How much robust is the LT40 over the LT35

Tree Dan · October 30, 2014, 06:52:55 PM

Happy fall yaall,
I may have the option to upgrade to thelt40hd.
How much heavier duty Is the head on the 40?
Im starting to get busy now and wondering if the lt40 my be more suited for me.
Its the same bed and the 40 has the auto cluch <---- maybe this is a bad thing.
I know theres a few lt40 owners here...love to hear your thoughts on this.
You may want to know how much I would mill...and the answer would be I could be milling a lot by next summer.
Thanks in advance

GAB · October 30, 2014, 07:20:29 PM

Tree Dan:
I have the auto clutch option on my LT40, and like it.
Concerning your question - "How much heavier duty Is the head on the 40" - I can not answer that one.
Gerald

Red Clay Hound · October 30, 2014, 07:26:02 PM

I have a 2007 LT40HD with the 51 hp Cat. Diesel. It is a heavy duty machine. I definitely recommend the auto-clutch. Also have the debarker, lube-mizer and Accuset II. It is an awesome machine for portable Sawmilling! I don't have any experience with the LT35 so I can't make any comparisons. Good luck!

DR Buck · October 30, 2014, 07:31:57 PM

TreeDan

The autoclutch is an option on the LT40. If that is one of the reasons to upgrade, make sure you have it included. I installed the option kit supplied by Wood-Mizer on my LT40 quite a few years ago. One of the top mods I did to my mill. I think the cost is in the $600 range. CHeck with Wood-Mizer.

Tree Dan · October 30, 2014, 07:47:37 PM

Quote from: DR_Buck on October 30, 2014, 07:31:57 PM
TreeDan

The autoclutch is an option on the LT40. If that is one of the reasons to upgrade, make sure you have it included. I installed the option kit supplied by Wood-Mizer on my LT40 quite a few years ago. One of the top mods I did to my mill. I think the cost is in the $600 range. CHeck with Wood-Mizer.

The AC is not the reason to upgrade, thanks I did not know It was a option on the 40.
The reason to upgrade would be for a more heavy duty mill.
But the 35 may be good enough...I don't know.
So far the lt35 has been running great for me...I do have a pine log to mill sat 32" dia 12 feet long...I will need to do some planning on cutting that log :P
Some 24" oak for next week
Its just a lot of money to put out for a new mill.
If I do this the new tree spade build for next spring will be out.

customsawyer · October 30, 2014, 07:48:49 PM

I don't know much of the difference between a LT35 and a LT 40 but I do know that when I stepped up to the LT70 from a LT40 there was some increase in production due to log handling ability. I would think there should be that much of a increase from a 35 to 40.

Dave Shepard · October 30, 2014, 08:08:14 PM

I don't think the difference is an issue of one being heavier built than the other. The LT40 just has a larger log capacity and more bells and whistles. I really like the AutoClutch option. Accuset2 is also a good way to pickup a little production as well. I know the beds are the same, but I don't know how the hydraulics compare between the 35 and a standard hydraulic 40.

Magicman · October 30, 2014, 08:11:04 PM

I have no experience with an LT35, but I have gradually added options to my LT40. I added the auto clutch last year and I should not have waited that long. It is a very worthwhile option.

reswire · October 30, 2014, 08:13:41 PM

I just got the lt40 with the 35 horse gas, and lube miser upgrade. I love the machine, and like the wider cut ability over the lt35. When I was at Parson's Woodmizer, it appeared that the lt40 head was much beefier than the lt 35, and the added horsepower is nice. If you saw the two machines side by side, the difference would be more obvious. I still think the lt35 is an awesome machine, and have never heard any negative comments on it's performance.
The 40 without upgrades, is probably about 8k more, and you'd have to "need" the bigger cut, to appreciate the difference. I think increased production is more likely to occur when based upon planning, maximum use of workspace, and the amount of "good" help available. ;D

