Older Woodmizer LT25 or new import mill

[ofarrell]

I' was set on buying a Woodland Mills HM130 or Frontier OS31 until I found a late 90s-early 2000s LT25 locally.  It looks like it's in fairly decent condition for its age.  Pricewise they are about the same cost   The Woodmizer looks substantially heavier built compared to Woodland or Frontier.  

Are parts still available for the LT25?  Do these things use anything that's proprietary? Can I upgrade the LT25 to use LT28 options?

Which would you choose?  New import mill or 20 year old Woodmizer?

[WV Sawmiller]

   Those are questions I would be asking Woodmizer. When you get their answer you can better make your decision. Good luck.

[Haleiwa]

My LT40HD was built in 88 and I have no trouble getting parts for it.  There isn't much to a Woodmizer that can't be serviced or replaced.  If the frame is straight and there isn't rust damage, I would go with the heavier mill.  Woodmizer support is generally very good.

[Slingshot]

    The LT25 would be more than 20 years old but if it is in good running condition that is the mill I would choose. I have owned several Woodmizers.

[firefighter ontheside]

I think I would be inclined to get the used, much more capable mill as long as everything was in working order.  I would think the engine would be the biggest question mark.  As WVsawmiller said, call Woodmizer with the serial number off the LT25.  They can give you any history they have of the mill and tell you about servicing it in the future.  Woodmizer has always been great for me to deal with, even as a third owner of my mill.  Sure, they are having delays with the pandemic.  I would much rather deal with an american company with the current situation than try to deal with a company on a different continent.

[ofarrell]

I just talked to the dealer.  He said they can go back as far as 92' for parts so it should be good to go on that.  He told me what to look for as far as wear and what may need to be replaced.  The mill has the original 15hp Kohler, still runs but who knows how much longer. Could be a month or 10 years. That's always an inherent risk.  Worst case scenario if it goes I can always find a nice 20+hp V-twin in the Kohler, Kawasaki or Briggs Vanguard variety.  Anyone have one of these?  How does the cut quality and ease of use compare to one of these new import jobs?

[Woodpecker52]

Forget the import, get the Woodmizer while you can!

[charles mann]

With the availability of parts still offered, machine is in good operable condition, keep americans employed. 

[jb616]

I am running an 84 lt30 that I found out in the woods while hunting!  I ran the 14hp kohler for a while until I got a 24hp Onan from @Jeff . I am able to get pretty much any parts I need from Woodmizer or otherwise and I had to restore the whole unit. 

[47sawdust]

The LT25 is a very good mill. Buy it,give it some love, and make sawdust.

[Nebraska]

Don't know where you are located, but before you buy an import, if you dont pull the trigger with the lt25 look at EZ Board walk as well, similar price point USA made.