If you run an excavator or loader in Calgary, you already know what gravel, clay and rock do to steel. Cutting edges round over, corners thin out and buckets wear faster than anyone would like. Hard facing is one of the most effective ways to slow that wear down, and it’s a service we perform every day at Fabrication Pros.
What is hard facing?
Hard facing (also written “hard facing”) means welding a wear-resistant layer onto the surface of a part that takes a beating. The layer is harder than the steel underneath it, so instead of the bucket wearing away, the hard-faced surface takes the abuse. The base metal keeps its strength and the part lasts longer.
Where hard facing is used on a bucket
Hard facing goes where wear is worst. On excavator and loader buckets that usually means:
- Cutting edges
- Side cutters and corners
- Teeth and adapters
- The leading edge of the bucket floor
- Other areas that constantly grind against material
What kind of wear does hard facing fight?
Different digging conditions damage steel in different ways:
- Abrasion: sand, gravel and soil grinding the steel away over time.
- Impact: rock and frozen ground hitting the bucket hard enough to chip or crack it.
- A mix of both: common on Alberta job sites, where conditions change from one dig to the next.
The right hard facing product depends on which of these your machine faces most. Choosing the wrong one can mean the layer cracks, chips or wears out sooner than it should, which is why the material and technique matter as much as the weld itself.
Hard facing vs. waffling
People often ask how hard facing differs from waffling. They work together rather than compete. Hard facing puts a wear-resistant layer on edges, teeth and corners. Waffling lays a grid of weld beads across the bucket’s floor and sides so material slides over the beads instead of grinding directly on the steel. Many buckets benefit from both.
| Hard facing | Waffling | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Wear-resistant weld layer | Grid pattern of weld beads |
| Typical location | Edges, teeth, corners | Floor and sidewalls |
| Main purpose | Resist abrasion on leading surfaces | Protect large surfaces from sliding wear |
When should a bucket be hard faced?
The best time is before the wear becomes serious. Hard facing a new or rebuilt bucket helps protect the steel from day one. On a used bucket, it works best while the base metal is still in good shape. If the bucket is badly worn through, cracked or warped, it may need repair first, or replacement. Not sure which applies to yours? Have it looked at before the damage gets worse.
Hard facing in the shop or on your job site
Downtime costs money, so we come to you when that makes sense. Our mobile welding repair service covers Calgary and surrounding areas, and larger jobs can be handled in the shop. If you want a broader look at what we do for excavators, loaders, dozers and attachments, see our heavy equipment welding and repair page.
Get your bucket looked at
If your bucket edges are rounding over or you want to protect a new one, we can help. Visit the Fabrication Pros homepage to see all our welding and fabrication services, or contact us for a free quote.
Contact us with any questions you may have.
