Sawmill Wreck
Well this past Saturday, Feb 25th didn't end as planned. I got done sawing a small job, and by small I mean 1 log, but the customer paid my minimum charge, and I had more money in my pocket when I finished then when I woke up. Packed up, shot the bull with my customer for a while, then started to ease on home with plenty of day left to piddle around the farm. Or so I thought. Well, My worst fear when pulling my mill happened. A rear end accident. It happened so fast there was nothing I could do but watch it all unfold in what seemed like slow motion. I probably wasn't going 25-30 mph, with no option to get out of the way. She had to be going at least 60 mph. I braced for the worst, but I didn't expect the following to happen:
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/30027/IMG_1967.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1488421181)
The two bolts holding the hitch to the mill sheared when the mill flipped. The driver of the vehicle was believed to be having a seizure at the time of the accident. She had admitted to having one the night before. Metal can be replaced, fortunately she ended up being ok. After several hours of the road being shut down, and witnesses saying she was traveling too fast, I was able to limp the mill home. I had to borrow a sledge hammer from the firemen, beat some metal straight, and drive to lowes and pick up some new hardware. I backed her in the barn Saturday evening, said good night, and enjoyed a few beers. I've spent some time looking at her since, and the more I look, the more metal I see bent and the more parts I see missing.
The claim process has been started, Bob (as some of you you know from woodmizer) will be down first thing Monday morning on his route to Alabama. I think it's totaled. Insurance on her behalf is iffy right now, but I have uninsured insurance, and under insured insurance.
But on a good note, I've already built my new mill on WM's site about 27 times since Saturday. Just need to convince the wife the newer bigger faster mill is what I NEED. It was a lot easier buying the first one when I was a single bachelor...
I have 924.6 hours on the mill, and close to 300k feet. It'll be a while before she makes sawdust again, if possible. I buy logs and timber for a hardwood mill that saws around 50k feet a day, so I'll still get my sawdust and lumber addiction satisfied.
I'll hope for the best, and update when I hear more. I don't post very often, but I read and absorb daily.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/30027/IMG_1968.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1488421180)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/30027/IMG_1970.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1488421225)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/30027/IMG_1969.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1488421221)
That really sucks sorry this happened to you I am glad you are OK.
Yeah, sad to see this, but glad everyone is ok. I know there was a thread started regarding insurance, so be sure to post about how your insurance claim turns out. Good luck as this progresses.
That just hurts to look at. I'm glad everyone is OK, but in a wreck, everyone loses. Hopefully Bob will get you started back, he's on his way to see me on Tuesday.
I hope the insurance makes it right. Did it do anything to your truck receiver hitch or frame?
If you can get a better, better mill, maybe there is a silver lining.
I'd say the driver should take a lottery ticket (and turn in their drivers licence). Could have ended up with the rail though the windscreen and their face.
I did have to smile at the picture of the cop surveying the scene and talking on the radio. "What's the 10 code for a sawmill crash?... Yes I'm looking at a crashed sawmill... " ;)
Hope your insurance gets things sorted out without too much hassle.
Wow, First time I see a mill wrecked. Maybe you can get to keep it for parts for the new one when you need parts. ;D :D
Quote from: Peter Drouin on March 02, 2017, 04:41:37 AM
Wow, First time I see a mill wrecked. Maybe you can get to keep it for parts for the new one when you need parts. ;D :D
If totaled, there is a good chance you can buy it from the insurance company pennies on the dollar for parts.
Sucks when some one rear ends you. Had a guy do that to me when I was sitting at a red light towing my boat which ended up in the back of my truck. :o I had to fight the insurance company due to the fact that the guy that rear ended me had the same insurance as I did. >:(
That makes me shudder just to look at it. Glad nobody got hurt though!
Ouch. Hard to look at. Being rear ended is the worst. I was almost rear ended a few week ago by a tri axle dump truck luckily I had my eyes my mirror and was able to get the heck out of the way in time. There are so many crazies on the road. At least nobody was hurt, and now you can get the new wide model!
The accident could have been a lot worse!
Good to hear no one was hurt!
Hope things turn out well with your insurance!
