Preparing the mill for cold weather sawing

[DGK]

Thinking that some of you may be interested in the work that I am doing/have done to prepare the LT40 hydraulic for cold weather milling. The first thing that I did was to change over the hydraulic fluid to a HVI15 weight. This was a must for temperatures that were around -10C. It took awhile for the fluid to warm up, but once it did the hydraulics were reasonably fast. I should mention, that I have dual hydraulic pumps like that of a LT40 Super. To try and get production speed up a bit sooner, I installed a self-adhesive oil pan heater on the hydraulic reservoir that I use to preheat the oil. I have another one still to install on the second pump, but even one makes a noticeable difference. Engine oil is 5w30 synthetic.

The up/down gearbox is a bit slow running with the stock weight oil. If it warms up enough to change over the gear oil to something lighter, I will change it. In the mean time, I will add another heater to the gear box to warm it up before milling.

I am sawing small diameter spruce and use the 7 degree blades with 26-28 thousand set. The sawdust freezes on the boards, but the performance is good with nice flat cuts. Blade lube is a mix of windshield washer fluid (-45C), water, and Pine Sol.

If the engine starts giving me starting problems, I figure that I will add a heater to it as well.

Now to find some electric socks and gloves. :-)

[Peter Drouin]

When it's that bad -15° I call it a winter and feed the wood stove. or work in my wood shop.
  8) ;)

[4x4American]

Yea I find the hydraulics are really slow in the morning nowadays and it's not even cold yet.  I might do the same thing and switch to a lighter oil.

[bandmiller2]

Doug, my hat is off to you mate, suppose where you live you have little choice. I'am retired and seldom have to do anything right now. When the temp goes below 20f I quit operations its just too hard on all the equipment and the old duffer running them. If I were milling in a seriously cold climate I would have a snug mill building with south facing windows and some form of heat. The northeast lobstermen have a little trick they make a diamond tread floor under where they work and run engine coolant through it. If your feet are warm you are too. Frank C.

[ladylake]

I change my water jug to diesel.  Steve

[4x4American]

I like the radiant heat idea...yes we're working on the mill building to get it bundled in, as we're planning to saw all winter.  We're in the middle of an open field in a big valley and the wind just whips constantly.  There is a 30mile long lake on the other side of the valley so there is plenty of open area for the wind to pick up speed.  It can get fairly Canadian in a hurry over there  :D

[paul case]

What oil do you use that is getting stiff on you at those cold temps? I thoiught that running atf in the gearbox and the hydraulic pumps was the norm on a WM? That stuff pumps good at low temps for us.

I dont like the cold either. We are set up in a barn, but it has some air vents that I now can close off for the winter since we are all electric. I just havnt done it yet. We are supposed to get some snow and then lows in the teens and highs in the low 30's next week. That will be enough to keep me away some. My lungs cant stand the cold air. I wear a dust mask to warm it up and that helps but ................I wasnt made for working in an icebox, except in the summer! ;D

PC

[Magicman]

Wow Doug, my mind can not even imagine the ordinary things that you do to keep everything working at your temperatures, much less when it gets really cold.  I have sawed when the temperature was below freezing very few times. 

My admiration to you sir.   

[Luke_Eames]

Good call on getting things switched over.  I usually wait until the last minute!    I've never switched the oil in the gear box for the up/down but it's worth a try.  I heard that well be getting into the 30s and 20s next week so now's the rush to get the siding finished up and getting ready for the cold.  We've been getting a lot of rain over the last few weeks so now I'm hoping the cold comes in quickly to freeze the mud up. 

[scully]

Good to see someone outfitting for cold weather sawing . We have had mild weather so far 30's 40's F  . I still have a good amount of sawing to do and have been lucky so far .  I have a bunch of those Coleman white gas heaters , I was thinking of setting one under the hyd, motor box and also under the oil pan while my rubber tarp is over the engine and letting things warm up for a bit before I start up .

