Author Topic: Woodmizer advice needed please (Read 1839 times)

Brad_S. · « **on:** February 08, 2019, 09:44:32 PM »

I have never been a fan of this brand but I find myself in need of a higher production electric sawmill that can saw 24’ beams and I need it soon and on a budget.

Unfortunately, the only saw I can find on the used market that will fit the bill is it Woodmizer LT70. I found it after hours this evening so I can’t call Woodmizer for assistance and I am looking for answers to two questions:

1) I will need to add an extension. Is it as simple as bolting the extension on or are there cables and lines that must be elongated to cover the extra 6 feet? I assume that is the case and is lengthening the cables and cords an extensive project?

2) The mill has 8000 hours on it. I know if that was a gas or diesel engine machine, that would be considered long in the tooth. It appears the machine has been kept under cover its whole life. Are the high hours something to be wary of?

I will be hard-pressed to visit the machine before committing to it. I hate to buy sight unseen but circumstances may necessitate it. If I do get a chance to look at it, what should I be looking for? Are there bearings that wear on the cantilevered head that would tend to make it sloppy? The DC motors on Woodmizers have always caused me to shake my head. What is the life expectancy of those units?

What else should I be concerned about? Buying this unit will either cause me to modify my distaste for Woodmizer or reinforce my negative perception! There is a chance for you Woodmizer fans to win a convert over!

Thanks in advance.

Southside · « **Reply #1 on:** February 08, 2019, 10:06:38 PM »

I can tell you that on my 70 with the remote there are no cables, lines, etc needed for the extension, just bolt on the frame unit and install the chain. Is the unit you are looking at a walk along or remote?

As far as hours go, completely depends on maintenance and the operator. 8,000 is really not long in the tooth if the mill was maintained, 2000 is quite old if the oil has never been changed.

The head is stabilized by four cam rollers that ride on two rails, not a terribly expensive item if they need to be replaced.

Really hard to evaluate anything that is sight unseen. Is it near a WM dealer that you could pay to look it over and give you an estimate on what if anything it needs?

Brad_S. · « **Reply #2 on:** February 08, 2019, 10:16:01 PM »

Thanks southside logger. I hadn’t thought about contacting Woodmizer to have them inspect it. The mill is located somewhere in Kentucky. I’ll have to search their dealership network.

The mill has the remote console. Remote operation has been a very important criteria in my search.

LeeB · « **Reply #3 on:** February 08, 2019, 10:29:21 PM »

Just curious, what is it that turns you off about WM mills?

Brad_S. · « **Reply #4 on:** February 08, 2019, 10:36:51 PM »

I could go on a full blown rant with a laundry list of reasons but that would serve no useful purpose. I will just say that I have always thought them to be a case of the emperors new clothes.

LeeB · « **Reply #5 on:** February 08, 2019, 10:42:05 PM »

Dodge, Ford, Chevy I guess. We all have our preferences.

PAmizerman · « **Reply #6 on:** February 08, 2019, 10:52:21 PM »

I don't think an extension can be added to a remote mill. Best to confirm with woodmizer. If you don't like woodmizer just curious why you aren't going with another brand?

Brad_S. · « **Reply #7 on:** February 08, 2019, 11:01:21 PM »

Thank you for that heads up. I will check with them hey soon as they open Monday.

Expediency is the main reason I am even considering a WM. There are not a lot of higher end electric mills on the used market. I thought I had found the absolute perfect unit, the biggest Timber Harvester they ever produced, but the seller decided to hang onto the machine at the last minute. I don’t have a lot of time to sit back and wait for another brand of mill to show up on the market.

Southside · « **Reply #8 on:** February 08, 2019, 11:04:40 PM »

Ironically I called WM today to get a quote on an extension for my 70, which is why I have those answers. They are open tomorrow FYI

PAmizerman · « **Reply #9 on:** February 08, 2019, 11:10:37 PM »

@Southside logger if it's a remote wouldn't you have to add to the cat track and the cables that run through it?

WV Sawmiller · « **Reply #10 on:** February 08, 2019, 11:36:59 PM »

I'd suggest you wait till you find a mill you will be happy with. I've had vehicles in the past I did not really want and was not happy till I traded them off for the one I wanted. Why go through that grief?

charles mann · « **Reply #11 on:** February 08, 2019, 11:41:31 PM »

Quote from: WV Sawmiller on February 08, 2019, 11:36:59 PM

I'd suggest you wait till you find a mill you will be happy with. I've had vehicles in the past I did not really want and was not happy till I traded them off for the one I wanted. Why go through that grief?

kinda like marriage.

Dave Shepard · « **Reply #12 on:** February 09, 2019, 01:13:45 AM »

Command Control mills, the ones with the cat track, can only accept a 6' extension. On an LT70, that gives you approximately a 26' capacity. It's just a bolt on deal, very easy. Make sure the ends of the rails are drilled for it. I think all 70's are new enough to be drilled. I'm not sure, but an LT70AC might not use DC motors.

Percy · « **Reply #13 on:** February 09, 2019, 03:58:58 AM »

I have a 2003 LT70. Has 11500 hours on it. It has worn out some stuff but the motor is still running like new(Kubota 42hp). I have a a remote with a 6 foot extension. Didnt have to do anything to the cat track. Apparently for 6 foot extensions, it isnt needed......back then anyways.
edit; What Dave and Southside said

If you need serious production, get a receiving table of some sort and good helper. After your production ends or runs out, you can sell it easy and go back to disliking them

tacks Y · « **Reply #14 on:** February 09, 2019, 08:25:22 AM »

Did you see there is a 70 on here for sale? Also I saw one on Lumberman's Digest.

petefrom bearswamp · « **Reply #15 on:** February 09, 2019, 08:40:42 AM »

Victor isnt that far from Hannibal.
Take a short road trip.
BTW I like WM and GM trucks.
Have I had some issues with my WM mills? And GM trucks?
Yup./
But then if it is alive it will die, or get sick and if it is mechanical it will wear out or break.

47sawdust · « **Reply #16 on:** February 09, 2019, 08:46:10 AM »

WM Indy is open til noon on Saturday.
Good luck with your new venture.

GAB · « **Reply #17 on:** February 09, 2019, 08:54:22 AM »

Quote from: tacks Y on February 09, 2019, 08:25:22 AM

Did you see there is a 70 on here for sale? Also I saw one on Lumberman's Digest.

That is correct.
The ad shows an area code of 559 which I think is California.
Brad is showing NY in his avatar.
(2014 W-M LT70 HD DCS Wide)
Can you say road trip.
Gerald

tule peak timber · « **Reply #18 on:** February 09, 2019, 09:17:15 AM »

We just got rid of our Lt70 wide (400 hours )a couple of months ago. My parents taught me if you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all. So I will just be quiet !

stihltoomany · « **Reply #19 on:** February 09, 2019, 10:40:22 AM »

What did you replace the lt70 with them just curious

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Author Topic: Woodmizer advice needed please (Read 1839 times)

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