I'm again looking at upgrading to hydraulic. I'm only considering it cause I may be able to get it cheap. My question is, two fold. First, how are the side supports controlled. The hyd levers don't show the side supports. Second, although this mill has very low hours, it is the old style so no 2 plane clamp, and an auto clutch can't be added. Any of you have comments about these older Hyd mills? I now have a LT30 manual . I've added autoclutch, debarker, and an electric winch on the log loader. Am I going to realize a big benefit of going to the older Hyd mill?
The back stops are on the same lever as the turner. The stops come up first, then the turner is activated. Can't help you with the other questions.
Nick
You can add a 2 plane clamp if not the one WM has build your own, Look at the post I did on a lt28 with hyd added.
Sam
Thought I'd bump this up again. Still looking for opinions on the older style HD mill over a manual mill. Just don't know how much benefit the old style hydraulics are over manual.
Depends on how much you like to use a cant hook. The hydraulics are not like a Super, but they sure beat the grunt work.
I noticed a pretty big difference going from manual to hydraulic. Try watching the woodmizer videos enough to get an idea of how long different processes ( loading, turning, ect.) take. Then while you are sawing on your mill run a comparison in your head. I used this method and it was pretty easy to see that a hydraulic would produce a lot more in a day. The two main differences in old and new are the clamp and roller toe boards,the new stuff is nice, but I think even the older hydraulics would be way faster than manual.
i almost bought a '95 model woodmizer (I think), I'm glad I didn't.
I bought a 2006 model instead, and I really like the 2 plane clamp. being able to flip the cants with the clamp is very useful.
Without the hydraulic strength of the Super, I could not have had my good day today.
In addition to 2X6 & 2X4's, we sawed 6X6's, 4X6's 4X8's and 4X12's. (for building Grist Mills) That's heavy stuff coming off of 26 & 28" logs.
I realize that is bumping the $$$ up, but every bell and whistle has an advantage.