[dustintheblood]

Wow Doug, my mind can not even imagine the ordinary things that you do to keep everything working at your temperatures, much less when it gets really cold.  I have sawed when the temperature was below freezing very few times. 

My admiration to you sir.   

And Magicman, as another Canadian who loves the frigid cold when sawing at around +5F, I have to admit that I have no idea how you all deal with that heat down there.   I can add layers when I'm cold, but can only take off so many when it's hot before I risk being arrested for indecent exposure   :D :D :D :D

[DGK]

What oil do you use that is getting stiff on you at those cold temps? I thoiught that running atf in the gearbox and the hydraulic pumps was the norm on a WM? That stuff pumps good at low temps for us.

I dont like the cold either. We are set up in a barn, but it has some air vents that I now can close off for the winter since we are all electric. I just havnt done it yet. We are supposed to get some snow and then lows in the teens and highs in the low 30's next week. That will be enough to keep me away some. My lungs cant stand the cold air. I wear a dust mask to warm it up and that helps but ................I wasnt made for working in an icebox, except in the summer! ;D

PC

Hi Paul, I have been running ATF in the hydraulics but find it too heavy in the cold. The Wood-Mizer manual specs JV13 for really low temps, but it is not available here in town. The HVI 15 that I am using is a comparable product and works great. So good, that I replaced the reservoir in my dump deck on the truck with it this past week.

The gearbox oil is not supposed to be ATF. ATF is for the drive wheel bearing. The up/down gearbox uses a heavier Mobil Gear oil. I called the Wood-mizer dealer that I work with to discuss changing to a lighter gear oil. He could only recommend the Mobil product.

When I find a new industrial property to permanently set up my mill, I will erect a roof over it with some type of sliding side wall for winter operations.

[bandmiller2]

Doug, when ever you can use synthetic lubricants they stay fluid when dino oil is grease, it really helps. I used to run my circular mill all winter the Cat. diesel was in a small engine house with doors that vented hot radiator air to sawyer and off bearer. Frank C.

[4x4American]

Good to keep in mind about synthetic, hadn't thought about that.  And yea ATF in the hydraulics is too dang slow for me.  Every morning when I fire up the hydraulics are like that of a regular 40 I would say, maybe a little better, but idk.


The cold caught me off guard a week or two ago.  I hadn't converted my coolant from water to methanol yet, and the lines and pump all froze.  We had some 20F nights and that done it plus that wind prolly too.  I had my worker thaw it out with a mapp gas torch, didn't think he'd melt the pump on me but he melted alot of stuff lol.  The thing was leaking and at least it was just on the replaceable tip he melted a few holes through it.  Luckily he had crazy glue but it did take 24 hrs to set. 


And likewise for you southerners, I can take the cold but that heat, now that's something yawl can keep down there! 


There's people much more norther than me making it happen!  Once my left three fingers that had surgery and pins in them turn green I have to go and thaw them out then usually once they thaw once I can keep going for the rest of the day if I don't take lunch and warm up.


In my gearbox I run 80w-140 to help keep the gears from slipping.  In the drive bandwheel bearing I run atf. 

[bandmiller2]

At least when its cold no black flies and skeeters. ATF is available synthetic. Frank C.

[DGK]

It was a nice warm day today, only a few degrees below freezing with light flurries. Managed to mill 73 small logs 12-16' length into cants and boards in a 7 hour day (6 hours milling). Not too bad for making 4X4, 4X6, 6X6, 1X6 and a few 1X4's. All slabs strapped, boards stickered, and cants loaded on the truck for tomorrows delivery to the building supply yard. My helper took of his jacket this afternoon as he was getting too warm. :-) Next week -20C to -25C. Brrrrr.

