This specification applies to all structural welds used in the manufacture and repair of earthmoving, construction, and agricultural equipment.¹ It reflects the welding practices employed by manufacturers within the industry and incorporates various methods which have been proven successful by individual manufacturers. No restrictions are placed on the use of any welding process or procedure, provided the weld produced meets the qualification requirements of this specification. No attempt is made to limit or restrict the welding technology progression of earthmoving, construction, and/or agricultural equipment manufacturing and repair, nor should any such limitation be inferred. Design criteria for allowable stresses for the base and weld metal and the fatigue analysis for welded joints are not published in the specification. The user shall utilize AWS D14.4, Specification for Welded Joints in Machinery and Equipment, or appropriate engineering practices and principles for design criteria.

The Manufacturer's adherence to this specification shall include responsibility for the following:

(1) welding, as defined in 1.1.1, in accordance with this specification;

(2) producing welds as designated on drawings by appropriate symbols and notes, with sufficient detail to show joint preparation compatible with applied processes;

(3) providing and using written welding procedure specifications (WPSs);

(4) ensuring that qualified welders are used to make welds;

(5) recording and maintaining results of all welder performance and procedure qualification tests;

(6) controlling use of designated base metals and consumables;

(7) inspecting the welds to the requirements of this specification;

(8) ensuring a safe welding environment and safe welding practice;

(9) having a quality system in place. The requirements of AWS B5.17, Specification for the Qualification of Welding Fabricators may be used as a guide in establishing this quality program. Accreditation of quality systems of welding fabricators may be obtained through the AWS Certified Welding Fabricator (CWF) or equivalent programs.

¹ For purposes of this specification, earthmoving, construction, and agricultural equipment are described as self-propelled, on and off-highway machinery and associated implements. Such products as crawlers, tractors, graders, loaders, off-highway trucks, power shovels, backhoes, mobile cranes, draglines, and similar equipment are considered to be included in this specification.