Making Lumbermate portable by use of a boat trailer...any thoughts????

[Mikeysmill]

Well....here we go again...you know how you get all these friends when you get a mill ??? ???I need to move my mill several miles. I refused to pay Norwood what they wanted for the trailer package and now I am trying to help a guy out.  I have a boat trailer and it is hinged for sliding the boat off intto the water.....I thought this would make a good trailer to move the  mill with......It gives the entire mill support when in motion, rather than the trailer package from Norwood relies on each section of bed extension and a hand full of bolts Anyone had any experience trying this ??? ???My wife says everytime I try to help a guy out it costs us money....I can not  argue with her on that one...Any wisdom , advise or any other input would be appreciated!!! THanks   Mike

[Timo]

Your wife and mine must have been talking... : Still, I have to agree, if this is a one time event, it might not be worth the risk.

Doesn't the Norwood come apart in sections? Otherwise it seems to me that the damage would be done getting it on and off the trailer. Can you take the power head off and transport it seperately?

Just a thought.

[Robert_in_W._Mi.]

  I know guys who have Norwoods trailor package and pull there mills all the time from job to job.  No has ever reported any damage from doing so, so don't worry about that.

  Keep in mind it's the cone washers and over lapping of the splice plates that keep the bed sections strong, all the bolts do is keep the cone washers in place.  It's a strong proven system.

  As for useing the boat trailor, i don't see why it wouldn't work if like was said, you can figure out an easy way to get it on and off.

  Robert

[mike_van]

Can't hire a truck to move the logs?  They won't get damaged like the mill if something goes wrong.

[chet]

Mike,
I built my own trailer package for my mill, its was rather inexpensive to do, and has worked out extremely well. The mill has seen quite a few miles now with no sign of any problems. I'll try to get a couple of pics posted of it this evening.

[moosehunter]

Mike,
If you are going to move it alot, the Norwood trailer system works well. I have moved mine some and am happy with the trailer system and how it works. Charge your customer every time you move it to cover the cost of the trailer.
mh

[Gunny]

I ran a Lumbermate back in the mid-'90s and always moved it around our 60 acre woodlot--rather than wrecking our trails with skidding.  We'd just remove the "head" system (engine, wheels, etc) from the track and haul it to the newest landing behind the tractor in our old farm wagon.  All you need to do from there is ensure it's level and off you go into production again.  It should fit in the back of any pickup--unless you're running a 16 ft rail. 

[jimbo]

  im not sure about Lumbermate but i move my L15 all the time on on ,just make sure it is rated for that lbs  to handle it  other wise go for it and use plenty of straps  to hold things in place


                                                jimbo

[Ironwood]

One of my sawyers throws his on a marginal trailer all the time, it hangs out the back 8'. Bangs it dragging it down his INSANE driveway with no problem. Thing is just fine. I like that mill! Simple strong durable. I like that mill!!!!Reid