Adding hydraulic backstops

[stumpy]

I believe there  was some discussion some time ago, about adding hydraulics backstops to a Woodmizer.  I have search the archives, but I can't find anything.  Anyone remember this?

[Pineneedle]

It was in Useful Sawmill Mods, post #44 by Bibbyman

[beenthere]

There was a character member on FF who put hydraulic legs under his WM, and I just heard they work great to lift the mill outta the ice and snow... ;D ;D

[Chuck White]

Useful sawmill mods is a great thread.

I think it should become a sticky!

https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,7789.0.html

Chuck

[pineywoods]

I think the bibby thread was for adding hydraulics to the 2 center backstops on a late model woodmizer. I hooked up hydraulics to the 2 outside backstops on an older manual mill if that,s what you are interested in. Never posted pics, but I can do so.

[stumpy]

Yes, that's what I'm thinkin about.  I have a 1999 LT30 manual.  Pics would help.

[pineywoods]

Should be a piece of cake on an LT30. Mine got a little complex because I also have a home-made log turner and clamp that got in the way. On a 95 LT40 manual. I'll get some pics tomorrow...

[pineywoods]

Stumpy, give me a day or 2, I got kinda tied up. I'll post pics and a template for making the parts you'll need.

[pineywoods]

Here are pics of my hydraulic backstops on a manual lt40. You will need to fabricate the black pieces from 1/4 inch steel plate. I made a cardboard template and cut the pieces out with a torch, then welded them to the backstop. Just tack weld and make sure everything fits, then weld securely. The push rod going from the rear cylinder to the front is a piece of 1/2 inch pipe with a 1/2 inch fine thread nut welded in the end. Thread a 1/2 inch rod end bearing in it. The hydraulic cylinder is a 2 inch by 8 inch stroke. The hoses go to a open center control valve for dual acting cylinders. The fixed end of the cylinder connects to an L- shaped bracket bolted to the rear bunk.. For hydraulic power I use a 3 gpm pump coupled to a 1 hp electric motor, which also powers a log turner, clamp, and toe roller.
Rear backstop




cylinder attach



front backstop




template




template

[Bibbyman]

If you don't want to do all the cutting and welding,  it's likely that all the hardware (back supports, tie rods, etc.) could be bought from Wood-Mizer.  I suspect you're frame already has all the fittings of an HD mill.