Older LT15

[DLMaine01]

Have a chance (maybe) to buy a 2001 model LT15. I am looking to buy a manual saw mill and there are many to choose from in the 10 to 18 hp range, both new and used. I would prefer a Wood-Mizer.
Any disadvantages to a 2001 model? it has a 15hp Kohler engine and a track extension. I prefer a used unit so there is no sales tax. Yes I am cheap!
It will be used for milling on my small farm for my own use or selling some eastern white cedar as I have a pretty good stand. I have a decent sized tractor for harvesting and loading logs etc.
This would be my first mill. Thanks for any input.
Dave

[beenthere]

That mill along with all the great help from this forum, and you can't go wrong.  8)

[hackberry jake]

The only issue I see with it is it's not BLUE  ;D

[dgdrls]

DL,

15's are dandy units,  get it at a good fair price and see if there are any maintenance records for it.
You can also run the Serial # past WM and see its origin and possible sales history.
DGD

[Chuck White]

If you get it at a decent price, you can't go wrong with an LT-15.

[DLMaine01]

Thanks for the replies. What would you guys consider a good price? It looks to be in pretty good shape and owner says always stored undercover. It is a few hours drive for me to go look at which complicates things a bit.

[dgdrls]

Thanks for the replies. What would you guys consider a good price? It looks to be in pretty good shape and owner says always stored undercover. It is a few hours drive for me to go look at which complicates things a bit.

Check the WM site, new 15's are 7K,  go from there.  What I have seen is most portable units
hold a good deal of their value if they are maintained well. 

Once you have an idea on his asking price you can double check and see what's available in that price range or close for new.

DGD

[Qweaver]

I started with an LT15 that I paid $4500 for.  It had some extras.  Used it 4 years and upgraded to an LT28.  Sold the LT15 for $4500.  Built the house and several large sheds with the 15.  I liked the 15 but I like the 28 more :D  Up to about 28" logs it will do anything you want to do.  Good luck.

[nk14zp]

Where is the lt15? And where are you?  If the lt 15 is closer to me than you I could take a look at it for you.

[47sawdust]

The Lt15 sawmills are everywhere.I am frequently trolling for a used Lt30 hydraulic and by far the most ads are for the Lt15.WM has a dandy Lt25 on their website for 7k.All manual and portable.
Good luck,Mick

[GDinMaine]

DLMaine,
Just a few weeks ago there was an LT-15 with a diesel for sale her in Maine.  If memory serves, it had very low hours and the asking price was $5500-6000.  Where in this wonderful state are you?

[DLMaine01]

GDinMaine- yes I saw that ad and replied to it but never got a response and the ad went away so I assume it sold. Asking price was $5900.
I am just outside Bangor to the south and east.
LT 15's are not overly common here I have looking for awhile.
nk14zp thanks for the offer but the mill is not in Maine but NH. Just got off the phone with the owner, seems like a nice guy. He is the original owner and has not put much time on it. If it all he says it is, it is mine for 5K. Not a smoking deal but not bad either. Comes with a track extension and 10 blades. And best of all it's a Wood-Mizer so I am happy. It will be a couple of weeks before I can go and get it. It will be a long couple of weeks!
Thanks for everyone's input, it really helped.
Dave 

[GDinMaine]

Dave,
I can't speak for what is better (or worse) on an LT-15 that was made yesterday as opposed to one made in 2001.  All I can say is, it might be a while before another one comes up for sale in this knack of the woods and they sell fast, as you already know.

I bought my mill in NH too, and it was about a year before another, similar mill (LT40) came up for sale within 500 miles of Bangor.  I did not get a smoking deal, but I was happy to find a saw relatively close to home.  I hope it works out to your liking either way.  I'm just East of Bangor about 12 miles. It would be great to meet like-minded folks. 

[nk14zp]

I"m East of Bangor by about 70 miles.  Maybe the three of us can meet up some time.

[DLMaine01]

GDinMaine andnk14zp
Sounds good to me. I am STRAIGHT OUT at work for the next two weeks which is why I can not make the trip to pick it  up until then. But as soon as I get it home I would really like to meet up with you guys, I am sure I could use a few pointers ;D
This is a great forum that's for sure.
Dave

[barbender]

That mill will treat you well. I started out looking for an LT15 to replace my shop built mill, I somehow ended up with an LT40 SH diesel : (my wife loves me). I would have been completely happy with the 15, with this beast I feel like I need to go make money with it. Oh well

[GDinMaine]

Dave,
I don't know how many pointers I could give, but I'm certainly always up for learning myself.  So.  It seems like you committed to buy the mill?  The only thing I know about them is that they saw good lumber.  Send us a PM when you get back, may be we can meet up for a pizza/burger.  digin_2

There may be a couple other guys too, who would be interested in a get-together. 

[DLMaine01]

Yes GD I committed to buy the  mill as long as it's all it's represented to be. Owner will hold it for me until I can get down there. No more than two weeks from now.
Get together sounds good I'll let you know when I have it home.
Dave