That's crazy for sure!, watching and bracing? Has to be the worse thing, nothing to do but hold on and wait for it to end, glad you both are alright,
Thank you for sharing AdamT! That just hurts to see. One of my worst fears when the mill is out on the road. Please follow up on this after Bob accesses the damage. Probably all of us are curious how the dealing with the insurance company, possible mill repair and that eventual outcome will be.
Quote from: Ianab on March 02, 2017, 02:22:16 AM
I'd say the driver should take a lottery ticket (and turn in their drivers licence). Could have ended up with the rail though the windscreen and their face.
I did have to smile at the picture of the cop surveying the scene and talking on the radio. "What's the 10 code for a sawmill crash?... Yes I'm looking at a crashed sawmill... " ;)
Hope your insurance gets things sorted out without too much hassle.
I think he had a tear in his eye and was saying on the radio''I always wanted a woodmizer, but not like this''.
PC
Thats no fun.
If you use your mill for a source of income I would be sure to bring that up with the insurance, if it was a car or truck i bet they would be renting you a vehicle until yours could be repaired or replaced.
WOW!, :o
Glad to hear no one was hurt.
M
Ouch.
mill not even broke in yet, but now is definitely broke
Wow hope it works out for you :(
Not a good sight to see. :'( :'(
When you get a chance show some pictures of the stuff that got bent.
Jim Rogers
Wow! Hard to believe no one was hurt. On the bright side, if that frame isn't bent and you do buy it back from the insurance company, there's your 24' bed extension.
That was a close call! Hope your insurance treats you well. Keep us posted on the new mill.Brian
What a shame to loose a mill like that....I bet she's totaled with a bent main frame as hard as that hit. If the other driver has had seizures they shouldn't have been driving. Around here you loose your license for a year after a seizure.
I'd look into buying it back from the ins. company....lots of good parts on there. I know there are lots of hyd. parts I could use. If you end up getting it back, and aren't going to rebuild it, let the forum know. You might end up in a pretty good position to upgrade to a newer mill.
Good luck
Glad no one was hurt. You probably should have had some orange flagging on it though... I would almost bet the insurance company wont even ask about taking that one.
No need for flagging on a Wood-Mizer sawmill. It is a street legal trailer with all required lights and markers.
Guess we are all going to find out how tough the orange stuff
really is... sorry for your loss.
More making a joke because it is a giant orange machine...
I'm glad everyone is ok..... Wouldn't wish it on anyone, being hit or hitting someone.
Quote from: JRWoodchuck on March 02, 2017, 04:54:42 PM
More making a joke because it is a giant orange machine...
Not a joke... I'm thinking that there is not really that much damage.
The way they build the frames I think that it could take a hit and
keep on going.
Quote from: Ianab on March 02, 2017, 02:22:16 AM
I'd say the driver should take a lottery ticket (and turn in their drivers licence). Could have ended up with the rail though the windscreen and their face.
I did have to smile at the picture of the cop surveying the scene and talking on the radio. "What's the 10 code for a sawmill crash?... Yes I'm looking at a crashed sawmill... " ;)
Hope your insurance gets things sorted out without too much hassle.
I thought the same, glad there were no injuries,
Good news is they make new ones every day, Diesel???
D
The obvious sheet metal is bent, like the blade cover on idle side. De Barker arm is way bent, the control box and mount is bent, knocked an outrigger completely off, lost a tailight, blade guide arm is twisted bad.. the list goes on. The more I look, the more I see bent/ or completely missing. I cobbled the battery cables to the posts to see if the head will move up and down, and down the rail. It strains to go up the masts. No problem going down the main rail. I don't think the main rail is bent as she hit more on the loader side.
However I think the main tube to the head is bent. I dropped the head down to a bed rail, stood back and eyed the head. It's noticeably out of wack. I can't see where the metal may be bent, but judging by where she hit me, it matches up with what I see looking at squareness of the head to the rail. I've also noticed other places on the mill that don't align like they should. I will post pics soon.
If there's a new mill in the future, LT40 with diesel motor and command control station. Haven't put much thought into the new wide option.. guess I'll build that mill on their website a couple times and compare. My only regret with the mill is not buying the diesel upgrade when I ordered it..
Thanks for all the comments, I will keep you all posted as I learn more.
Be careful out there.
I have no plans to put it back together. I am by no means a mechanic. Turning wrenches is pretty low on my list of things that I enjoy doing. Routine maintenance, no problem, tweaking on machinery to get it going- no thanks!
