Opinions on the value of an LT40 Super (sitting and little use last 5 years)

[JustinW_NZ]

Good thread 

Here in NZ the mills are not that common and we got the chance to buy one that had sat around for about the same amount of time as the one you mention here.
('97 LT40 super with new diesel engine)

I knew I had to budget for some new items as some of the hoses looked really bad and other things im sure would be bad.

Things I hit;
Original computer worked fine - the little sensor did not. $400 fix..
replaced about 3 hoses
two new bearings on the head.
overhauled both hydraulic pump motors.
Pulled apart backstops cleaned/repainted/reinstalled.

sprinkle in a good dose of new bolts here and there and all seems good  :D

I would have to say this process has been ideal for me, as I'm mobile and can travel away a good distance so going through and rebuilding things has been invaluable for making me more effective with minor "upsets"

Just my 10c anyway..

Cheers
Justin

[WoodenHead]

Well, the man reduced his price again (sort of) and I went to see it.  I was in the area anyway for other business.  The mill ran very well and I don't doubt the seller when he says he didn't use it much.  The previous owner on the other hand put on almost 1000 hrs in one year and I don't think he looked after it well.  Plus the years of sitting were not good.  Just before I was supposed to see it, a hydraulic hose busted.  And I think that is a sign of much more to come.  The seller did replace belts and things faithfully, but couldn't have done much because he only put 100hrs on it himself.

The edger had some neglect and evidence of sitting too long, but was in relatively good shape.  I tried to buy it separately, but he wanted $10,000 for the edger alone.  The gas engine wouldn't start unless he poured gasoline directly into the carb.  He would fix that before I bought it though. 

The sharpener and setter were nothing spectacular and were probably never even used by the present owner.  The previous owner did use it and must of sold it just as it came out of his shop.  It looked used.  The plastic top of dial of the setter came loose as the seller was moving some stuff to get at it. 

In the end I left with nothing, except a good feeling that I passed on it.   

For someone who has the time, likes to tinker, this could be the right stuff.  The owner is selling the package for $23,000-$25,000.  The ad says $23,000, but he wanted $1000 more by the time I got there because he was putting effort into getting things running.  Plus he indicated he had an offer for $25,000 unseen.  So the next time it might be $25,000.  The edger seems to me to be in the best condition of all that he has to sell.

 

   

[barbender]

 I know that I bought my used/neglected about $1000-$1500 under book, and put that right back into it in parts and my time (which I didn't really have available). From now on, when I buy something that needs work I will estimate my time @ $25/hr and not just parts.

[mmartone]

A few little tidbits. Diesel holds moisture, moisture corrodes/damages metals. There's an injection pump and injectors sitting all that time with fuel in them, sometimes it damages them and they need rebuilding or replacement could be over $1000 if you do the work. Don't get me wrong I'd live to have that unit! I have been thinking about selling mine to get a hydraulic. Good luck.

[scully]

Here is what I know
#1 the Kabota powered wood-mizer mills are in fact the most desirable used mill on the market !
Mine sat out since new and sat dormant for the last 3 years with only 300 hrs on it{ 2002 super } I bought it in 2012 . I was promptly offered 2500 more than I payed for it . I installed all the available upgrades less accuset 2 . new selinoids etc . I did most of the work myself and it was not that hard to do . I would not consider less than mid 20's for mine now . But I am never selling it ! The mill you are looking at IMHO 18000 would be the high side and if any of the electrical is wet etc and needs to be gone through like mine I would offer a couple grand less . But over all I would not walk away !