Drag back

Bruno of NH · April 20, 2019, 09:47:45 AM

Is there a drag back option for my new lt40 wide I have on order?
If so does anyone have one?
Your input please

Magicman · April 20, 2019, 01:25:41 PM

I don't see a board dragback option listed for the standard LT40HD: LINK

Probably has to do with the size of the power feed motor. ???

Bandmill Bandit · April 20, 2019, 02:38:54 PM

I put a manual board return on my LT40 and then changed to the LT40 Super feed drive about 2 weeks later. The small motor on the standard Hydraulic will die very quickly using the board return. It just DOESNT have the torgue to do the job.

123maxbars · April 20, 2019, 03:11:15 PM

My 40 Wide I recently ordered should be ready first of May, the drag back was an option that I included around $550

Bruno of NH · April 20, 2019, 03:43:46 PM

Nathan,
Did you get a super?
Mine on order is the Lt40 wide,38hp gas,debarker, and command controls .
I would like a drag back if it an option.
Bruno

Crossroads · April 20, 2019, 04:01:46 PM

I added the manual board return to mine, but was on a job with big logs cutting 1x12's. That's when I discovered that I couldn't make a 12" deep cut with it on, so I removed it. I'll be cutting a bunch of 1x8 siding in the near future and will probably put it back on. Sounds like I may need to upgrade my feed motor first though.

YellowHammer · April 20, 2019, 05:05:06 PM

My LT40 non super dragback lasted several years and was working when I sold it. Woodmizer told me they had changed or upgraded or something most of the motors on the mill throughout the years to increase life and I assumed that was one of them but don't know. I have a bad hip and figured I'd rather have the motor die than me, but it kept on running. I certainly didn't drag back cross ties or stuff like that, only lumber.

I did pop my breaker occasionally but when it did I would reset it, clear that board by hand and get back to it. Never burned out the breaker or the motor. The breaker protected the motor seemingly quite well.

The video of me dragging red oak boards I made a few years ago was made with the same motor I sold the mill with. I used my dragback shoe and it will also drag back and carry the board across the roller table.

Magicman · April 20, 2019, 05:46:46 PM

I removed the board dragback soon after I bought my sawmill. It didn't work well with portable sawing plus dealing with that extra table. My main issue was the encroachment of the throat height above the sawmill blade. For my operation I have never seen the need for it nor regretted removing it.

Bruno of NH · April 20, 2019, 06:46:36 PM

I was thinking just for boards not like 6x6 or anything like that.

Bruno of NH · April 20, 2019, 06:51:50 PM

Also I have been trying to walk without my walker.
Little steps each day.
The last 3 days over 15 to 20 ft each day.
It doesn't seem like much to most but to me it was a great feeling.
2 of those days I got in and out of the tractor.
Driving the tractor has been one of the most painful things for some reason.

Chuck White · April 20, 2019, 07:15:18 PM

Once in a while I will drag a few boards back with the blade itself!

If you elect to do that, just make sure that you disengage the blade first or it will come off of the blade wheels!

Hilltop366 · April 20, 2019, 07:24:42 PM

I find tractor cabs are awkward to get in and out of at the best of times, with a small entrance at your feet you kind of got to side shuffle and back in there and then the steering wheel is in the way. All from a tiny step(s) that are too high off the ground.

So it got me to wondering if it would help if you made a dock with a ramp and hand rail that you could park the tractor next to to help getting in and out of the tractor.

btulloh · April 20, 2019, 07:45:31 PM

Good report Bruno and good progress. Keep after it and enjoy the small victories. Over time they add up.

It seems like tractors require quite a bit of ballet training. I've noticed that it gets harder as the age increases. That's my take on it. Some of the new stuff has more room on the platform, and the transmission tunnel is lower. None of my tractors have any of that though. Mine get more cramped and all the non-skid surfaces seem like the zamboni came by a slicked 'em up real good.

Stay safe.

Bandmill Bandit · April 20, 2019, 08:59:59 PM

The above picture of the mod to the board return arm is a significant reduction in load to the motor because the the majority weight of the lumber is supported by the mill head which transfers that to the roller suspension system that the head rides on.