[OlJarhead]

With the LT40 I've only milled down to 18F but have to say I started thinking about using the engine heat somehow to warm the water lube or perhaps get a black jug to absorb solar heat when the suns out (wouldn't have helped today).  Running -20 windshield washer fluid straight seemed to do the trick though and it's now my plan but I don't plan to mill anymore this winter.

One thing I was wondering is what you do for the tires?  Studs?  Chains?  Towing my mill down out of the snow and ice today was a bit hairy and it caused me to think about getting some tire chains for the mill which made me think:  it's time to put it up for the winter! lol

Good thing it's not my main job!

[DGK]

Hi OlJarhead, even though my mill is on wheels, it is set-up in one place. One day when I have a roof over it, the axle will be removed. :-)

[Brucer]

It looks like there's some winter work in my future as well -- but I'm more concerned about preparing the sawyer for cold weather sawing :D.

[Kbeitz]

With the LT40 I've only milled down to 18F but have to say I started thinking about using the engine heat somehow to warm the water lube or perhaps get a black jug to absorb solar heat when the suns out (wouldn't have helped today).  Running -20 windshield washer fluid straight seemed to do the trick though and it's now my plan but I don't plan to mill anymore this winter.

One thing I was wondering is what you do for the tires?  Studs?  Chains?  Towing my mill down out of the snow and ice today was a bit hairy and it caused me to think about getting some tire chains for the mill which made me think:  it's time to put it up for the winter! lol

Good thing it's not my main job!

 

This will work...

[OlJarhead]

Hi OlJarhead, even though my mill is on wheels, it is set-up in one place. One day when I have a roof over it, the axle will be removed. :-)

I was wondering how you were powering all those heaters! ha!

[OlJarhead]

 

This will work...

Wonder how much energy it would use (if the alternator has the juice for it) and then again, if I had that I wouldn't have an excuse NOT to mill in the cold! ha!

[DGK]

In my opinion, I think the most practical thing to do to mill in the cold-weather, is to change fluids in the mill to the lowest viscosity first before relying on external heaters. Thankfully, windshield washer fluid rated to -45C is readily available here so no heat required. I am using heaters on the hydraulics to pre-heat the fluid so that it is up to speed quicker. When trying to mill between 10 to 15 logs per hour, I don't have the patience for slow hydraulics. :-)

[John S]

DKG,
I was wondering why you add water to the blade lube mixture?

[DGK]

DKG,
I was wondering why you add water to the blade lube mixture?

Hi John, I add water to match the outside temperature. No sense using -45 full-strength when it is only -10. Saves a few dollars. :-)

[OlJarhead]

When trying to mill between 10 to 15 logs per hour, I don't have the patience for slow hydraulics. :-)

WHAT???  I can only mill 3 or 4 in an hour if they are small logs....10 to 15?  Sounds like an astronomical amount....

[DGK]

Small logs 7-12 inch. 4 cuts (sometimes  5 or 6 cuts for cants with an extra board or two). It helps to have an experienced off-bearer. We work fast. :-)

[ladylake]

I've done that with really good help. 115 logs on 7 hours with small logs.   Steve

[Andries]

Usually, I'm jealous of you guys with the hydraulic mills.
Until it gets cold.

No fluids in my LT30, other than in the up/down gearbox - and my Thermos!
Something to watch for - air filter freezing up.

When there's snow in the air, or some mix of snow and sawdust, my air filter has blocked up
An extra few sets of pre-filters will take care of things

[rjwoelk]

Andries I was feeling pretty smug about the pic of the snow, but I just got a load going from guelph on to cornach sk, guess I will experience it. Just came back from north carolina,

[4x4American]

Andries forget the snow what's on the truck! I'd love to see a picture of the job they are going to.  You sure do some interesting stuff way up yonder!

[paul case]

Maybe their trees grow in a D shape up there for ease of sawing. ;D

PC

[GDinMaine]

I have been using Kubota Super UDT hydraulic oil in the mill for the last three years. It is lower viscosity fluid recommended for tractors in cold climate. Other than that I gradually change the cooling water to windshield washer fluid, just like DGK described.

