Do you leave the mill on site?

[leroy in kansas]

Reading the threads in the form I notice reference to the mill being x amount of miles away. As well as reference to days of sawing at a location. This has started me wondering how many leave their mills on location when the job last longer than one day? What precaution do you take to hopefully assure the mill is still there when you return? If you break down the setup and return the next day, do you charge another setup fee? Thanks, Leroy

[Jim_Rogers]

Security is always an issue.

If there is any question, I get out my portable floor jack and raise up one wheel and take the tire off. And take it with me.

I always use a trailer hitch lock as well.

Jim Rogers

[T Welsh]

Only at a trusted jobsite. if not trusted then it is blocked in by machines or logs. there are times that the mill has to stay over night or two, and I am a wreck until I see it the next morning. Tim

[Magicman]

I always leave the sawmill at a job site.  The sawhead is lowered all of the way down, so without some knowledge, the sawmill would be virtually impossible to move/steal.  I never leave any tools, even at secured locations.

I have never experienced any mischief or vandalism.

[Buck]

Same here MM. Always pack up tools too.

[pnyberg]

I leave the head at the hitch end of the mill and take the key.  Never had a problem.  Of course the first time will be one too many. 

--Peter

[Peter Drouin]

I put A log on the mill and clamp it, I put a log on the loader arms too, have the key in my pocket. all so have a hitch lock on it. and if it;s gone in the moring I call the ins company for a new one  :D :D :D

[two tired]

unless it is a verry secure location i take my mill home with me.

[POSTON WIDEHEAD]

Getcha a  mean dog and chain him to the mill at night!   

[isawlogs]

 I seldom bring my mill home when sawing, But contrary to Peter, I leave my mill just after the axle with a log on the mill and one on the loader. I don't like the idea of anyone being able to play with the hydraulics while I ain there or worst having the controls turning on and the pump running.. I just feel better with the mill past the contact bar  :D
I also live where theft and vandalisme is not as high as in certain places I have read here.

[terrifictimbersllc]

I do if I am coming back the next day and the location seems secure.  Otherwise no.  My truck gets about 18 mpg on the highway with stuff in the back and about 15-17 towing.  So it doesn't mean that much.    I put a big log on it, clamped, and put the head all the way to the front, all the way down, and chain it up there with an Abus motorcycle chain.  It would take a flatbed tow truck or similar to steal it like that.   Vandalism is more of a concern but one can only do so much.  If it got trashed I would take the insurance money and get an LT-70.      I also take the diesel and water tanks.  And put the mill head and control head covers on.  Usually leaving at dark and back at first light.   

Regarding setting up again I usually give up to 30 min free setup for a substantial day's sawing so no.  Besides setup only takes 10 min, right, like it says in the brochures?  ;)

[learydeere]

I always leave it on site if it seems secure.  I also always cover it and take the blade off in case somebody gets messing with it they dont get cut and i have a lawsuit

[customdave]

I will leave my mill if I think its a secure site, which is out of site, but still use a coupler lock in the ball socket & a stainless steel pin lock threw the latching mechinusm . I have two aluminum tool boxes mounted on my mill that all tools , cant hooks , hookaroon, spade etc that are also lockable ;)...

              Dave

[cypresskayaksllc]

I leave mine. Most of the time its out in the country. Little chance of mischief. 

[Tom the Sawyer]

Leroy,

Most my jobs are completed in a single day but if it takes longer, the mill goes home with me.  After 31 years in law enforcement I've seen some really secure things disappear and I like my mill.  There is very little difference in gas mileage with or without the mill.  I do charge a travel fee but discount it 50% for additional days, whether it is the next day or a year later.

[terrifictimbersllc]

I have two aluminum tool boxes mounted on my mill that all tools , cant hooks , hookaroon, spade etc that are also lockable ;)...

              Dave

Very interesting can we get a picture?

[Brucer]

Yes I do, but I don't leave the hitch on site  ;D.

[wfontjr]

i live 160 miles away from a piece of property i own. i plan on leaving my mill there over the spring/summer also, any more suggestions to keep it secure

[Magicman]

Rats and mice cause damage gnawing on wiring and rubber hoses.  They also love to build nest and pee on everything.   :-\

[terrifictimbersllc]

I blew my frame full of red pepper last year no new problems yet.

[isawlogs]

 Only issue I have ever had leaving my mill on site was stoopid cows and calves eating my wiring harness for the lights.   >:(

[Magicman]

I blew my frame full of red pepper last year no new problems yet. 

We finally got the thread around to food.

I have also had various cattle and horses rubbing, crapping, and biting on the covers, etc.  Many mornings we first have to have a cleanup detail.   :-\

[terrifictimbersllc]

Maybe need to spray red pepper on the outside of the mill too.   The super hot Mexican jalapeno kind where you have to be careful where you touch yourself after using it. 

[isawlogs]

 I am not going to ask how you know this !!!!!    :D

[Magicman]

And I'm not going to ask which particular spot the touched.