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Welds have to be properly prepared inorder to be strong. I routinely repair ag equipment that has suffered years of improper/slopply welds. I understand that the farmer is usually in a hurry and needs his equipment. Cleaning is essential. Paint, grease, dirt, etc, all become part of a dirty weld and are classified as inclusions. A double V bevel with a root face is the best prep for a lift arm repair. The root face should be about 1/8" wide. The bevels are 45 degree angles. I am assuming that you are welding the lower lift arms which are not cast. (Cast iron requires a lot more prep and attention than steel, also different electrodes.) I like a 6010 best, but you need a DC machine to use these rods. 6011 is a similar rod, but can be used with AC machines. Use the 6010 or 6011 for the root pass and use a 7018 for your cover passes. Multi-pass welding is superior to single pass welding. Single pass welding does not allow for proper control of heat. A good weld will be as strong as the base metal. Weld failure is usually due to poor welding technique.
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