After successfully welding hooks onto your tractor bucket, the work isn’t over. Maintenance following welding is crucial to ensure the modifications remain safe, functional, and durable over time. Whether the bucket is used for lifting, hauling, or grading, a lack of post-welding care can lead to early deterioration, reduced performance, and costly repairs.
Inspecting Welded Areas Regularly
The first step in post-welding maintenance is routine inspection. Check all welds after the bucket has been in use—especially after heavy loads or rough terrain. Look for signs of cracking, fatigue, or rust around the hook welds. Even a small crack can expand under pressure, risking a structural failure. Pay attention to the heat-affected zone (HAZ), as this area can be more brittle due to temperature changes during welding.
Cleaning Off Residue and Corrosive Buildup
Residual materials like dirt, mud, fertilizers, and salts can accelerate corrosion, particularly in and around welds. Keeping the bucket clean is essential, especially in agricultural or construction environments. A simple rinse isn’t always enough.
Using equipment like the 20” Auto Floor Scrubber Cleaner with Power Mop Brush (24V) or the 18” Electric Floor Scrubber Cleaner (36V) from Tomahawk Power can help remove debris efficiently. Though designed for industrial floors, their rotating brushes and high-pressure squeegee systems can be repurposed in shop environments for cleaning metal equipment, including buckets and attachments, especially before and after welding.
Applying Protective Coatings
Once clean and dry, apply a protective coating to the welded areas. Anti-corrosion sprays or weld-through primers help seal the metal surface, reducing exposure to moisture and oxygen. Some professionals use cold galvanizing compounds to offer additional rust resistance in outdoor or high-humidity environments.
Lubricating Moving Components Nearby
If the bucket includes hinges or is part of a quick-attach system, don’t forget those components. Welding can cause heat to travel further than intended, potentially affecting bushings or grease points. Re-lubricate fittings and joints after any welding project to restore proper function and prevent accelerated wear.
Monitoring Structural Integrity Over Time
Finally, keep a maintenance log. Note the date of the weld, any issues found during inspection, and any steps taken (e.g., grinding, re-welding, or cleaning). Over time, patterns may emerge that help anticipate stress points or maintenance schedules. As one expert welder put it, “What you do after the weld is just as important as the weld itself” (D. Thomas, Certified Structural Welder, 2020).
Maintaining your welded bucket with consistent inspections, thorough cleaning, and preventive treatments will ensure it remains safe, efficient, and long-lasting. The addition of tools like Tomahawk’s floor scrubbers in your maintenance routine not only simplifies the process but also reinforces your investment in heavy equipment longevity.
