Common Cold Weather Welding Emergencies for Kansas Businesses

Here are the issues Scott’s Welding sees most in February.

1. Stress Cracks in Commercial Trailers and Tanker Units

Tankers, agricultural trailers, and hauling equipment face intense pressure changes during cold snaps. When steel becomes brittle, the stress from heavy loads can cause:

• Cracks along frame rails

• Broken welds on crossmembers

• Stress points near hitches or kingpins

• Leaks on pressurized tanks

• Failures at previous repair points

ASME-certified welders are required for many commercial tank repairs, and not all welding shops can legally or safely perform this work. Scott’s Welding can.

2. Broken Attachments on Agricultural and Industrial Equipment

Kansas producers and contractors use equipment year-round, even in freezing conditions.

In winter, we commonly see:

• Cracked loader buckets

• Broken mounts on skid-steers

• Snapped brackets on hydraulic systems

• Cracked frames on feed equipment

• Breaks in plows, blades, and winter equipment attachments

When metal is cold, these breaks happen fast and they stop work even faster.

3. Emergency Repairs on Snow Handling and Municipal Equipment

City, county, and commercial snow crews often experience:

• Weld failures on snowplows

• Cracked scraper blades

• Broken salt spreader mounts

• Structural failures on service trucks

These need immediate on-site repairs, especially during active weather.

4. Hidden Corrosion Exposed by Sandblasting

Cold weather combined with road salt and moisture accelerates corrosion. When a piece of equipment is sandblasted in winter, hidden problems often appear:

• Pitted metal

• Weak welds

• Rust-through areas

• Structural metal thinning

Scott’s Welding can sandblast, repair the damage, and finish with powder coating for longterm protection.