Help needed slabbing 48" by 16 foot poplar trunk into table top

[Kerrymr]

I have a 17 foot long by 48" tulip poplar log that I want to slab out a couple of table tops and benches. It was cut 3 weeks ago and anchor seal was applied. The heart is solid on both ends. I want to get 3 inch thick tops. I am in sw Georgia. I have a mill that will do it for half the lumber if I transport the log to the mill. I'm not equipped to transport a 5 ton log. I was told a roll back wrecker could come load it and transport it but I haven't gotten a quote on that.

How much should I expect someone to slab that for?

[fishpharmer]

Starting at $100 per hour. 

[richhiway]

Look for a guy with a mill or chainsaw mill to come to you. It would save a lot of time and handling. Check Craigslist.

[WDH]

Check with Forum member BillyB.

[Seaman]

I would be happy to come slab it for you with our Lucas slabber.
I get $2 per mile travel. and $85 per hour sawing.

Just let us know.
Frank

[Kerrymr]

Seaman, that would be great except the 300 miles is killing my budget on the deal. Surely someone in south ga/north fl has a slabber that they could come do it with. I found a great sawmill about 60 miles away that will do it for half the slabs but I haven't found a transporter yet to do it for a reasonable price. The rollbacks say they can't drag it on since it's so long and heavy.

[Kerrymr]

Thanks for the WDH, I reached out to BillyB but no response yet.

[TKehl]

The rollbacks say they can't drag it on since it's so long and heavy.

Have you talked to equipment (tractor, construction, etc.) haulers or just guys used to moving cars?  The equipment haulers have heavier rollbacks and winches.  A local tractor dealer or equipment rental yard would put you in the right direction and may even be able to do the work.  Got to figure they'll charge $3/mile one way (at least around here) plus a loading fee.