GDinMaine · October 30, 2014, 08:49:36 PM

I looked at the LT-35 and the LT-40 HD (not super) side-by-side before I bought my mill a couple of years ago. The frame is the same, but as far as I could tell that is were the major similarities end. The LT-40 can saw larger logs, has heavier duty up-down gear box and the motors that run the up-down, forward-reverse are also heavier duty. The debarker also follows that line. Also. You will be able to adjust the outer blade guide roller with the push of a toggle switch instead of the manually operated option on the LT-35. I have no idea how the hydraulic capabilities compare, as the above reasons were enough for me to look for an LT-40. The 35 looked like a fantastic machine, but for long term production work the 40 will probably be faster and some components will last longer.

I ended up with a 40 Super Hydraulic that has a few extras on top of the above.

Tree Dan · October 30, 2014, 08:51:15 PM

Quote from: Dave Shepard on October 30, 2014, 08:08:14 PM
I don't think the difference is an issue of one being heavier built than the other. The LT40 just has a larger log capacity and more bells and whistles. I really like the AutoClutch option. Accuset2 is also a good way to pickup a little production as well. I know the beds are the same, but I don't know how the hydraulics compare between the 35 and a standard hydraulic 40.

Hi Dave,
From what I see the 40 has a stronger structure holding the head than the 35...To me it looks like the lthe lt28 head on the 35.
I can do without the auto clutch, but would order it if I did step up to the 40...I just dont like the thoughts of pushing it to the limit on the 35 if I do get busy with the hardwood.

drobertson · October 30, 2014, 08:58:11 PM

If I were to upgrade , it would be to a 70, period. lots more production potential. the 40 super works, just can't drag back as much,

thechknhwk · October 30, 2014, 09:34:09 PM

Maybe not a lot by some standards but I have cut over 25mbf of hardwood since June on my 35, at least 15mbf of it dead dry hard ash. Do you think you'll be THAT busy?

POSTON WIDEHEAD · October 30, 2014, 10:06:53 PM

Quote from: customsawyer on October 30, 2014, 07:48:49 PM
I don't know much of the difference between a LT35 and a LT 40 but I do know that when I stepped up to the LT70 from a LT40 there was some increase in production due to log handling ability. I would think there should be that much of a increase from a 35 to 40.

Good point!

highleadtimber16 · October 30, 2014, 10:14:03 PM

I'm pretty sure the auto clutch is now a standard feature on the the 40's. I don't remember having to pay for an upgrade when I bought mine.

slowmiller · October 31, 2014, 08:02:38 AM

I own a 2013 lt35 and have cut about 65 mbf with it so far this year (got it in April), mixed hardwood and softwood. I have tailed for a couple of 40's and had an option to upgrade to a 40. I decided to stay with the 35. In my opinion the 40 has a much better debarker (I have the old style on my 35), the head is much heavier duty and there are more options you can add, the electric blade guide is nice, and the hydraulic tensioner is a nice upgrade. Plus you get an extra 4" of throat.

I stayed with the 35 because I liked how easy the single post makes changing blades, the hydraulic speeds on the two machines are the same (I am pretty sure), and the cut speed is the same since the basic 40 does not have more horsepower. If I were going to upgrade I would upgrade to a machine with a larger engine, I dont see the other features of the 40 like lubmizer, blade guide, and debarker speeding things up a noticeable amount over the 35, at least not $8k faster. Overall I have been very pleased with the 35 and it is holding up very well. If I could get a 40 super for only 8k more though....

WoodenHead · October 31, 2014, 04:14:46 PM

I used to have an LT28 and upgraded to an LT40. The LT35 is much like the LT28 head with some minor differences to the head structure for the drive and setworks. The LT40 head is much different and I would definitely say more robust. The main bed frame itself is more or less the same between the two(as well as the hydraulics). There was a noticeable difference in head travel speed, the auto clutch certainly saves the shoulders, the debarker is better, and the blade tensioner is much more useful on the LT40. The LT40 also has a drag-back option which is a real time-saver for me. You can also upgrade to Accuset2 if you wish. However, depending on what you are doing with your mill, the LT35 may be just fine.

