I just learned of a woodmizer LT30 for sale in my area. What do I look for problems in a used woodmizer? What is a fair price range for it?
About the only thing that would turn down a sale would be bent frame.
The condition of the engine would be a high dollar item. Most of the rest is made up of replaceable parts that would be considered maintenance items. The better it had been maintained, the fewer of these will be of immediate impact.
The first things to go that affect operation are the electric motors and switches. If you haven't had too much experience with DC electric, you will now. The motor brushes are about the only maintenance, other than greasing drum switches.
The Roller guides have bearings that will need replacing fairly regularly and the rollers themselves less frequently. The rollers replacement is due to wear that cause them to become conical.
The cam follower bearings that the head of the mill runs on should be free.
Hydraulic handles, if it is a hydraulic mill, should be firm to the touch. If they are floppy, you may need centering springs and internal switches.
Don't be worried about the axle looking crooked, Woodmizers are built that way so that they trail in the same lane as the towing vehicle.
Not knowing age or condition, keep in mind that a sawmill is a machine that gets hard use. It's looks don't always signify its condition. If you suspect poor maintenance then be prepared to throw a lot of parts at it.
BTW I still haven't replaced any hydraulic hoses on my 93 HD-40 8) I would buy another used woodmizer in a heartbeat, though i would be wary of an engine with lotsa hours and as said a way under maintained one.
As Tom mentioned, unless the frame is bent, the rest is just parts. Make a list of things that need to be replaced and factor that into what you think the value of the mill is. The LT40G24 that I run has over 3000 hours on it and has had a relatively small amount of repair work done to it. Mostly drum switches and belts. The little Onan runs like a top, but it has has the oil changed every 25 hours since new.
Dave
If you get me the year and hours I can give you the Orange book value, If we have the customer # we can even look at what parts have been purchased. If it has options like Hydralics, Log deck package Debarker we can enter this also. Hours do not hurt these mills as long as the proper maintenance has been performed. Most all parts are still available for the very first mill built so parts are not a problem.
Marty
Marty check your mail
trapper
You should have the information. did you get it?
Marty
got it thanks Now i need to look at the mill in person. A friend told me of it and I only had a phone conversation with the owner.
bought it thanks all for the advice. more questions will be coming im sure
congratulations! you're in for some fun now!
Congratulations on getting your mill . Enjoy it.
John
Made my first board yesterday. Only problem with the mill was the operator. Wife came out to watch and i forgot to raise blade before putting carriage in reverse and knocked blade off band wheels with her watching.
Excellent 8)
So now she knows how to change a blade :D
:D :D :D :D Maybe learned a few new words too. Can you post some pictures?
trapper
Good one, and it should go in the "Crazy Things my Spouse Does" thread... :D :D :D :D
Surely is her fault for distracting you like that.. :) she hasn't lost her touch.
Pics of those new words would be great too.. :D :D ;D