If it's totaled and I have the option to buy it back, I will if I can get it cheap and pass her on to someone that can either get it going, or strip the parts they need. A guy I buy logs from for my day job has expressed interest in buying it if he can. Time will tell what happens. Just have to wait and get through this headache.
Quote from: YellowHammer on March 02, 2017, 12:08:10 AM
Did it do anything to your truck receiver hitch or frame?
Other than a gash to my tailgate, nothing that I could see. But I haven't crawled under my truck to have a look at the hitch.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/30027/IMG_1975.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1488507853)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/30027/IMG_1977.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1488507998)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/30027/IMG_1976.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1488508002)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/30027/IMG_1978.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1488508024)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/30027/IMG_1979.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1488508026)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/30027/IMG_1980.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1488508039)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/30027/IMG_1981.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1488508042)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/30027/IMG_1982.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1488508056)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/30027/IMG_1983.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1488508056)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/30027/IMG_1984.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1488508070)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/30027/IMG_1987.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1488508084)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/30027/IMG_1988.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1488508088)
Pics don't to "justice" as to just how bad it really is.
I always wondered about the grade 5 bolts on the hitch. I had two schools of thought. One was that they use them on purpose, like for this example where they broke and may have limited damage to the tow veihicle: My other school of though was that they [size=78%]just cheaped out where they could. What do you think? [/size]
Quote from: 4x4American on March 02, 2017, 09:56:21 PM
I always wondered about the grade 5 bolts on the hitch. I had two schools of thought. One was that they use them on purpose, like for this example where they broke and may have limited damage to the tow veihicle: My other school of though was that they [size=78%]just cheaped out where they could. What do you think? [/size]
My mill came with Grade #8 bolts in the hitch.
Grade 8 have higher tensile strength so they won't stretch but will shear before bending. Grade 5 is actually better in this application as a bit of a shock absorber. I am really glad nobody was seriously hurt, that could have taken her head off.
She will be in deep doo admitting she had a seizure the night before, it will likely cost her driver's license and the insurance company lawyers will be smelling blood.
A ton of good parts on it.
Quote from: 4x4American on March 02, 2017, 09:56:21 PM
I always wondered about the grade 5 bolts on the hitch. I had two schools of thought. One was that they use them on purpose, like for this example where they broke and may have limited damage to the tow veihicle: My other school of though was that they [size=78%]just cheaped out where they could. What do you think? [/size]
Unfortunately, I've been in a few trailer accidents, one pretty bad, about like this one (no injuries), and I've never had a receiver hitch come off, so I've never seen a bolt failure of any kind. I've even had a solid steel, not hollow, 3 inch ball hitch bent without the receiver hitch bolts failing. However, a significant energy of any rear end crash is absorbed by the tow vehicle, and I have had hitches ruined, and truck frames distorted. They are easily inspected and fixed if necessary at a body shop where they indicate off measurement dimples on the frame to check it, and all it takes is to tell the insurance company you would like it inspected. Typically, the body shops I've been to will automatically replace the receiver hitch assembly in any kind of a significant rear end collision.
Adam, Sorry for your lose, aggravation and inconvenience that you are going through. Glad no one was hurt. Good luck on repairs and dealing with insurance.
Adam,
Sorry about the accident and glad there were no injuries.I think it is wise to move on from the mill and part it out or sell for parts.As was mentioned there is a strong market for the parts.
I don't see much I couldn't easily fix given the time to do so. The most troublesome would be the warped head frame, but a porta-power would handle that. Even if the frame is bent, any good truck frame shop could straighten that. But then I probably ain't your average sawyer. I have rebuilt two lt40's that were in worse shape due to extreeme neglect. I run one of them nearly every day...
I agree Piney, that sawmill could be put back to sawing. It will probably be totaled out, but someone could get a real bargain with it as a "fixer upper".
Glad everyone is okay and I hope the insurance treat you well.
Sorry, I think MM is right, but you need a new one so you can get to sawing.
Maybe the US mills being towed should have a wrap around bumper guard
like the European models do. Be a little protection for the rear-ender...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsJoJpy3s8c&list=PLUz8kJr_U5ZNl37I53q12UUQ5yExadopZ&index=19
Charles
I like the service platform at around 1:19 that they show, looks like a good safety feature.
