The Forestry Forum

Have and opportunity to get a good 4 cylinder Wisconson engine (neighbor died, wife disposing of stuff). I have read that it may be too heavy for a LT40HD. Has anyone tried it? If so input please.

Bill, when I bought my WM mill in 1998 the Wisconson engine was an option on the super models. The supers might have a heavier lift clain. smiley_headscratch

The 4 cyl Wisconsin used on our old Super was heavy.  All cast iron.  Better check with WM to see if there is a way to use it on a standard LT40.

Great engine though.

I had a 96 LT40  with the Wisconsin 35 hp gas same as Bibby's. It was heavy but trouble free if you chainged oil often and kept fresh plugs /fuel filters and air filters in it, barely had to look at it  ;D 

There was a part WM sent me for free and instructions how to change that part. It was the sleeve between the up/down gearbox and the lift-chain sprockets. A beefier unit. Also, when I installed the MK II debarker on that already heavy sawhead, WM included new high quality  lift-chains in the kit and a warning to change the chains before installing the debarker. I never had a problem with a chain failure but I replaced the chains with the good stuff once a year. ;D

The mill was called a "Super" but it had all the same drive components(lift/feed) as the LT40 of its time.  Id talk to WM first but Im pretty sure you could bolt er up there with the good chain and the aforementioned upgrade(probably a standard  part now??)

It had LOTS of power, 35  hp they said but I dont think the 42 hp Kubota on my LT70 is that much more powerfull. Ill bet the Wisconsin was closer to 40 hp. ;D ;D ;D

Percy,

Did they look like these?

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10034/wsNewBushing.JPG)

I just got done re-posting about how I changed them out on our 96 Super.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10034/wsEngineLift1.JPG)

Sawmill maintenance - how to's and tips (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=19439.0)

One thing we're overlooking is that the Wisconsin engines came in a number of sizes and HPs.  Are we assuming the engine the widow has is the same 35hp used on a Wood-Mizer?

Good point about the engine size, never thought of that. I will contact WM about the components.

That's what makes this such a good place neighbors helping neighbors, even if they are a few thousand miles away ;D

Thanks for the input.