[Andries]

Posted by: 4x4American
Today at 09:16:40 pm
Andries forget the snow what's on the truck! I'd love to see a picture of the job they are going to.  You sure do some interesting stuff way up yonder!
Okay Doug, how's this?


Last winter - building phase


Final assembly on site.

The half logs are used for flooring and roof decking. Most are 24" wide and 40' long.
85 by 65' and a bunch of fireplaces.
The project scared/intimidated/challenged us in a big way, but we're getting there!

[Andries]

Posted by: rjwoelk
Today at 08:49:11 pm
Andries I was feeling pretty smug about the pic of the snow, but I just got a load going from guelph on to cornach sk, guess I will experience it. Just came back from north carolina,

Well, hope you enjoyed the Carolinas buddy!
Be aware, the Trans Canada was closed ( from Portage La Prairie to Regina) for a few days due to blowing wind and 30 - 40 cm snow.
It's winter wonderland out here now.

[flattail]

Probably dumb question from a southerner but do you have any trouble with bands breaking in cold weather? ???

[Andries]

My experience is that when it gets seriously cold, Ever'ting starts to break.
Including me.
Below -15 C. my work time is spent inside.
Bands don'T seem to break any sooner in winter.

[fishfighter]

Just wow. Don't know how you guys do it up there in the winter. :D Heck, I shut it down at around 35F unless it is sunny and no wind. :D

Good thing around here is that in a weeks time, one will see all four seasons at this time of the year. :D

[paul case]

So I was wrong about your trees.

Do you have to debark those D logs?

They sure do look slick. I like it when people want to use actual wood and not veneer or some cheap imitation.

PC

[Brucer]

... do you have any trouble with bands breaking in cold weather? ???

When the temperature gets down to around -40° (C and F) the impact resistance of steel goes way down. It's stronger, but it won't take any kind of shock loading. Not that any of us would be out sawing in -40° weather ;D.

[Magicman]

   It dropped down to a bone chilling 30° here last night.  BBbrrrrrrr.  This old boy surely will not be uncoiling a blade! 

I do plan to go hunting this evening though.  Tomorrow too. 

[Andries]

So I was wrong about your trees.
Do you have to debark those D logs?
They sure do look slick. I like it when people want to use actual wood and not veneer or some cheap imitation.
PC

Paul;
Takes a bunch of scrubbing to get those big barky monsters turned into "baby-bottom" smooth logs.

[Brucer]

In the interior mountains of BC ...

  30°F = -1°C  -- no problem .
  18°F = -8°C  -- I'll do it, but I won't be happy :(.
   9°F = -13°C -- That's what it was today. I stayed home >:(.

It's going to warm up over the weekend, and then get cold again. Next Wednesday it's supposed to go down to -20°C (-4°F) . I don't plan to leave the house at all.

[pineywoods]

I took a service call yesterday on a fairly new LT35 hydraulic mill. (not mine) All hydraulics completely dead. Owner sawed fresh cut cypress (very wet) all day before. He was negligent about cleanup and wet sawdust got all over the brush that rides on the hydraulic power strip, then froze overnight. We don't have a lot of freezing weather, but it does happen. Mill maintenance doesn't cost, it pays...

[bandmiller2]

Any mill will live a longer happier life with a roof over its head especially one that depends on electric switches relays and power strips. Even if your a road warrior they should have a building when their parked at home. No excuses because you know a guy that cuts lumber. Frank C.

[WLC]

  It dropped down to a bone chilling 30° here last night.  BBbrrrrrrr.  This old boy surely will not be uncoiling a blade! 

I do plan to go hunting this evening though.  Tomorrow too. 

Wish it would get up to 30* here so I could cut.  Was -15* here last Sunday night and is about 4 or 5* now.  Supposed to cool off during the week.  I would saw, but the carb ices up and my fingers get cold.

