This specification applies to all structural welds(Footnote 1) used in the manufacture of earthmoving and construction equipment.(Footnote 2) It reflects the welding practices employed by manufacturers within the industry and incorporates various methods which have been proven successful by individual manufacturers.(Footnote 3) 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 technological progress in the welding of earthmoving and construction equipment, nor should any such limitation be inferred. Design criteria for allowable stresses for the base and filler metals 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

(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 written welding procedure specifications (WPSs)(Footnote 4)

(4) Recording and maintaining results of all welder performance and procedure qualification tests

(5) Controlling use of designated base metals and consumables

(6) Inspecting the welds to the requirements of this specification

(7) Ensuring a safe welding environment and safe welding practice (see Annex D)

Footnote 1. - Structural welds are defined as welds which carry the primary working loads during normal operations.

Footnote 2. - For purposes of this specification, earthmoving and construction equipment is described as self-propelled, on and off-highway machinery. 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.

Footnote 3. - Manufacturer means the organization responsible for the performance of the work covered by this specification.

Footnote 4. - Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) - A document providing the required welding variables for a specific application to assure repeatability by properly trained welders and welding operators.