Emergency Loader Frame Weld — Port Hardy Job Site
We received an emergency call from a Port Hardy contractor whose loader had suffered a catastrophic frame crack during road building. The machine was stranded on a remote logging road with no way to transport it to a shop — and the project deadline was three days away.
We loaded our mobile welding rig and drove to Port Hardy the same day. The frame had cracked along a stress riser near the loader arm pivot point — a 24-inch crack through 3/4" structural plate. In the field, we set up welding and preheating equipment on the logging road.
The crack was gouged out, beveled, and welded with multiple passes using 7018 low-hydrogen rods. We preheated the entire area to 300F to ensure proper fusion in the heavy plate. After welding, we reinforced with gusset plates on both sides of the frame.
The Challenge
A catastrophic 24-inch frame crack on a loader stranded on a remote Port Hardy logging road, with a project deadline just 3 days away and no way to transport the machine to a shop.
Our Solution
Mobilized same-day to Port Hardy with full welding rig. Gouged and re-welded the crack with preheated 7018 passes, then reinforced with gusset plates on both sides.
The Result
The loader was back in operation the next morning. The contractor met their project deadline, and the repair has held up through months of continued heavy use.
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