[Andries]

. . . .   Supposed to cool off during the week.  I would saw, but the carb ices up and my fingers get cold.

About the warmest thing for cold weather, plus, not as clumsy as full mitts.

Do you see these mitts up in Alaska?

[WLC]

Mitts, sure, but I don't know that I've ever seen those type.  I like 'em.  Warmest mitts I have are seal skin that a native friend made for me.  I am not planning on wearing those to saw in though. :D

I will keep my eye out for the type you are talking about.  I would like to try them.  I like the fact that you can use thumb and index finger, It would give you a lot more dexterity while keeping your hands warmer than gloves typically do.

I usually wear a heavy  insulated glove and if it is real cold will put handwarmers in them.  Since I started taking blood pressure meds a few years back my hands get colder faster that they used to.

[larrydown60]

I don't know if this will help anyone , but I use this blue hydraulic oil for my snow plow and never had it freeze up and at below O temps it slows down very little can get at Napa and I have seen these little heaters that are twelve volt and they heat the oil  with a little modification I am sure you could get this to work. Hope this helps 

  

 

[ladylake]

It was so cold yesterday my insulated water jug froze up in the pickup. Steve

[trapper]

For the gloves like andries showed. go to your local army surplus store.  That is where I find them.

[ladylake]

 Trapper


   Are you sure you have that name right, I type it in and nothing comes up. I did buy some army surplus mittens from Mills Fleet which are really warm.  Steve

[WLC]

I don't know if this will help anyone , but I use this blue hydraulic oil for my snow plow and never had it freeze up and at below O temps it slows down very little can get at Napa and I have seen these little heaters that are twelve volt and they heat the oil  with a little modification I am sure you could get this to work. Hope this helps 

  

 

I use that same fluid.  Good stuff.  I learned the hard way to change out the old fluid every fall before it gets cold. One of those "grits eater" moves to the frozen north and has to learn everything the hard way type of things :D. I like the idea of a heater.  I may have to look into that.  If its real cold the plow moves pretty slow till the fluid warms up a bit.

[scouter Joe]

Those 1 finger gloves are called linemans gloves in this part of the country and yes they are about the best you can do for the cold and still do some work .scouter Joe

[DGK]

I tried a new way of preheating the engine and head on my LT40 in -25C weather today and it worked great. A very simple solution. I bought a 50,000 btu combustion heater, the type that you would use to heat a small shop or construction site. I added a 90 degree elbow and then a short section of straight pipe. The heater is positioned under the mill head at the end of the mill with the head cover in place. After about an hour, the entire head assembly was warm to the touch, free of ice & snow and dry. The engine and all accessories started without hesitation. The funny thing is that the Kohler G28 engine doesn't want to idle properly in these very cold temperatures and has a slight surge with the blade engaged. I am thinking that the fuel filter may need replacing. The fuel tank vent is clear as well as the air filter. Anyone else ever have idle issues with their fuel injected G28 in cold weather?

[trapper]

Army surplus store is generic.  most cities have them.  Fond du lac where I live has 2.  Most are family owned.  Item # wx2-625517 at sportsman guide is what I am talking about.  I also have the wool liners that go with them.

[DGK]

I tried a new way of preheating the engine and head on my LT40 in -25C weather today and it worked great. A very simple solution. I bought a 50,000 btu combustion heater, the type that you would use to heat a small shop or construction site. I added a 90 degree elbow and then a short section of straight pipe. The heater is positioned under the mill head at the end of the mill with the head cover in place. After about an hour, the entire head assembly was warm to the touch, free of ice & snow and dry. The engine and all accessories started without hesitation. The funny thing is that the Kohler G28 engine doesn't want to idle properly in these very cold temperatures and has a slight surge with the blade engaged. I am thinking that the fuel filter may need replacing. The fuel tank vent is clear as well as the air filter. Anyone else ever have idle issues with their fuel injected G28 in cold weather?

