Bad Welds?

Hugo Habicht

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The cross members pierce the 12" x 16lb I-beams that run the length of the trailer, but the C-channel cross members are only welded to the I-beams along the web of the channel. I'll fix that by welding the flanges as well which will add stiffness to the trailer.
A word of caution: the flexibility may be desired by the manufacturer. C-channels are typically used on truck frames to allow flexing. Rigidity increases strain on the components.

A friend of mine builds convertibles for a few years now and he told me that his first prototype was too wobbly but then his second attempt was too stiff and not driveable. The third version then "felt right".
 

McMXi

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A word of caution: the flexibility may be desired by the manufacturer. C-channels are typically used on truck frames to allow flexing.

A friend of mine builds convertibles for a few years now and he told me that his first prototype was too wobbly but then his second attempt was too stiff and not driveable. The third attempt then "felt right".
That's a good point and something that merits further investigation. I'm thinking it's simply down to cost savings since Kaufman trailers are very affordable compared to many competitors. But I will do my due diligence and look into it before I set about creating a problem. 😂
 
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McMXi

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A word of caution: the flexibility may be desired by the manufacturer. C-channels are typically used on truck frames to allow flexing. Rigidity increases strain on the components.
Some pictures might help, since we're discussing welding, best practices, piercing etc.

Here are some photos under the Kaufman trailer. The C-channel cross members are welded to the I-beam on both sides of the web (outboard side only), but vertical down for sure. First photo is inboard of the I-beam and the second photo is outboard of the beam.

03.jpg


05.jpg


04.jpg
 

Hugo Habicht

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Some pictures might help, since we're discussing welding, best practices, piercing etc.
Well, I have a basic understanding of welding and mechanical engineering but I would not consider myself to be an expert it this field.

From what I see I would say the welding is strong enough for what it is supposed to hold. Maybe Kaufmann is cheaper because they do not do unnecessary welds and dolphin/tuna/sushi plates?

If the internet is not full of broken Kaufmann trailer stories I would simply leave it alone. Never touch a running system ;) :giggle:
 
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Hugo Habicht

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Not that useful. A DOLPHIN (mammal) is different than a DOLPHIN FISH. They are not in the same taxonomic group. 😂😂😂
Amazing what you learn on a tractor web site. Really. I didn't even know a dolphin fish exists, only ever knew the "Flipper" type since earliest childhood. :giggle:
 
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McMXi

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Well, I have a basic understanding of welding and mechanical engineering but I would not consider myself to be an expert it this field.

From what I see I would say the welding is strong enough for what it is supposed to hold. Maybe Kaufmann is cheaper because they do not do unnecessary welds and dolphin/tuna/sushi plates?

If the internet is not full of broken Kaufmann trailer stories I would simply leave it alone. Never touch a running system ;) :giggle:
I can see the logic of fix it when/if it breaks, but I am interested in the theoretical limits of both approaches. I did opt for the "torque tube" upgrade when I ordered the trailer which cost an additional $100. The C-channel crossmembers are 16" on center.
 
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Scm

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All this talk about welds, and I fixed it with all tread. Tried moving a stump that was attached to a rock. Both had to weigh well over 1000#. Had no movement where the weld were. Ended up pulling it with a chain from the back
 

Chanceywd

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Ya see, I just knew that my masters degree in Marine Science would be useful at some point in my life...

View attachment 171016
Well I just learned something new. Off topic I go again,
Mahi-Mahi is one of my favorite fish. My wife worked as a chef in a restaurant in the Catskills for about 40 years . She takes about 3/4 thick steaks sears both side in a hot cast iron pan for a beautiful rare steak.
Thanks Dirtydeed!

Bill
 
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Shawn T. W

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but post some photos of BX23 equivalent tractors and loaders from other manufacturers and see if they're doing anything different with their models.
This is my 2021 Massey Ferguson GC 1725 MB, a TLB SCUT. Pictures took this morning, sorry ... Didn't have time to wash it first! :cool:

IMG_20260314_054431027.jpg

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Hollow tube, can see straight through to other side.

IMG_20260314_054559060.jpg
 
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McMXi

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This is my 2021 Massey Ferguson GC 1725 MB, a TLB SCUT. Pictures took this morning, sorry ... Didn't have time to wash it first! :cool:

Hollow tube, can see straight through to other side.
I'm not familiar with Massey Ferguson nomenclature so what does the FL 1805 refer to? Is the load rating built into the number?

Here's the BX26TLB with a much stouter loader compared to the BX23S.

bx26tlb.png
 
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MapleLeafFarmer

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I must say. I didn't see that coming.
Too bad it wasn't just pins that broke and not the whole unit.
100% for sure can't trust a lot you read on social media like OTT or what A.I. tells us but heck it does give us some food for thought.
From an A.I. engine:

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