Tree Dan · October 31, 2014, 05:03:38 PM

My production is just fine at 200 bf a day ;D
It's not more production im looking for,'
Why would the build a 2 post head for the lt40 when the 35 is on the same bed as the 40 and it can only cut a extra 4".
I see the 2nd post gets in the way of the 40 when opening the door to change blades.
But that's good news from the 35 owners about there production.
I bet WM will offer a auto clutch for the lt35 some day.
I really just want to make sure the 35 will still be running strong 5 years down the road and not wish I went for the bad boy 40.
Thanks guys

Dave Shepard · October 31, 2014, 06:30:20 PM

I don't see why the LT35 wouldn't work within it's specs for a very long time. Keep in mind the LT70 doesn't have two posts, it has a mast similar to the LT28/35, from what I can see. I would say that if the 35 is filling your needs right now, and isn't holding you back, that you should keep running it. If circumstances change, you can always upgrade to a 40 later. You might find that if you are doing well with the 35, you can save up enough to trade up to the 40 outright, or maybe you will want to go even bigger.

Magicman · November 01, 2014, 07:22:17 AM

I would say that the different models that sawmill builders offer is just a matter of them meeting their niche markets. Everyone does not want or need chocolate or vanilla. Some want strawberry.

scully · November 01, 2014, 08:32:28 AM

The LT35 head is much lighter than a 40 head . My take on the 35 is a lot of bang for the buck but you really only gain with WM's bed that is used on the 40 . It suprizes me seeing the amount of sawing guys do with the 35 . If you were going up to the 40 I would look into the super . It is faster and diesel power is top notch in my book . The standard 40 is no slouch either . I have cut on just about all of them and each has it's high points . IMHO the LT40 is WM's flagship ! I feel that it is the most solid mill in the industry . The 70 is in a class all it's own ,what I love about it is the air bag tension and the massive power ! I would advise you to get a couple tailers if you go that way . I guess in a nutshell if it were me knowing what I know there really wouldn't be any question about upgradeing to a 40 no matter how it is spec.ed ,the 40 is simply the best allround choice for the serious portable sawyer !

barbender · November 01, 2014, 09:15:34 AM

I don't think you would gain enough going from LT35 to a LT40 standard hydraulic to justify the added expense. Jump up to the Super, you have bigger, faster drive and head lift motors. The board drag back is a big one for me, too. Plus, the hydraulics are 2x faster. I don't have the auto clutch and wish I did ;) I think the LT35HD is a very capable machine.

tule peak timber · November 01, 2014, 09:36:57 AM

Just a personal observation; going from a smaller WM to a larger WM gives me a little more wood at the end of the day but more importantly , I feel a lot less "beat up " Rob

gimpy · November 03, 2014, 07:14:41 PM

Personally, I think no matter which model you buy, you'll be happy but eventually you'll dream of a bigger unit. Heck, I take an LT15 and get to work.

Tree Dan · November 03, 2014, 08:21:26 PM

Production is not too important to me...Its the size is the biggie.
I have the gear to handle big logs...so that extra 4" on the throt is alot when you have a big log to mill.
It could save mucken around with a chainsaw in -30 weather.
The auto clutch looks like it would make the day of sawing easier too.
I have never seen a debarker work except on some videos
its a big plus...I know the 35 come's with them too.
The auto lube is a good thing...and the more robust head.

I have looked at the super hyd, and for what I use the mill for It wont justifie the extra money, but the lt40hd looks preaty tempting for the work I do.
If later down the road I need to slab some bigger logs I may build my own slabber.

If the price tag on the 40 was just a bit less I think I would go for it...Thats the only thing holding me back now.
I do have a spot cleared in my dome where I can saw this winter.
One thing for sure Im not going mobile with salt on the road.
They can bring the logs to me.