I managed to troubleshoot the rough idle and engine surge issue today. It was a simple replacement of the first fuel filter that runs from the fuel tank. After a short preheat of 45 min with the new heater, the engine fired up easily and ran smoothly at a cool -30C. No saw milling today, I will wait for it to warm up to -20C. :-)

[fishfighter]

DanG 72F here this morning and going up to 82F by afternoon. Of course, rain. >:(

Y'all northern guys, take care with that cold weather coming.

[reswire]

Just wondering if any "northern sawyers" have heated mill sheds?  When it gets below 30 degrees, I plug in my kerosene heater.  Been planning on installing a wood burning, barrel stove for some time, but haven't built the darn thing yet..... ;D ;D   I lived in Oscoda Michigan during the 70's,,,, that kinda broke me of my desire to move north.  Think I'll stick below the Mason/Dixon line for a while longer.

[WLC]

Do any of our "frozen sawyers" use any type of fuel de-icer in the fuel tank?  My LT28(19hp gas motor) ran fine one day then about three or four days later when I had time to go back out and saw some more it ran really rough and didn't want to rev up when I engaged the blade.  Called my local dealer and he said it sounded like the carb icing up or water (condensation) in the tank.  It was about 10-15°F the day it happened and the coldest day that I've used the mill.  Today it was warmer than we've had in two weeks or more with high temps around 20°.  I went out and poured some heet (fuel treatment) in the tank and agitated it for a while.  Cranked the mill and let it run for a while then cut a cant I had up on the bed.  It ran better, but still not "normal".  Just curious if others have or have had this problem

[thechknhwk]

I sawed 1200bf of lumber last sunday during a snow storm that netted over 8" of snow 50 miles from home.  That will never happen again, what a flippin mess after driving home.  I had to wait for the roads to get cleared after I got home so when I went to the power washer the mill wouldn't be covered in crap again by the time I got home.  I burned up $5 trying to wash it off, but the water wasn't really warm enough to do the trick, so now it's melting off in my wood shop that doesn't have a floor drain, lovely.... :-\   The customer's father in law made a wonderful chilli for lunch, and it was all sawed up for local school district and there were a couple of students there helping, but while we ate the felt track wiper froze to the rail and was ripped clean out.  Then on the last 2 logs I sawed when I got to the end of the dog board the blade rose up in the cut over an inch and came clean out of the board above it.  I'm attributing it to frozen sawdust somewhere.  Anyways, never again....! :D

[DGK]

Do any of our "frozen sawyers" use any type of fuel de-icer in the fuel tank?  My LT28(19hp gas motor) ran fine one day then about three or four days later when I had time to go back out and saw some more it ran really rough and didn't want to rev up when I engaged the blade.  Called my local dealer and he said it sounded like the carb icing up or water (condensation) in the tank.  It was about 10-15°F the day it happened and the coldest day that I've used the mill.  Today it was warmer than we've had in two weeks or more with high temps around 20°.  I went out and poured some heet (fuel treatment) in the tank and agitated it for a while.  Cranked the mill and let it run for a while then cut a cant I had up on the bed.  It ran better, but still not "normal".  Just curious if others have or have had this problem

I had to replace my fuel filter that is closest to the fuel tank last week. It was quite dirty. I hadn't had any issues in the warmer weather so maybe it was moisture. My engine is fuel injected so no issues with carb ice. I do not use any fuel treatments.

[Brucer]

In really cold weather, a carb can ice up even when there's no water in the fuel. As the gasoline evaporates, it draws heat from the surrounding air as well as the carburetor jets. This cools the air and condenses any water vapour still in the air. The resulting water then freezes in the carb.

My fuel-injected Kohler does just fine in extremely cold weather. I always add a fuel conditioner in the off-season when I expect to be shut down for a few months. Other than that, I just put in the gas and let 'er run.

