So i finally got my new 2006 (new to me) machine in tonight! I bought it from Cowin equipment in Georgia last year and have not had time to go get it. i bought it knowing that the boom had been cracked and repaired by Cowin. They used a diamond shape plate on both sides and the top. Then they welded all the way around the boom. I dealer friend of mine said that wasnt all that uncomin for the Tak machines. He said that it does make it worth a bit less but after repaired they are usually stronger. What do you seasoned vets think of this repair?? looks like it was well done, only thing i didnt like was that they didnt feather the grinder marks before painting.
A buddy of mine here has a Tb180 and has had difficulty with it overheating and the hyd. are not acting right. They have never been able to make it right. He has been pretty pissed over the entire deal. He has two 153's and those run great. The 180 never has been right.
Your buddy is probably right - it's likely stronger than stock. If you don't like the grinder marks.. grind it some more, smooth it out, repaint