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  1. #16
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    I think the failure had more to do with the fitness of purpose of the tool for the job than the quality of the Chinese welder.
    It is all to easy to jump on the bandwagon, but the hoist wasn't ever designed for this.The stress points are different.

    If the hoist were to be subjected to the same test again and the stress measured ,I am sure it figure would be well in excess of the 2 tonne max the lifting arm. The weld would be Ok ,but I suggest the arm bracket or the cylinder rod itself would bend or tear.


    Grahame

  2. #17
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    Aug 2008
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    Adelaide
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    In this case it might be a combination of both factors.

    I retrieved the short section of RHS I cut off the job from the bin and had a good look at it. On the wall section that gave way 1st there is no sign of any weld filler metal at all - it looks like a cut section. On one of the adjoining walls there is no sign of fusion for a third of the length of the wall with 3/4 to full penetration for the remaining 2/3rds. The other adjoining wall has half depth penetration for the full length of the wall. I can't comment on the 4th wall (the one that was hanging on) as I had to cut it off with the 9" grinder.

    So it does look like the factory welding could have been better.

  3. #18
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Ballina, NSW
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    900

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    Quote Originally Posted by Gavin Newman View Post
    On the wall section that gave way 1st there is no sign of any weld filler metal at all - it looks like a cut section.
    Yeah, I guess that's the edge that's visible in the original photo - plain as day.

    It's all too easy to say that it was used wrongly or it was cheap, or came from some generic cheapo nameless wholesaler so it was it be expected - but it is not acceptable. Despite it not being used in the way intended, there is no excuse for production welds like this - if a weld looks strong it should be strong. Any weld that is on any lifting equipment should be as strong as possible given the base materials. To run a bit of metal around the outside and call it good is at the complete opposite of the spectrum to what I'd be happy with.

    - Mick

  4. #19
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    Sep 2010
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    Lebrina
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    Quote Originally Posted by WelderMick View Post
    Yeah, I guess that's the edge that's visible in the original photo - plain as day.

    It's all too easy to say that it was used wrongly or it was cheap, or came from some generic cheapo nameless wholesaler so it was it be expected - but it is not acceptable. Despite it not being used in the way intended, there is no excuse for production welds like this - if a weld looks strong it should be strong. Any weld that is on any lifting equipment should be as strong as possible given the base materials. To run a bit of metal around the outside and call it good is at the complete opposite of the spectrum to what I'd be happy with.

    - Mick
    Yep, gotta say I'm with you on that one.
    I wonder how one would fare with Worksafe if one of these units failed in the workplace and caused an injury? I know of several that are used commercially up to their rated load as well.

  5. #20
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
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    Mackay North Qld
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    Ok the welding is not we would care to be personally responsible for,but the operator is probably just doing what he is told to do. Given the state of the welding it is likely that he has little or no training.

    Given the numbers of these units about the country, if there is typical poor quality welding where are the reports of the failures as logically there would be likely to be more than a few.

    While we are there what about the quality of the chain ( some have short chains) and the lifting hook, the pins and the wheels for that matter,all areas for potential failure.

    Like many other cheap tools purchased we might expect to do some fettling on them to make safe and fit for purpose.

    If skilled at such work they are easy to damage

    Grahame
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  6. #21
    Join Date
    Nov 2001
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    Parkside - South Australia
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    45
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    59

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    Quote Originally Posted by Grahame Collins View Post
    Given the numbers of these units about the country, if there is typical poor quality welding where are the reports of the failures as logically there would be likely to be more than a few.
    I have noted already that the failure did occur doing an operation that the unit wasn't technically designed for. Previous to this it was used to lift a very heavy jointer and it did the job well. This would have been very similar to lifting an engine with the weight and loading being centrally located to the lifting arm.

    Quote Originally Posted by Grahame Collins View Post
    Like many other cheap tools purchased we might expect to do some fettling on them to make safe and fit for purpose.
    Sorry I can't agree with this. If something is put on the market needs to be safe and fit for purpose. If it needs work by the purchaser to satisfy either of these, then it should be sold as a kit requiring assembly.

    To reiterate again this engine crane was fit for intended purpose, was safe when being used for intended purpose - but did contain some fairly poor quality welding and certainly looked better than it really was.
    If you don't talk to your cat about catnip ...... who will?


  7. #22
    Join Date
    May 2011
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    Murray Bridge S Aust.
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sir Stinkalot View Post
    Sorry I can't agree with this. If something is put on the market needs to be safe and fit for purpose. If it needs work by the purchaser to satisfy either of these, then it should be sold as a kit requiring assembly.
    How many times do we see kids toys, recalled because of inadequacies, small plastic components, plastic that shatters when dropped. etc.
    Cars being recalled because of some component failure, electrical goods with faulty wiring, causing the loss of homes and life.
    Shoddy workmanship seems to be a way of life, with imported products. Gone are the days when you bought something, that you could pass it on to your grandson. A lot of stuff has a lifetime warranty, of the product that is.
    Life means nothing now days, murder someone, and get 5 years what a joke.
    Just my views.

  8. #23
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
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    Athelstone, SA 5076
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    Quote Originally Posted by Michael G View Post
    I'm closer (Beulah Park) but unlike Kryn I'm not formally trained.
    Your choice...

    Michael
    Quote Originally Posted by Gavin Newman View Post
    3rd option, Aberfoyle Park. Happy to help as well.
    Cost would be $0.00 (+ GST)
    ah ah....now I know where to go if I need some decent welding done.....
    (Yes I do have a welder but like most wannabees I cant weld for peanuts...well sometimes it works and looks presentable)

    isnt it great that you had plenty of offers of help Stinky?

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