I have a relatively new LT40 Hydraulic. Lately, the carriage seems to be moving slower/lazy...particularly before warmed up. Also the debarker doesn't want to move back away from the log when asked.
Not sure if related, but what should I be looking at/for? Maybe the battery isn't charged/charging properly?
Thanks for any suggestions. Calling WM support today also. 8)
Simple things first. The carriage could be as simple as the belt slipping, or a seized cam follower. Is the sawmill level? The Debarker is heavy and if the loader side of the sawmill is high, it will cause the Debarker to not want to retract. Is the swing arm joint greased and loose?
Mill is pretty level. I'll double-check. Just greased and lubed everything, but will double-check.
Haven't checked the drive belt lately. Will do.
Also check the belt on the debarker!
Sometimes if the mill has been sitting idle for too long, the belts will harden and not want to move freely!
Debarker pivot shaft and housing need to be cleaned once in a while.sawdust and grease in there. I alternate a little grease with atf as time goes by. I lift the shaft about an inch and squirt atf in on top. If it's hardened could use wd40 or on blaster or blue creeper.
Feed belt 7 pounds 1/8" deflection.
In my debarker book, it says 3/8" deflection, with 3 to 5 pounds pressure!
I guess it just depends on what version of debarker you have!
Make sure your warhead feed is not restricted in some way, like Magic mentioned, a seized cam follower bearing or something else. Too much of an electrical load can burn up your MOSFET board. You don't want to do that$$$. Also, if temps are hovering right around freezing, belts can get condensation, that turns to frost, on them and that will cause slippage until the belts warm up.
Also check the top felt wiper. It can get packed with sawdust and cause a drag on the head feed.
Hello,
Trying to make sure these issues are related? or not? Feed could be something as simple as the power feed belt loose. If the mill is outside the debarker belt can rust inside the pulley. Does the rod with the spring move when you push the switch? If this is moving then the grease could be hard or the pin rusted. 35 hp Yanmar would be a late model mill.
Hope this helps.
Marty
My guess is power feed belt.
I think its just the COLD weather.
My old LT40 has no debarker but when my power feed got sticky it was a simple fix. I just had to clean and adjust the wipers on the top rail; problem solved.
Good point about the felt pads. I finally took mine off.
Quote from: Ga Mtn Man on November 20, 2017, 05:22:54 PM
Also check the top felt wiper. It can get packed with sawdust and cause a drag on the head feed.
Mine would bunch up, freeze to the top rail. I just rip it out, put the tin top back on and never had trouble after that. :D
Of course mine does not freeze, but that top felt wiper gets removed, wire brushed, and flooded with ATF before each day's sawing.
I have had to replace that power feed shaft assembly twice, but it does get quite a workout. Heck, it is also dragging me along. Note: if the power feed chain is adjusted too tight it will kill those bearings.
I don't do it that often, but I clean and flood with atf weekly and before sawing if the mill has been sitting idle for a while.
Im havin "slow moving" problems too this morning.....late for work....too much punkooter with coffee... ;D
Quick check..take the belt off the feed motor. Then try manually pushing the head down the rails. If it's hard to push, you have something binding, If the head moves easily, then try rotating the feed motor by hand. If the motor turns easily, you have an electrical problem, if not...I have changed out a couple of feed motors because they bind up when the permanent magnets come loose, they are glued to the inside of the motor case. JB weld will re-attach them. Be carefull handling those magnets, they are made of ceramic and are very brittle. A sharp blow to the case of the motor will likely shatter them.
Also mark the magnets so you put them back in the same way...
Not been at the mill much, but checked the wipers/guides and some, but not much dust caked-up in there. Belt tension is good, battery checks out ok.
Gonna remove the belt and push it today to see how it feels.
Thx for all the tips!
When you get the chance, try Pineywoods (above) suggestion!
Remove the feed drive belt and see if the saw head moves back and forth freely!
Yep. That's what's on my agenda today. Time to change oil in all the machines too...between mill, edger, tractor, truck, generator, pressure washer, it's like a full day and 55 gallon drum! :o