering 24-hour emergency repair services! Whether you need on-site support with our convenient mobile welding service or more extensive repairs at our well-equipped shop in Whitesboro, TX, we're eager to help. Your success is our priority, and we can't wait to assist you and keep your equipment running smoothly.
It's About More Than Just Welding
1. Remove the damaged steel
A thorough approach is essential in repairing broken and cracked steel in heavy equipment. All damaged metal must be carefully removed by cutting or gouging techniques. IT is vital to pay close attention to even the most minor cracks that could cause future issues after welding. Additionally, smoothing rough edges is critical to ensure a thorough and tight fit of new parts. This meticulous attention to detail enables us to make lasting improvements to keep your equipment running smoothly and efficiently. Your satisfaction and the performance of your equipment are our top priorities!
2. Prepping the New Part
Choosing the correct replacement/filler material is critical for construction and heavy equipment repair. All components should be replaced with a material that meets or exceeds the strength of the parent material. This ensures weld quality and longevity, and avoids premature failure.
When the new part is fabricated, the edges must be bevelled at a 30-degree angle to improve welding penetration. For heavier sections of material, it is best practice to leave a small “land” at the bottom of the joint.
The cleanliness of the welding joint is critical. It is best practice to remove all contaminants from the weld area; all rust, oils, and paints must be ground or wiped away before welding. Failure to do so will lead to a failed or weakened weld.
Preheating is another best practice that will avoid issues down the line. This is done to remove hydrogen and other gases, reduce the maximum hardness, minimize shrinkage stresses, and minimize distortion, all of which might cause cracking when an extremely hot welding arc is applied to cold steel. Preheating temperatures vary among materials. If necessary, a heat crayon can be utilized.
3. WELDING PROCESS
Stick and flux-cored welding techniques excel in mobile welding and field repairs. These self-shielded processes provide excellent protection for welds in outdoor environments. However, choosing the right wire for flux-cored welding is crucial, especially when working on construction and heavy equipment repairs. An all-position, multi-pass wire significantly enhances the quality of the work.
One common challenge I often notice is porosity caused by contamination, which can result from inadequate slag removal between welds. It’s surprising how many individuals who claim to be "welders" overlook this important step. This oversight can lead to costly issues, emphasizing the importance of skilled professionals in achieving high-quality results. Investing in the right welder truly makes all the difference!
4. BEYOND THE WELDING
Heavy equipment repair requires more than just being a skilled welder. I’ve known excellent welders who have worked on pipelines, built miles of fencing, or repaired farm equipment and trailers for decades. However, they often lack one crucial aspect: a solid understanding of the engineering behind the equipment. This knowledge is essential for making successful and lasting repairs.
Understanding the design of the equipment is vital, including how it is engineered to withstand loads and stresses. It's essential to know the causes of potential failure points, such as fatigue cracking, wear, and corrosion, and the reasoning behind the design choices, such as the science of doubler plates. For example, sharp corners in metal structures can concentrate stress, leading to fatigue failure or premature failure under heavy loads. In contrast, rounded edges make a weld more reliable, reducing the likelihood of defects like incomplete penetration or porosity. Additionally, rounded corners help improve the overall fatigue resistance of the doubler plate by minimizing stress concentration, thus making it more robust and structurally sound.
