Lift arm: weldable?

[MikeW in VA]

Might it be possible to cut away the broken lift arm end and weld in place one cut from another more available arm?

[Kiwi Kev]

Mike
Are you talking about the lift arms that go down to the lower links(where you attach the implement) or the short arms from the hydraulic lift top, that attach to the lift arms.

If you are talking about the lift arms, them I would say yes, you can weld them.
I've welded mine, no worries.
I actually shortened mine, ground a nice big chamfer on the ends, and then welded them up. I used a mig, and have had no problems so far (2 years)

If you are meaning the short arms, I would probably say no, due to the twisting effect while lifting things.
Someone else may have a better idea on that though. Please correct me if I'm wrong, so we can all learn.

Kiwi Kev

[brownsmule]

Hello I don't know where you are in VA; however a fellow just south of town (Galax) welded my broken lift arm and it is still holding well. He said that if it broke again it would be in a different place; not the weld. The fellow that recommended him said that he could weld anything except a broken heart and the crack of dawn. btw, I have an extra lift top with lift arms. I will look to what condition they are in if you are interested.
brownsmule in Piper's Gap VA

[pjjms]

It will be possible to weld it. The top arm is cast which really makes welding it a specialist job requiring carefull selection of rods and pre/post heating.

[MikeW in VA]

I'm up here near Warrenton, VA. Close enough to DC to see the airliners in the pattern, some with their wheels down. Too close.
This little Dexta needs a good home; looks like its been "rode hard and put up wet". Just looking into the possibles before I put any money on the table.

[ddoan]

Mike,

Have you made a decision about buying the Dexta? If you have a chance to post a photo, we may be better able to give an opinion about its value - and how much work it will take to make repairs.

Good luck with this.

Don