Quote from: Slingshot on March 03, 2017, 08:04:22 PM
Maybe the US mills being towed should have a wrap around bumper guard
like the European models do. Be a little protection for the rear-ender...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsJoJpy3s8c&list=PLUz8kJr_U5ZNl37I53q12UUQ5yExadopZ&index=19
Charles
Appreciate the video. I agree, some type of frame to "square up" the rear end of the mill might make it easier for other drivers to better judge where they are in relation to a mill going down the road. Running lights, marker lights, conspicuity tape, etc. Having said that, if this lady was truly having a seizure, I don't think any amount of additional "safety gear" would have made a difference. Glad no one was seriously injured.
If she hit a bright orange mill, she woulda hit anything. There was a tweaker ran into the back of our bright red dump truck where I used to work. Not only was the thing bright red, it also was on a straightaway, in the middle of the day, with led strobes flashing. One tire was on the white line, so it wasn't fully parked off the rd. She sued and won $1mil. Moral of my story, ppl are wreckless so watch out!
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/1.gif?easyrotate_cache=1330388705)
I added a strobe to the rear of my sawmill.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/Image0386C.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1332469851)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN1723.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1385850181)
And later made/added a reflective marker.
Its a shame that with all the texting and driving, theres probably not enough flashing light to stop someone from rear ending a mill. ::)
I bought an orange one for the back of my tractor. Will get a red one for my mill before I take it on the road again. Less than $20 at local fleet farm.
My heart goes out to you, that is my worst fear that someone could T-Bone my mill at an intersection.
I will be praying that the insurance company replaces your mill with a brand new upgraded machine.
Even that would not be enough in my opinion.
My mill is a monumental part of my life, it's like part of the family. I contributes to my grandson's collage fund, pays my wife's car payment, pays for it's own maintnence and supply's me with more lumber than I can use.
Heck, it's part of the family !
Perhaps we should have an online funeral for your mill ????
Quote from: pineywoods on March 03, 2017, 09:27:39 AM
I don't see much I couldn't easily fix given the time to do so. The most troublesome would be the warped head frame, but a porta-power would handle that. Even if the frame is bent, any good truck frame shop could straighten that. But then I probably ain't your average sawyer. I have rebuilt two lt40's that were in worse shape due to extreeme neglect. I run one of them nearly every day...
Got to agree with Piney and MM. That mill can be fixed. The car however is totalled......
Quote from: Solomon on March 04, 2017, 09:30:58 PM
Perhaps we should have an online funeral for your mill ????
It's bruised and scratched up, but she ain't dead yet.
Having a slow moving vehicle sign on a mill would make for a long trip. Most states prohibit displaying SMV signs on vehicles moving more than 25 mph. Most also prohibit using the signs on non-moving objects, like mailboxes or gates. Strobes while moving are only permitted on emergency or utility vehicles, including hazard flashers.
Locally strobe lights are only for slow moving or parked vehicles,
You would need a full width light bar across the back, but that could be a length of 2x4 with LED combo lights on it. That gives you normal brake / indicator and tail lights, with an offset similar to your axle. This can be something that attaches with a couple of wing nuts, and be removed for sawing.
A lot of boat trailers use a similar system. where the light board clips to the back of the boat once it's on the trailer, and plugs in with an extra trailer light fitting.
But if someone is having a medical event, then it doesn't matter how much of a light show you put on.
My wife's friend got rear ended, insurance totaled out her car and received a check for $7700(an older car) her son purchased it back from the insurance company for $800.
Good luck and thank God no one was hurt.
Here is a video of the flasher that I use when traveling at night:
https://youtu.be/d8iXnf99ztI
There is no way that the amber flasher could be confused with the tail lights, flashers, or turn signals. This is the required flasher for logging trucks traveling in Mississippi after sunset.
She really is lucky to not have been hurt. Several years back a guy fell asleep on one of our back roads, went head on with a tractor and front end bale spear. Missed him by that much!
Never want to see the bottom of my sawmill or any other vehicle!
Hope you get a new one out of it.
Well tomorrow is the day. Bob will be down sometime in the morning to assess the mill and tell me what's next. Lots of bent metal. The head strains to go up the masts, but goes up and down the main rail just fine.
