Fixing broken front handle

[agg221]

I think the purpose of the tapering off of the weld might have been to reduce this risk. Or would the heat of the welding weaken the adjacent area?

 

It will be weakened in the adjacent area (HAZ) and being an aluminium alloy rather than steel you can't heat treat this out, but because this is a tube you can 'stagger' the HAZ at different points top and bottom. The weld overlay, if run correctly, will not create a full thickness HAZ and the reinforcement provided will transfer more of the stress through the bottom of the tube than the top. The design imposed greater tensile stress on the bottom than on the top, so it should carry the load through the thickened section (note it has failed at the change in section).

 

I would also use an a-tig flux to cut the power input needed, reducing the HAZ.

 

Alec

[woody paul]

Tried ARB Ireland thay may have a handle.

[GardenKit]

i reckon the part number is 5018075-01 (or 05)

Uk price is £40.93 plus vat

 

10 minutes to fit and will last another 20 years.

 

Pro welding will cost that, plus running around to find a welder, plus its work hardened Aluminium, so it WILL break again.

 

Just order a new one and replace it. simples.

[Cat 793]

theres a 181 on ebay the now spares or repair cheap 3.5 days to go

[daltontrees]

Tried ARB Ireland thay may have a handle.

 

Thanks. There's nothing on their website but I may give them a ring.

[daltontrees]

theres a 181 on ebay the now spares or repair cheap 3.5 days to go

 

I spotted that, thanks. Cheap so far, but now you've told everybody....

 

My top cover is cracked too and a missing O ring on my petrol cap, so it would be useful to have. It looks a bit knackered though.

[Cat 793]

I spotted that, thanks. Cheap so far, but now you've told everybody....

 

My top cover is cracked too and a missing O ring on my petrol cap, so it would be useful to have. It looks a bit knackered though.

 

oops my bad should have pmd lol

[daltontrees]

The Epilogue:

 

After trying to get a bit of tubing to insert inside the broken haldle, I gave up. My blacksmith wouldn't touch it either. So I asked my Husky dealer if he could get me a new handle. Yes but £65. So I looked on eBay, none for sale except in the States. I spotted the cheapest one and watched it. The delay was because unless it's below £15 you pay VAT and duty to bring it in to UK. It was $25. The exchange rate made that about £15.50. So I watched and watched and 2 days before the closing date the exchange rate snuck up and the price was £14.99. So I bought it. It arrived from Florida 4 days later. I just put it on, took about 5 minutes. It fitted perfectly and looks well made enough to outlive the saw. No duty or VAT paid to HMRC.

 

Thanks again for all help but this was the sanest and cheapest solution in the end.

[scottfarm]

I love my 181se. Bought it new in 1986 with a bow on it. I have never done anything but work the devil out of it. Great saw but hell to crank when it is cold outside.

[daltontrees]

I love my 181se. Bought it new in 1986 with a bow on it. I have never done anything but work the devil out of it. Great saw but hell to crank when it is cold outside.

 

I know, great saw. In winter I have to put the trigger lock on, full choke and get the tip of the 26" bar under a log. Means you can put your back into it. Usually fires after 2 pulls. Then take choke off and do it again and it always goes right away. Gotta get the throttle lock off immediately though, or the clutch will suffer.