Price for 1992 Lt30

[badger1]

Wondering what the fair price is for a supposedly clean Lt30. I had an instructor on a log building class that purchased a 1990 model for around 6k that just needed paint. We used it in class as it worked flawlessly. The gentlemen selling the Lt30 I am looking at is asking 9k and that seems a bit steep to me, wondering what the general consensus is and if I have room to negotiate based off the market. 

I like the simplicity of the older models and will be only using it for personal use, not a business so something close to 10k seems high to me, I'd like to be closer to half that for it to make sense financially for my own projects and as a hobby.  

Although, if a guy purchased for 9k and it would never be worth less than 3-4k then I may be able to justify it in that it is only essentially costing me around 4-5k to use for as long as I'd like. If I were to keep it for 4-5 years at a cost of 1k a year that seems reasonable...but I suppose anything is justifiable if a guy wants it. 

Just looking for those more familiar with the models etc for your .02

Thank you 

[paul case]

Is it hydraulic? That could be your price difference. I gave 10k for a 94 lt 40 hyd, abd still have it and use it. The second one I bought was also a 94 LT40 hd and I gave 12k for it and sold it for 11k after we used it for 2 years.

PC

[badger1]

Add said manual mill will power feed head, power up and down...does that help?

[47sawdust]

9k is steep for a standard(non-hydraulic) mill.I paid 8k for my 1997 Lt30 back in 2010.Excellent shape,granted it was a good deal,keep looking,spring is coming and trading fever starts to climb.

[Wisconsintimber]

Is that the one on cl? If so it looks to be in pretty good condition, I saw the add a couple of weeks ago.  If it's maintained and kept up I don't see that it would drop below 5k in 4-5 years?  It doesn't have a turner or loader though so that might be plenty $.  Those are 2 of the most labor intensive jobs with sawing and it depends on what other support equipment you have to handle the logs with as well.
I don't have a turner or loader on my mill but make due and load with a skid steer.  As for turning, logs 20" and down are pretty manageable and quick to turn with a cant hook.  Its those 25" and larger logs when I really wish I had a turner.

[Resonator]

Check around, somewhere Wood-Mizer has a chart for older mill price values. For buying a 26 year old manual mill, that price is getting close to the cost of a brand new LT15 Go.

[badger1]

Yeah this is the one on CL for those of you in WI area. I agree I'm thinking more along the line of 5-6k for fair value but I havent checked WM website yet. I dont need one ASAP, but have cash ready if its a fair deal, just thinking this asking price is a little high for what it is. Agreed that if you're knocking on the price of a newer machine its probably better to go that route. 

[paul case]

It would have to be in real good shape for me to want it.

I wouldn't want a non hydraulic mill.

PC

[badger1]

Yeah I've considered that, as any sort of large cutting means you'll have to have a piece of machinery accompany it to lift/move the logs and lift them onto the table...complicates things..I can position a log to the side no problem with an arch etc but getting it up on the table (more than once assuming multiple logs) takes the fun out of it

[PAmizerman]

I think that is a bit steep for that mill. My first mill was a 1992 lt30 manual. I picked it up for 6k back in 2012. I'd ask the guy if he is taking offers. 

[GAB]

I'd be the one to show up with $5000.00 in $100 dollar bills and see what he says.  If he says no, give him a piece of paper with your name and number and tell him your offer is good for 30 days unless you find something else, and walk.
Lots of sellers will refuse an offer and a few days later will be more than willing to accept it.
What have you got to lose.  A little time.
That's my small change thought on the issue.
Gerald