TUBE AS 1081274 - Caterpillar

Because the strength of the frame may decrease, some manufacturers do not recommend welding onto a chassis frame or rail. Consult the OEM of the equipment or your Cat dealer regarding welding on a chassis frame or rail.
Proper welding procedures are necessary in order to avoid damage to the engine ECM, sensors, and associated components. When possible, remove the component from the unit and then weld the component. If removal of the component is not possible, the correct procedure must be followed. When welding on a unit that is equipped with a Cat Electronic Engine, the following is considered to be the safest procedure:
Do not ground the welder to electrical components such as the ECM or sensors. Improper grounding can cause damage to the drive train, the bearings, hydraulic components, electrical components, and other components.Do not ground the welder across the centerline of the package. Improper grounding could cause damage to the bearings, the crankshaft, the rotor shaft, and other components.Clamp the ground cable from the welder to the component that will be welded. Place the clamp as close as possible to the weld. This will help reduce the possibility of damage.
Note: Perform the welding in areas that are free from explosive hazards.
Stop the engine. Turn the switched power to the OFF position.
Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery. If a battery disconnect switch is provided, open the switch.
Disconnect the J1/P1 and J2/P2 connectors from the ECM. Move the harness to a position that will not allow the harness to move back accidentally, and contact any of the ECM pins.
Disconnect any component with a microprocessor from the engine harness, such as:
Engine ECM
Product Link
Cell/Sat Radio
DOC Identity Modules
Illustration 1 g01075639
Use the example above. The current flow from the welder to the ground clamp of the welder will not damage any associated components.
(1) Engine
(2) Welding electrode
(3) Keyswitch in the OFF position
(4) Battery disconnect switch in the open position
(5) Disconnected battery cables
(6) Battery
(7) Electrical/Electronic component
(8) Minimum distance between the component that is being welded and any electrical/electronic component
(9) The component that is being welded
(10) Current path of the welder
(11) Ground clamp for the welder
Connect the welding ground cable directly to the part that will be welded. Place the ground cable as close as possible to the weld. This location will reduce the possibility of welding current damage to bearings, hydraulic components, electrical components, and ground straps. Note: If electrical/electronic components are used as a ground for the welder, current flow from the welder could severely damage the component. Current flow from the welder could also severely damage electrical/electronic components that are located between the welder ground and the weld.
Protect the wiring harness from welding debris and spatter.
Use standard welding practices to weld the materials.