VERTI-SHIELD welding is a unique welding process used on P&H 9020 draglines. It is a specialized adaptation of the submerged-arc welding process used for joining thick material in a vertical position.

The Verti-shield welding process has been used in manufacturing plants for many years. What makes Verti-shield unique on the P&H 9020 is the joint configuration and the field application. P&H and Lincoln Electric Company worked together to develop and patent the welding procedure used in this phase of the 9020 erection.