LT40-Covering entire mill

[PA_Walnut]

I'm in the midst of getting permits to build a sawmill shed. Until then I'd like to cover my LT40 with something other than a plastic tarp. Anyone have a pointer/tips for what to get?

I have the console, engine and debarker cover from WM, but wish to cover the entire mill over the winter.

Any help is appreciated. Thx 

[Crusarius]

I don't know what LT-40's are like for critter spots but sometimes it is better to leave it uncovered. The more hospitable you make it the more critters will enjoy it.

[PA_Walnut]

Good point. I've been spraying it with WD40 on occasion to help with rust and corrosion. Hopefully that helps a little AND keeps the critters away!  :D

[Crusarius]

I went out to the shed the other day to prep my UTV for plowing this winter and I think I removed well over 100 pine cones from every nook and cranny. Then I was looking around the shed and saw tons more. Last year was hickory nut fettish this year is pinecones. I wish he had stuck with the nuts. A lot less mess and no sticky.

[Chuck White]

If you completely close your mill in, you'll be inviting critters!

I usually remove most of the shields from my mill as soon as I put it in the garage for the winter!

[Jemclimber]

If you're going to spray it for corrosion protection I would recommend Fluid Film over wd-40. Napa and amazon carry it and I'm sure you'll thank me.

[YellowHammer]

We have had good luck covering large items with used surplus parachutes.  They are light, pretty weatherproof, and breathe well. 

[runmca]

+1 on Fluid Film

[drobertson]

how much are you planning or wanting to spend?  It sure seems like a tarp would work, there has to be some good days you could saw and would want to,, I used a light weight 50' tarp the first winter,,,not sure what it cost pretty cheap I'm thinking, other than that one of those lightweight tubular framed sheds with the metal roofing, they go up quick, and the cost won't break ya,

[PAmizerman]

When I need an oversized tarp I get old billboard "tarps" from repurposed materials.com

[GDinMaine]

The first two winters my mill sat outside, but under careful and complete tarp covers. I have the large mill cover that keeps rain off the entire saw head. I also cover the mill frame with medium duty tarps. Now it has it's own spot in a barn when it is home. If I leave the mill on a job it gets covered completely, regardless of season or weather.

When I am done sawing for the winter, the mill is in the barn, completely clean. The exposed steel surfaces all coated with chainsaw oil. In the early spring it gets another good cleaning and lubed with ATF.

[hopm]

If you're going to spray it for corrosion protection I would recommend Fluid Film over wd-40. Napa and amazon carry it and I'm sure you'll thank me.

How heavy can you coat with fluid film? I have a truck I'm about to do the undercarriage on. Fluid film has been recommended and I'm completely unfamiliar.

[PA_Walnut]

Thanks for all the tips. Got some Fluid Film at Lowes yesterday and sprayed the threaded parts, exposed metal, etc. Will see how that holds up.
In the meantime, gonna look for one of those aluminum pole sheds or big tarp. Thanks!

[Peter Drouin]

 

 
Canvest did work well for me.