Gasoline Or Diesel

[038magnum]

I have been looking at Woodmizer mills and would like to know from all the ones that have the LT40's and up, which would be better gas or diesel powered? Can you tell a big difference? I know that diesels have more torque and maybe a little better fuel economy per horsepower. Is it worth it with diesel so much more expensive than gasoline. The engines are so much more expensive also.

[red oaks lumber]

welcome to the forum i always like to go with diesel whenever possible, the extra grunt(torque) is nice.

[Ohio_Bill]

I have had both . IMO it depends on the amount of hours you will operate the mill.  The diesel uses about half as much fuel per bf, but the up front cost is substantial.  From a value  standpoint if you only use the mill part time I would go with gas  .  If you are going to operate  several 100 hrs per year  diesel  may be the way to go . The higher hp is nice .And by the way  Welcome to the Forum.

[Brucer]

I've got a gasoline powered mill and a diesel edger. Knowing what I do now about how bandmills work, I'd go for a diesel mill every time -- providing you're interested in production. For hobby work the gas engine will do the job and cost you a lot less.

[terrifictimbersllc]

I feel safer handling diesel than gasoline too.

[mad murdock]

Welcome 038 magnum!  With diesel, you can make your own fuel as well. With gas you can make alcohol, but the BTU's per cc of fuel with diesel is greater=more work for the same amount of fuel.

[ladylake]

Diesel for sure if your going to use it a lot. I switched from a 27HP Kohler to a 29HP diesel which saws way faster and uses 1/2 gph where the Kohler used just over 1 gph, this is sawing with the blade in the wood a lot with a off bearer.  Saving 1/2 gph doesn't sound like much but by time I get 5000 hours on the diesel I'll have saved $8750 at $3.50 a gallon, plus cutting more lumber per hour.  Plus I only have to change oil every 200 hour vs every 50 hours.   Steve

[porcupine]

Years ago I owned a 55 hp. gas Massey tractor, I thought it was the 'cat's meow'...a short time later I was able to try out a diesel with compatible hp. I sensed something different.

A few years later I rented a diesel truck to pick up a a car I purchased in Tennessee. My experience with pickup trucks have been limited to gas engines up to this time. It pulled that Jaguar through the mountains with out a hiccup. It was good.

Last year when my dormant sawdust infection became active again I was unable to physically inspect sawmills to purchase and I could only view them on internet videos. After seeing both gas and diesel mills in action for many hours, I was starting to "get it".

Several years ago I switched to Mac computers because they serve me better. Now I can say I've done the same with diesel engines too.

Can't find a diesel weed whacker though! :D

[Magicman]

Welcome to the Forestry Forum 038magnum.  I have never run a gas operated sawmill, but I will say that I crank my engine twice a day.  Once at startup, and again after lunch and I use about 4 gallons per day.  If I had to replace it tomorrow, it would be with another Diesel.

[Meadows Miller]

Gday

and Welcome to the Forum 38MAG  ;) ;D ;D ;D 8) 8) 8)

Im Diesel for sure ! And I know how you feel as Jesi and I are doing the same thing at the moment with the WoodMizers as I want to get a mill to cut the stuff we need for doing stuff around the house and afew other projects while a am home for the next 2 to 3months ;) plus the fact I will just need my Fix  ;) :D :D We have been tossing up between two options

#1 get  lt15 18 or 25 GAS with an ext kit for about $7900 then upgrading to a Used Circular Mill or an LT70 & Edger diesels within the next 12 months then using the 15 for cutting long orders or portable work

#2 just stretching now getting an LT40hyd with the gas or diesel motor and using that for a while longer before upgrading down the track to a static mill and keeping it for portable work

Some off you will say just send your mills over that I have here  ;)  freights one issue but Dad will still use them for the Log & Timber Frame Building Business Here   ;) ;D plus the freight would be about what I could get a reasonable used Auto Circular or 2/3rds of an Lt40 sawmill for  ;) Uall  know I am a Lucas Man and Im dead set Ill get one there also as they are just a versitile handy mill  ;) ;D ;D 8)

What would you do ??

They are all good mills  but Im leaning towards the LT15 atm but just ask Jesi it changes from day to day I told her it will till I get home and have to get one lol  ;) :D :D

38MAG sorry for Hijacking your thread too Mate

Regards Chris