The mill could have been lit up with any number of flashers, warning signs, strobes, spotlights, flags etc, but that wouldn't have prevented this accident. She was disabled from driving, and luckily she hit me and not any number of pedestrians on the sidewalks in the neighborhood I was traveling through.
We'll see what tommorw brings.
Quote from: AdamT on March 05, 2017, 08:39:21 PMThe mill could have been lit up with any number of flashers, warning signs, strobes, spotlights, flags etc, but that wouldn't have prevented this accident.
I understand that and did not mean to imply that such would/could have prevented your mishap.
Bob is a super guy and very knowledgeable technician. Hopefully things will work out for the best.
I know Magicman, and I wasn't implying that you were! Thank you-
Your attitude about the driver hitting you and not pedestrians bears noting.Good for you.Take the high road every chance you get.
Curious to hear what Bob has to say about your mill.There isn't anyone more qualified than Bob to assess the mill.
Bobs opinion is that it is totaled. Within a very short time of looking her over he said the sawhead will need replacing, and he thinks the main rail has a bend in it. I agree. I'll have to tow the mill up to Indy this weekend and let Woodmizer write up the final assessment... Now just more dealings with her iffy insurance.
I would have total confidence in Bob's assessment. If he says that it is junk, then it is junk. smiley_thumbsup
Since reading this thread I have been asking a lot of questions of my insurance agent. I now know pulling my mill between my two farms is not covered while attached to my truck. I do not want liability insurance at this time just an inland marine policy to cover transporting it between my farms (22 miles one way). State Farm does not have such a policy for sawmills. I have it for my goose neck trailers and my tractor but cannot get it for my sawmill. What insurance company do you all use to insure your mills while going down the road?
Quote from: Robert Owens on March 08, 2017, 12:11:18 PM
Since reading this thread I have been asking a lot of questions of my insurance agent. I now know pulling my mill between my two farms is not covered while attached to my truck. I do not want liability insurance at this time just an inland marine policy to cover transporting it between my farms (22 miles one way). State Farm does not have such a policy for sawmills. I have it for my goose neck trailers and my tractor but cannot get it for my sawmill. What insurance company do you all use to insure your mills while going down the road?
.
Robert,
I think a lot of us are re-evaluating insurance. I have a brand new Turner Mill. My state farm would not insure it either. However, if you can find an underwriter that sells Tudor insurance or can write them, they are quite happy to insure it. Be mindful to ask if it covers "mysterious disappearance". Farm Bureau tried to pull that with me saying that it would not be covered.
Doc
Hmm. I don't have a mill to tow but I do have a camper trailer, a boat (on a trailer) and two flat bed trailers. I also have my Davis backhoe that converts to a trailer. When I talked to my agent (Allstate) a while back about my camper, they said anything I tow is covered - but that might just have been liability, not comprehensive (collision). I'll have to ask again. I did buy a (cheap) policy for my camper for theft (when not attached to my truck, not covered).
SkyDoc, thanks for the info. I'm going to check around and see if I can find a local company to insure it.
Typically, if it's a business item, and being towed by a personal vehicle, it's not covered by the personal vehicle insurance policy. That's why boats, atv's etc are covered, and business related equipment isnt, and must be covered under a separate business insurance policy. Unfortunately, I've been there and done that.
It's easy to find out, ask the insurance agent to show you, in writing, where in the policy it specifically says the personal vehicle covers business towing. It won't. That's why they have business insurance. If it's not in ink in the policy, it's not covered.
An observation of mine- insurance agents are pretty good at telling you something is covered when in reality it's not. Make sure you have it in writing.
"An observation of mine- insurance agents are pretty good at telling you something is covered when in reality it's not. Make sure you have it in writing." - barbender
Well I would say for the vast majority of insurance agents, including myself, that is absolutely false. And yes, I am an insurance agent. Think about it. Is it to their advantage to say something is covered when it is not or would it be more beneficial to them to write more insurance? Just saying.
