Timberking B20 questions

[paulT]

Hello guys.
New member here. Making a deal on buying a 2000 B20. It's about 400 miles away and I am concerned about the tow home. I was wondering what size wheels and tires it would have on it? I called timberking and was told it should have six hole 15" wheels is this what you B20 guys have? Also wondering about the bolt pattern spacing so I can take a spare.

Also does anybody know what these mills weigh ? Will a 1/2 ton handle it ok?

Thanks
Paul

[ND rancher]

Hi Paul,Welcome.Should have no problem pulling it. Make sure head is locked in tow position and everything else is secure for the long trip.Should be standard trailer rim, would have to check in daylight.Other B20 owners might answer for sure.Towed mine that far a year ago in the snow!

[thecfarm]

paulT,welcome to the forum. How old are the tires? You might want to replace them before going home. Or have a couple spares.What's the plan for the lumber?

[Tom the Sawyer]

paulT,

Welcome to the Forum from another B-20 owner.  Mine is a 2007 model.  The tire size is ST225/75R15
marked "For Trailer Service Only".  Six lug wheels.  My mill weighs about 3900 pounds.  The mill has electric brakes and tows easily (F350).  The wiring is a 7-way, RV, plug.  Needs a 2" hitch ball.

[paulT]

Thanks Guys
The owner says the tires are good but I was wondering about size so I could take a spare and tire hammer  I guess I need to install a brake box on my pickup. 3800 lbs is a little heavy to stop fast.  I am as much worried about wheel bearings as I am tires but he says he will repack them. Kinda rather do that myself. But time is a factor. Thecfarm  I have some sheds to build on the farms and some walnut to saw for woodworking. Not enough really to justify a mill but I have always wanted one.
Thanks again

[redbeard]

Welcome Paul, Can't help with towing info, I chose to be stationary.Had mine delivered new in 06.  I've really enjoyed the B-20 its a tough mill.

[rph816]

The wheels should be a standard 6 on 5.5" (that's what ours are).  The only other thing I'd reiterate is to make sure the head is pinned to the frame before towing.  I'd be more worried about the tires than bearings.  Most of these saws don't have a lot of miles on them, but do sit out in the sun/rain and oftentimes piles of sawdust.  We always keep spares on our trailers and even for as little as we tow, there always seems to be a need.  Good luck, you'll like the mill. - Ryan

[thecfarm]

Not enough really to justify a mill but I have always wanted one.

Sounds just like me.  :D  After a few sheds and some of that walnut,won't take long to pay for itself.

[valley]

Congrats on the b-20 I OMB one myself it's actually leaving here tomorrow , going to be a sad sight to see her go best improvement I made was changing the cord reel to an industrial one with an extra wire for remote throttle , got reel off eBay for about 300 bucks , been a great machine and was my first mill I was buying a circle mill and it ended up going in trade

[paulT]

Yes he say the set works doesn't work. He sent the computer off and it checked out ok.  So I'm hopeing it's just a wiring problem.  Do these mills tow at highway speeds ok?  My fear is it wags like a dogs tail for 400 miles of interstate. 

[beenthere]

I'd think too much weight on the tongue, or too little weight on the tongue, may cause it to 'wag'. But that can be remedied.

[ladylake]

Yes he say the set works doesn't work. He sent the computer off and it checked out ok.  So I'm hopeing it's just a wiring problem.  Do these mills tow at highway speeds ok?  My fear is it wags like a dogs tail for 400 miles of interstate.

The B20 tows great, not to worry.   It's good to get the computer checked out, also the sensor.  As mentioned above you need to put a industrial cord reel on your mill , the one TK sells loses contact in the ground circuit once in a while causing the set works to be erratic.  If you plan on things like a remote throttle or a power up-down log dog if it has the screw type get at least a 6 wire cord reel.  I got lucky and got a new one off Ebay for $160 shipped but they might go for $300 or so now.   Steve

[paulT]

Well I got it home everything went smooth. It towed great. I stopped after a few miles and touched the hub and they where fine. It actually looked better in person than the pictures. That is a first for me. Didn't get to run the engines (kubota) long but they sound good and don't smoke. Can't wait for the rain to pass and make some dust.

[Tom the Sawyer]

paulT,

Glad everything went well, and that you got it home (where is home, by the way - profile?)

You'll really enjoy what the B-20 can do, they are great mills.  Let us know how you're doing, ask questions, and take pictures.   

Tom

[paulT]

Home is Tennessee.  I bought it from a guy in Indiana. He said he bought it a couple of years ago from a guy in Maine. This thing gets around   

[valley]

Congrats on getting it home, mine left today but we got the circle mill here , now I get to start setting it up what part of tn you in I'm in north ms

[chickenchaser]

Home is Tennessee.  I bought it from a guy in Indiana. He said he bought it a couple of years ago from a guy in Maine. This thing gets around

Welcome paulT.

I'm 3rd owner of a 2003. It has stayed within a 10 mile radius since coming from KC.

Your reasoning for the mill sounds rock solid to me.

CC