Combines Welding on combine

Unhook the battery ground and place the welder ground as close to the area that you will be welding as possible.

likely best to unhook batterys (they might need a good cleaning and service anyway). We most generally leave everything hooked up but install a surge portector across battery terminals (these can be picked up at auto supply stores). Try clip ground for welder as close as posible to job. Best get all loose straw clear from area of sparks when welding. Open door under rear feed and be sure no straw sitting on front of shoe. Have water hose handy at all times. Try not weld unless your going to be around machine for an hour or two. Be aware of the smell of smoke. If you have to leave machine before an hour or two you best look it over very well and soak down any area that could of seen the sparks. Best of luck

I would suggest that you install a heavy vechile type isolator switch into the battery leads. We placed our isolator switch under the batteries and above the RH rear wheel [ R62 ] where it is very convenient and can be immediately accessed in case of fire or can be easily reached to isolate the combine electrics when welding or just leaving the machine overnight or for longer term storage. Agree with Dan on the fire precautions. Always have somebody else present if welding in areas where there may be straw residues around to catch fire as you may be concentrating on the welding and not realise that the combine is lighting up around you! We have hoses at the ready and a pressure water or foam extinguisher at hand as well. When welding with a lot of straw residue still around and in the shed, we usually try to have a quick way to get the combine out if it starts to go up so we don't lose everything else as well. A lot of Aussie farmers now own engine powered 100 CFM mobile industrial compressors to blow their machines down at the end of the day or for any maintenance such as welding. Wouldn't be with our ours. Cheers!

AC current welders seldom cause problems. I am sure it is most safe to disconnect however. We have never had a problem in 30 years. HOWEVER as pointed out be carefull about ground. NEVER ground to a shaft or weld on a shaft that allows current to flow through a bearing. I have known customers who welded up snapping roll blades on orange and black corn heads while grounding only at the main frame. Most all bearings failed within 2 yrs on the rear bearings..