Log Truck Frame Repair in London, KY – Cracked 1/4” Square Tube Fixed On-Site
When working trucks are on the road every day, breakdowns aren’t an option. We were recently called out for an on-site log truck repair in London, Kentucky, where a 1/4” square tube had cracked under load. This type of failure is common in heavy hauling equipment, especially in logging operations where vibration, weight, and rough terrain take a toll on structural components.
At McCarty Fabrication, we specialize in mobile welding and equipment repair in Corbin, London, and across Laurel County, KY, helping keep trucks and equipment working without long downtime.
The Problem: Cracked Structural Tube on a Log Truck
This repair involved a crack in 1/4” wall square tubing on a working log truck. The conditions were far from ideal:
Steel was dirty, rusted, and oil-contaminated
The crack had begun to spread under stress
The truck needed to be put back into service quickly
Cracks like this will continue to grow if not properly repaired, leading to more serious structural failure and costly downtime.
The Repair Process
For this type of field repair, proper welding technique matters more than speed. Here’s how we handled it:
1. Stop the Crack
We drilled small holes at the ends of the crack to prevent further spreading during and after the repair.
2. Prep the Area
The damaged section was ground into a V-groove to ensure full weld penetration. Even in dirty conditions, proper prep is critical for a strong repair.
3. Root Pass with 6011
We used a 6011 electrode for the root pass. This rod is ideal for:
Burning through rust, oil, and contaminants
Achieving solid penetration in less-than-perfect conditions
4. Clean and Grind
After the root pass, the weld was ground clean to remove slag and impurities, creating a solid base for the final weld.
5. Fill and Cap with 7018 (DCEP)
We completed the repair using 7018 low-hydrogen rod on DCEP, providing:
High strength
Improved ductility
A more durable, long-lasting repair
Why This Repair Method Matters
A quick weld-over might get the truck moving temporarily—but it won’t last.
This process ensures:
Stronger weld integrity
Reduced chance of future cracking
Safer operation under load
Longer service life of the repair
For heavy equipment like log trucks, doing it right the first time saves time and money.
On-Site Welding & Equipment Repair in London, KY
We provide mobile welding services in London, Corbin, and surrounding areas, handling:
Truck and trailer repairs
Heavy equipment welding
Structural steel repair
Farm and logging equipment fixes
If it’s cracked, broken, or worn out—we can come to you and get it fixed.
Need a Repair? Contact McCarty Fabrication
If you’ve got a truck or piece of equipment down, don’t let it sit.
McCarty Fabrication offers reliable, on-site welding and repair services across:
London, KY
Corbin, KY
Laurel County
Surrounding Eastern Kentucky areas
👉 Request a quote today or give us a call to get your equipment back up and running.
