Gas or Diesel for Edger

[Horselog]

I'm looking into engine powered edgers and am wondering if anyone can tell me if the diesel upgrade is worth the significant extra cost.  Depending on manufacturer and HP, diesel adds anywhere from $3300-$5800 to purchase price.  I know a diesel has a better torque curve, lasts longer, and is probably better on fuel, but is it worth the extra cost from an ROI standpoint? I am looking at a production application that will initially saw in the 5MBF/day range, primarily 4/4-8/4. 

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Magicman]

Check out the "For Sale" board below for an Edger in like new condition.

[bkaimwood]

The diesel will pay for itself in saved fuel consumption easily over its life, and much before that, despite diesel costing more per gallon than gas. Yes, diesels use that much less than their fuelvthan their gas counterparts, while performing better in the meantime, and lasting longer...so if its a short term investment, no...long term, yes. All my off road diesel equipment gets nearly twice the "mpg" of comparable gas powered equipment...

[ncsawyer]

I have never used an edger, so I cannot give any concrete evidence as to whether or not the diesel is worth the extra coin.  I would think that the initial cost would be offset (to some extent) by the higher re-sale value on the diesel powered units.

[sandsawmill14]

horselog i would certainly check the link mm posted that looks like a bargain to me

[Brucer]

Mine's a diesel, and I'm glad it is. When I realized that Mary was standing around too often, waiting for the next board to come through, I (secretly) switched over to the higher feed speed. The engine barely noticed the difference (Mary sure did, though :D).

[bkaimwood]

Mine's a diesel, and I'm glad it is. When I realized that Mary was standing around too often, waiting for the next board to come through, I (secretly) switched over to the higher feed speed. The engine barely noticed the difference (Mary sure did, though :D).

:D :D :D

[starmac]

No experience with any edger, but I would think it would be along the same lines of any equipment. For light use gas would be fine, for commercial production use, diesel always trumps gas.

[Cazzhrdwd]

No experience with any edger, but I would think it would be along the same lines of any equipment. For light use gas would be fine, for commercial production use, diesel always trumps gas.

Agreed, seems to me though it would be a bit of a waste of time to haul a portable sawmill and edger around to do one/two day custom sawing. A better way would be an electric 3ph motor, if no 3ph is available a power converter would be in order. Electric would be much better than either gas or diesel.