bucket control boom repair

[dsrepairs]

I need to straighten one side of a bucket control boom on a wheeled front end loader. It is made of 2" solid steel plate with approximately 10" bent to an 8" radius. The plate is about 8" high. We have two rose buds available and plan to line bore the bearing bores after straightening. I am concerned about strength after straighening. Can this cause the plate to crack of break after returning to serice?

[turbo38t]

It is bent to an 8" radious? ****, two rosebuds can do it but will take a long time. is it on the machine where you could use the artiiculated steering the straighten it? Any pics? I may not be seeing the hole picture. Dave

[dsrepairs]

Thanks for your reply. Yes, the boom is still attached to the machine. Other than the bent tip, all else seems to be straight. The right side bucket pin fell out then twisted the left side in about 3 inches. I have a 30 ton hollow hydraulic cylinder and enough rigging to press the ear back where it belongs after heating. My main concern is how this repair will effect the strength of the metal. Could the ear crack of break off after returning to service? Pictures not available.

[m.k.swelding]

It seams like if you are going to be heating it you will lose some strenght. so I realy don't know. it wouldn't hurt if you plate it when its done.

[J hall]

If it was mine, I would cut out and replace the bent section.

[Sonora Iron]

I suggest you call the manufacture for a repair procedure! If no help there other than the typical boilerplate answer of replace the loader.
I can visualize a short section of I-beam, and some large C-clamps along with your rosebuds!;)

[Railmen]

Thanks for your reply. Yes, the boom is still attached to the machine. Other than the bent tip, all else seems to be straight. The right side bucket pin fell out then twisted the left side in about 3 inches. I have a 30 ton hollow hydraulic cylinder and enough rigging to press the ear back where it belongs after heating. My main concern is how this repair will effect the strength of the metal. Could the ear crack of break off after returning to service? Pictures not available.

30 TONS i don't think will be near enough unless you get it chery red hot, then you are taking out the hardness of the arm.

you need to heat then stress releve after I think.

I have worked lots on heavy equipment and that sounds like its on something big it not going to move easy.............

BUT HAVE FUN....

Railmen

[dsrepairs]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. This repair will begin on July 13, 2009. I will post description of completed repairs. I'm sure it will include lotsa fun.

[Sonora Iron]

You may want to think about some 1-inch plate to build a frame / box that the 30-ton ram can fit into to help force the issue! :D

[nfinch86]

If it was mine, I would cut out and replace the bent section.

Hi, Jeff, I second that one, Cut & Replace !! :)

............... Norm :)

[urch55]

I agree with thoes that say cut it off and replace. Bevel the ends and fill it right up with weld. You can also weld a diamond shape plate over both sides of the repair joint. I think you will be waisting your time trying to straiten the lift arm . Two inch thick plate won't be easy to bend even red hot.. That's my thoughts..
Bob :cool:

[Tryagn5]

Not sure what machine u are working on but a similar thing happened to a JCB front end loader, my customer called me out to look at it. I ended up removing the entire arm assembly, and my customer took it to a large forge/machinery manufactoring. They have a 500 ton press and were able to straighten it. I would advise not cutting a section of boom out of the machine. First when u remove that large of a section, welding it back together, while maintaining correct pin and bushing alignment is nearly impossible. Also if you weld repair a boom on a machine it KILLS the value of a machine. So if you ever plan on selling it be prepared to take a beating. If you are serious about fixing that machine I can get the number of the forge which straighten the last boom.
Kevin