[Brucer]

So tomorrow I have to move the mill. It's supposed to be -18°C (0°F) overnight and in the morning, possibly warming up to -14°C (7°F) by early afternoon. I expect the tires will be thumping all the way through town :(.

The good news is, the mill won't see any "action" until the new year, when it is supposed to be quite a bit warmer.

I got the mill hooked up and ready to go today, when it was only -10°C (you do the math ;D).

[Sheepkeeper]

Not really preparing the mill but here is a little unit I put together to help prepare the sawyer for cold weather sawing.

Having warm/dry gloves keeps this sawyer's fingers happy. Happy fingers=happy sawyer.  :D

[Andries]

Do any of our "frozen sawyers" use any type of fuel de-icer in the fuel tank?  My LT28(19hp gas motor) ran fine one day then about three or four days later when I had time to go back out and saw some more it ran really rough and didn't want to rev up when I engaged the blade. . . . poured some heet (fuel treatment) in the tank and agitated it for a while.  Cranked the mill and let it run for a while then cut a cant I had up on the bed.  It ran better, but still not "normal". . .

Water in the gasoline may be the problem there.
When the weather bounces between fall time warm and winter cold, condensation produces water in the system.
My mill is usually fed the expensive alcohol free gas, but a full tank of of cheap ethanol/alcohol gas will get rid of all the water.
Seems to prevent carb throat icing up too, but I'm not sure why.

[AlaskaLes]

Wow Doug, my mind can not even imagine the ordinary things that you do to keep everything working at your temperatures, much less when it gets really cold.  I have sawed when the temperature was below freezing very few times. 

My admiration to you sir.   

And Magicman, as another Canadian who loves the frigid cold when sawing at around +5F, I have to admit that I have no idea how you all deal with that heat down there.   I can add layers when I'm cold, but can only take off so many when it's hot before I risk being arrested for indecent exposure   :D :D :D :D

Now there's a comment I can agree with!!
That is my standard reply to the questions we get regarding working and living with the cold.
I am just not a happy worker when I have to be anywhere above about 88F.

[Magicman]

The answer for too hot is the same as for too cold.  You just gotta know how to do it.   ;D

[fishfighter]

The answer for too hot is the same as for too cold.  You just gotta know how to do it.   ;D

Agree 100%. But, it hard to move when one is wearing every coat they own. ;D

[paul case]

People who dont own a coat do that all the time?

PC

[Magicman]

Sometime it is simpler to just say "no" or "later".  I asked a couple of customers last July if they really wanted to get out in that 95°+ heat and they decided to postpone.   :D

[WLC]

Do any of our "frozen sawyers" use any type of fuel de-icer in the fuel tank?  My LT28(19hp gas motor) ran fine one day then about three or four days later when I had time to go back out and saw some more it ran really rough and didn't want to rev up when I engaged the blade. . . . poured some heet (fuel treatment) in the tank and agitated it for a while.  Cranked the mill and let it run for a while then cut a cant I had up on the bed.  It ran better, but still not "normal". . .

Water in the gasoline may be the problem there.
When the weather bounces between fall time warm and winter cold, condensation produces water in the system.
My mill is usually fed the expensive alcohol free gas, but a full tank of of cheap ethanol/alcohol gas will get rid of all the water.
Seems to prevent carb throat icing up too, but I'm not sure why.

I'm wondering if that is not my problem. I did put some "heet" fuel conditioner in it the other day.  Heet is mostly alcohol.  Supposed to be in the 20's here tomorrow.  I might get out and saw a little to see if it runs better after the fuel additive.  It did run some better the day I first put it in, but I only sawed a few minutes to finish a cant I had to leave on the bed when it started acting up.   

[fishfighter]

Well, it's 27F here and was planning on sawing more today. Bad thing, I didn't drain my water tank. I'm sure the tubing will freeze. Good thing is that it will get in the mid to upper  50's today.