Since I am an agent in the state of Ohio I will only speak for Ohio but I believe it applies to most if not all other states. Items being towed behind your personal (not commercial) vehicles are generally covered for liability only. So if you are towing your boat and back it into another vehicle the liability under your personal vehicle will pay for the damage to the other person's vehicle. It DOES NOT cover your boat. If you want coverage on your boat while it is being towed, stored, or on the water you need a boat policy. Same holds if it is a camper or utility trailer. Now, if you are hauling it behind a commercial vehicle (or a vehicle on a commercial auto policy) you have to check with the company. Some companies will not even give you the liability extension if the GVW of the trailer is over a certain weight. And if they give you the liability extension it still does not cover the mill (or anything else you are towing). Those items have to be insured under a separate policy or coverage.
Not to throw another wrench in here but another thing you may need to think about. If you have a mill at your house don't just assume the mill itself is covered for damages such as fire, wind, theft, etc. under your homeowner insurance policy. Especially if you are operating the mill as a business venture. Most if not all homeowner policies exclude or limit business property. This even includes the buildings you are using for the mill. You need to discuss getting a business policy to cover the liability of the business, the mill and other items used in the business, and any buildings used in the business. It is your responsibility to contact your agent and tell them EXACTLY what you are doing. If you dodge the fact that you are operating it as a business and tell them you just do it for your own personal use - then if a claim occurs and they don't pay that is on you.
I will step down from the box now.
Wayback: since you've chimed in (and thanks) what do you suggest for someone with a small business sawmilling? What firms offer a small business person insurance that will cover stationary mills and mobile mills?
Thanks
I have had the joy of a frustrating, many year, private, farm, and business policy insurance coverage journey, and it culminated with the following experience.
I was towing a commercial gooseneck trailer behind my private vehicle and was in a wreck. The other person was at fault, but if not for that, my trailer was uninsured and my insurance company would not pay for any repairs. I'll never forget the one sided phone conversation with the insurance adjuster, not my local agent, as I was also under the assumption anything towed was covered. The nice lady on the other end of the phone politely but sternly said ....."Mr. Milton, can YOU show me on your personal auto policy where that specific business trailer is covered? I have the policy right in front of me and don't see the trailer listed, so it can't be insured, unless you have a separate policy on the trailer. Oh you don't? Can YOU show me the section that says that anything business related pulled by the truck is insured?? I don't see it either.....I'm sorry, but you should get that changed for next time. Oh, no, we don't cover business property towed by a private vehicle anyway, it's just not done, and you should get the truck a business policy too because if you are at fault, it could be real bad."
I also have a comprehensive farm policy, and subsequently found out none of my business equipment was covered. If my barn burned down due to a cow kicking over a latern, it was farm related and covereed. If the same barn burned down due to my planer starting the fire, it was business related and not covered.
Full and open disclosure as to what the equipment is used for is important to the agent, as they don't make the coverage call, the insurance home office does. Make them write it down in the policy. If you can't find the business equipment listed by serial number in in your policy, they can't either, and its not covered.
Business vehicles should be titled in the business name, not the person, as it give legal separation. The insuranse policy should be issued in the business name, and every item towed by the business vehicle needs to be specifically listed in the policy. Again, if it's not listed, it's not covered.
After going to all, and I mean all, of the major companies, none could give me full business coverage to the extent that Pennsylvania Lumbermans could. Even though I'm in Alabama, they have partners nation wide.
Wayback- I did not mean to offend with my comments, or to paint with too broad of a brush, but this has been absolutely true in my personal experience, with the insurance agents I have dealt with. For an example, at one time I needed a $1 million dollar liability policy. Mainly, I needed it to be able to buy and harvest state timber sales, but I also do some residential skid steer construction work, and was doing some storm clean up at that time. I described what I was doing to the agent, they put "logging/lumbering" on the policy, and assured me I was covered for doing the residential tree work etc. I asked, are you sure, what if I drop a tree on someone's house? "Should be good". I don't think I really was, I never counted on that area of coverage actually being there and proceeded accordingly. Everything in that policy was so vague, I'm not sure what it covered. I was mainly concerned with having that proof of coverage, to be able to buy the MN DNR timber sales, and I don't know what good that policy was beyond that (a piece of paper). It was cheap enough, just over $100 a month I think, but if it was actually good for tree care/arborist work, I don't know why the arborists are whining about high insurance costs. Another case, I asked about insurance for my boat- "it's good if it's on my your property". Tree fell on it. "Only if it's in a garage". I've been told that my sawmill and skidsteer are covered as long as they are on my property, and in fact the insurance company provided certificates to the bank when I had loans on them for proof of insurance. I'm a little skeptical as to how things would shake out if something happened and totaled them both. My point is, these agents were working in areas, I think, that were unfamiliar to them. Our regular homeowner's auto insurance agent has been great in thise areas, it's what she knows. I really meant no offense to you or any other agent that digs in, gets their hands dirty, and k ow what they're selling. But at the end of the day, it doesn't matter what you or any other agent says is covered- it all comes down to what the policy has in it and what a lawyer can take to court for me, if need be. Perhaps I could have simplified all this by simply posting "Buyer beware" ;)
*DanG, That hurts to look at. Its like loosing a loved one!! :(
Wow, that is a real bummer. Scary accident for sure. Glad everyone is OK.
