Thread: optimal weld geometry for tractor implement

Hello everyone!

I am making an undercutter/bed lifter tractor attachment. The goal is to slide a slanted board 10-12inch (25-30cm) deep into the ground and lift the soil just enough, so that you don't need to use a shovel to dig out root crops such as garlic or carrots. This is how it looks: https://ibb.co/sHxSZVS and in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAZrUAG3PcE

The final piece I need to decide on is how to weld the bottom lifting board to the sidewalls. There are a few options on how to do it.

The first options is to weld the sidewalls on top of lifting board - https://ibb.co/mCwNVGM . The downside is that the lifting board needs to be extended over the sidewalls. How much should the lifting board be over the sidewall? I am thinking at least 15mm (5/8inch). Longer lifting board also causes slightly higher forces so this may not be optimal.

The alternative is to place the lifting board between the sidewalls - https://ibb.co/0sDXLRc or https://ibb.co/7QPHkxQ or somewhere in between. Which configuration do you think is the hardest to break? Which electrodes do you recommend? The material I am using is hardox450, 15mm (~3/8inch) thick.

Best regards

I'd go with your alternate option with the bottom of the sidewall halfway up on the lifting plate, allows for a good weld underneath as well as on top. Welding with a mig should be ok but a bit of preheat won't hurt.