I'm in the processs of trading one of my antique tractors for a LT30 the man said it could cut 18ft length logs also the original gas engine has been replaced with a Landbandini 2 cylinder diesel it is mobile any info on the mill and what year this was built and any pointers , hinters or faults would be gladly appreciated also what diameter of log will it cut thanks and everyone out there have a safe and blessed day
The lt3 will only cut 16' long. Largest diameter is the same as an lt40 which is I believe 36". Be aware though that that the largest diameter you can put on the mill, but the widest board you can make is about 24" - 28"
As far as I know, there isn't an LT30 that can saw 18ft. Just barely 16'. If you get the serial number off the mill, wood-mizer can give you every bit of information on it. They made the lt30 for many years.
I was also wandering if I could put a bed extension so I could a 20 ft or could fabricate where I could
Yes, especially if you set the mill up permanently. A forum search will turn up several extensions.
The short answer to your question is yes. I would get the Sn and call woodmizer. They made several frames over the years and it would be good to know which one you have. Is it a manual mill or hydraulic? Woodmizer can also tell you what the value of the mill is .
Would love to see some pictures of the mill
Good Luck .
Quote from: 60lp on January 30, 2014, 09:15:56 AM
I was also wandering if I could put a bed extension so I could a 20 ft or could fabricate where I could
Member slingshot built an extension for his lt30. Well documented in the sawmill forum, with pictures and descriptions. Think his extension is 12 ft. Do a search, if you can't find it, holler, somebody will find it and post a link. While you are building, check out the pineywoods homemade hydraulics.
Jim_Rogers has an LT30 with a 6' extension. You will need to contact WM to see which version of extension will work with your mill.
We have a 1984 LT30 and the information above matches our machine...16'6" maximum length log. I just made some pine beams this length and I needed to slide the log toward the band until it nearly touched. It just made it through. Regarding an extension, I spoke with WM at a recent show and they said the mill was made before standardization of the steel box-beam sizes. They do not have extensions available. I do not think fabricating a custom extension would be too difficult.
I also asked them about the value of the mill toward a trade for a new LT40 hydraulic. They could only offer me only $3000 but said selling it outright could yield $5000. We have a new 18HP Kolher engine provided by WM and it works very well. Working alone without any heavy loading equipment is certainly a challenge. Turning large logs takes a lot of time and I have used two super jacks to assist. Loading logs is not difficult using the looped cable with a gas powered Lewis winch and the provided ramps.
The show price for the LT40 Hydraulic was attractive but considering that this is a hobby for me and a friend, getting a new mill would not make a lot of sense. It sure is nice to have a few stacks of beams and boards around for various projects and considering that we split the initial cost several years ago, I think this little mill has paid for itself a few times.