Hard to look at the mill on its side :(
Well I hauled the mill up to Indy on Saturday and dropped it off. Talked to Woodmizer today and he's telling me it's totaled, but has to write up a quote of what it would take to replace everything that needs replacing. I told him to quote it high and leave some cushion in it, because I will find something I'm not happy with and I won't take it home. I hope we don't have to go that route.
It's going to need a main frame.
More to come as I find out more.
I imagine that if they say it's totaled then it'll cost more to fix than it would be worth if not wrecked. Good luck and prayers for a good outcome for you.
That's a real bummer.
Holy Smokes ::)
I would also get the truck frame checked, and hitch, at a frame shop. Before the insurance game is in full swing.
Been a while since I've updated.
Well I've settled with the insurance company, and ordered my new mill this morning. I ordered another LT40 but made a few upgrades. Went with the 35 horse diesel, accuset 2 with remote operator station, FAO's, and the new wide head. I had the lubemizer on the last mill, which I ordered some 2-3 yrs later. I never saw a benefit. In fact I had more problems with nozzles getting clogged, and (check valves?) going bad. I think that's the term, I'm NO mechanic. Anyways, I wasn't impressed with that option so I left it off. I'm looking forward to this new mill and learning accuset. I had simple set on last mill and loved it. I figured for 1600$ why not upgrade? Also with the 2% discount as an existing WM customer the wide head option was nearly "free". Score again.
I maxed her ins out at $25K, which was the value of my mill in good condition plus damage to my truck. However I was being short changed some 5-600$ as I went over her limit. I managed to make a deal with the ins co and get my mill back for nothing, in exchange for not claiming any lost time.
I sold the mill to a guy I know well for $5K. He started working on it this weekend and I checked out the progress. I'm excited to see it saw logs again. I joked with him that I'd like to get behind the controls and saw a log, just me and her. Like old times. I think he'll have her tuned it very soon.
Overall I made out well. I paid a smidge over 26k for her in 2011, and received 30k for it in 2017. That and I paid for her 3 times since I owned the mill, working part time. I'm upgrading for 7k. I don't think that's bad at all
Now to learn Accuset 2 and all its features. Also not having to walk back and forth all day. I should take delivery end of May/ early June.
I'll be sure to post pics. And I'll post pics of my stockpile of walnut crotches I have accumulated at the mill I buy timber for. Opened up of course!
Awesome, Adam! I'm glad this bump in the road worked out to your benefit. The diesel and remote operator station should be major upgrades, and the Accuset ll won't hurt either ;)
Good for you. 8) 8)
I'm glad to hear things worked out well for you.
I'd be curious to hear what it took to get the old mill back up and running.
Jon
Good deal! Glad it all worked out.
Quote from: AdamT on April 10, 2017, 09:12:44 PM
Now to learn Accuset 2 and all its features.
Everyone is different so take this for what its worth....heh...Back in 2003 when I upgraded mills similar to what you are doing now, cept without the wreck, ;D . The accuset, as it was called back then, was a huge departure from from manually using the scale/ruler/whatever. I basically had to relearn how to mill and it took a bit for me. Im am thankful I forced myself to use all the features and changed my ways. It was at least 30 hours on the accuset before I was nearing production levels of my previous mill. Within a month (100 hours of mill time), I was happy as a guy with a new mill :D If you are having a bit of trouble getting used to the accuset 2, just hang in there and use it. You wont be sorry....
Glad to hear that you'll be milling again soon. I too would really like to know what it took to get you're old mill back in shape.