When doing larger dimensions I raise the roller toe boards and lift the far end with my modified drag back arm to pull back the lumber. I actually have to be careful NOT to send it hurdling off the end of the scramble table as it comes off the mill.

If you have a good roller s et up and the lip to lift the lumber you will probably be just fine with the standard drive motor.

Southside · April 20, 2019, 09:14:57 PM

Bruno - that's great news!! In order to see the actual progress you have to look back to when you could not take those steps and realize that you are getting better and stronger. I have personally walked in those shoes twice and know how frustrating it is. Had an older friend who would come by and give me a hard time because my walker didn't have the fancy hand brake and tennis balls on the bottom. He was just trying to keep my spirits up. Just keep pushing ahead, make it through the next one second and repeat, that's all you need to do and you will put time and distance behind you.

Tom the Sawyer · April 20, 2019, 10:19:08 PM

Seems like a lot of equipment (tractors, skid steers, forklifts) were designed for operators who are 5'10", 165 pounds, with size 8 feet. At 6'3", 250 and size 13, a lot of things don't fit... and that was before I got old.

RichTired · April 21, 2019, 10:20:55 AM

They may be using the same design handbook used for airplane seats. :D

luap · April 21, 2019, 10:45:24 AM

Quote from: Bruno of NH on April 20, 2019, 06:51:50 PM
Also I have been trying to walk without my walker.
Little steps each day.
The last 3 days over 15 to 20 ft each day.
It doesn't seem like much to most but to me it was a great feeling.
2 of those days I got in and out of the tractor.
Driving the tractor has been one of the most painful things for some reason.

Keep looking forward. I want to encourage you by my experience. two months ago I lost my ability to balance, the use of my left side and needless to say could not walk due to swelling-water on the brain. After treatments which are still ongoing and therapy I am now walking again. Balance not totally back but getting there. I thought I was headed to long term care and came back from the edge. I identify with you where you are at.

123maxbars · April 21, 2019, 01:04:00 PM

Quote from: Bruno of NH on April 20, 2019, 03:43:46 PM
Nathan,
Did you get a super?
Mine on order is the Lt40 wide,38hp gas,debarker, and command controls .
I would like a drag back if it an option.
Bruno

I did not get the super,
mine is exactly like yours except I got the drag back and also the Diesel instead of gas,

Bruno of NH · April 21, 2019, 01:30:37 PM

Quote from: 123maxbars on April 21, 2019, 01:04:00 PM
Quote from: Bruno of NH on April 20, 2019, 03:43:46 PM
Nathan,
Did you get a super?
Mine on order is the Lt40 wide,38hp gas,debarker, and command controls .
I would like a drag back if it an option.
Bruno
I did not get the super,
mine is exactly like yours except I got the drag back and also the Diesel instead of gas,

Great can't wait for mine.
Looking forward for a movie of yours.
I'm also getting an edger

123maxbars · April 21, 2019, 03:33:32 PM

Mine is suppose to be ready on May 6, I also got the lube mizer, Fine adjustment outriggers and the high performance blade guides, WM told me I got every option for this mill but the laser.

An edger might be in my future but I need a planer now so I got that coming instead.
when is yours ready?

123maxbars · April 21, 2019, 03:46:45 PM

@Bruno of NH sounds like you have a great mill headed your way, I would reach out to WM on the drag back, they told me it was a standard option on the 40s now. I went with the gas initially but @YellowHammer suggested the diesel since the majority of what I cut is wide live edge slabs currently and I could use the extra torque on making the wide cuts.

Bruno of NH · April 21, 2019, 04:09:27 PM

Some time in June 8)
The edger comes in May 8)

YellowHammer · April 21, 2019, 08:29:53 PM

I'm glad you guys are getting your mills, I think each will be really good for your operations.

The drag back modification I came up with many years ago is such an integral part of sawing efficiently, I am trying to figure out how I'm going to incorporate it on my 70. It will lift and carry a board and virtually remove the load on your head motors and allow you to put the board anywhere you want it.

Here are a few links where I documented the design and improvements over the years.

Useful sawmill mods in Sawmills and Milling

Useful sawmill mods in Sawmills and Milling

Useful sawmill mods in Sawmills and Milling

Useful sawmill mods in Sawmills and Milling