Author Topic: looking at 7 year old Woodmizer LT15 (Read 4338 times)

Durf700 · « **on:** February 04, 2020, 02:55:16 PM »

Hello everyone! I'm new to the forum. I was hoping to get some advise and help on this used mill I'm looking at. current owner claims it has around 40 hours on it. only used to build a shed and then lost interest. it has been sitting outside for 7 years since new. only thing covered is the engine. they are asking for 5,000 dollars for it with power feed option and bed extension. no trailer package. what concerns should I have on this mill since its been sitting for years? is it worth the money or should I stay away? I am scheduled to go look at it tomorrow morning.

thank you for your help!

WV Sawmiller · « **Reply #1 on:** February 04, 2020, 03:08:12 PM »

I'd want to see it run and cut a log or two.

doc henderson · « **Reply #2 on:** February 04, 2020, 03:15:25 PM »

see if the metal is free or froze up at joints. WM had a service that will go through a mill and fix and or point out problems if you want. i am not a WM guy, but hear only good things. if it were me, i would contact WM for a quote for the same mill new with the same bells and whistles. it has low hours, and may be fine despite being in the weather, if well lubricated. see what savings you are getting. see in person if it looks new or if the use has been "underestimated". the hours may be correct, but different styles of use, can wear differently. i can have a drill for years, my brother can ruin one in about an hour.

Durf700 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 04, 2020, 03:34:46 PM »

new price on the LT15 with extension and power feed is around 9,500 plus shipping and tax. thats what is drawing me to this tomorrow. I really want new but would have to go to a woodland mills or frontier to keep the price the same as this used woodmizer. what I like about woodmizer is the much heavier frame system and it sounds like resale is a lot better on them. just nervous of pullys and bearings being in poor shape along with belts.

according to the seller this unit has an 18 HP electric start motor which is bigger than I can get on a new woodland mills or frontier. they only go up to 14hp.

randy d · « **Reply #4 on:** February 04, 2020, 03:37:29 PM »

Woodmizer has a sale going on right now the lt15 is 7,595 brand new and ready to go. hope this helps you decide . Randy

firefighter ontheside · « **Reply #5 on:** February 04, 2020, 04:51:28 PM »

I imagine if the engine will run fine, then you’re set. Even if you have to replace the belts, that’s easy and fairly cheap. Many mills live their entire life with just the head covered. If what you want is an LT15 with extension and power feed, then I think it’s a great deal. If you don’t need extension and power feed, then you might consider new instead. Sometimes I think about getting an extension for my LT15, but then i think about moving really long logs and haven’t gotten the extension yet.

Durf700 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 04, 2020, 04:56:21 PM »

I think the power feed will be nice. especially if I can stack the previous board while the mill is cutting through the next piece. the track extension will be great for a couple of headers needed for the building I will make for the mill. it will allow me to drive in with my loader with a 17 or 18' log without fighting the opening of the building.

I could live without the extension though. but just the power feed is 1195 plus the 7595 for mill then tax and shipping and your still at near 10k

doc henderson · « **Reply #7 on:** February 04, 2020, 05:06:35 PM »

I do not see that you have mentioned the asking price and you do not need to. just make sure the fact that the "new" is worn off is taken into account. My mill is outside, but i use it on a regular basis. and keep it lubed and limber. so i know what i have. if it has set for 5 years unused, it may have issues with bearings, or pins. you will bet an idea tom.

RichTired · « **Reply #8 on:** February 04, 2020, 05:10:34 PM »

As previously mentioned, the LT15 is on sale right now at Woodmizer. Currently the LT15 with power feed is listed at $8790.00 plus tax and shipping.

If the power feed works and the engine runs and you can successfully cut a few logs this might be a pretty good deal.

But good luck in your sawmill adventures...

Woodpecker52 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 04, 2020, 05:27:56 PM »

Sounds like a good deal to me, It will not be for sale long at this price.

47sawdust · « **Reply #10 on:** February 04, 2020, 05:29:20 PM »

You will have a much better sense of the mill once you've seen it.Sweat equity is worth a lot.My first mill required a lot of tlc but in the end it cut great lumber.You will have a tremendous advantage in knowing help and parts are only a phone call away. WM support is top notch.Take cash and see what you can come with.
Good luck and welcome.

Durf700 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 04, 2020, 05:50:37 PM »

seller wants 5,000 dollars. when we first spoke sunday he said bring cash and we will talk... then of course someone called him today and wants to buy it. so then he calls me and said he will at least hold it for me to see tomorrow but is now wanting 5,000 firm.

I think the biggest concerns are the bearings if they have just sat for a few years. he did call me today and said he fired it up. he will be ready to show me how the mill works tomorrow morning and cut a little timber to demonstrate as well.

hopefully everything is good. if not, I messaged the gentleman that is selling a 3 year old LT15 never even unboxed on hear already. I am hoping to hear back from him tonight... its the same distance to either mill. the one for sale on this site that hasnt been even unboxed would be awesome, but not for the same price as ordered new with warranty. he wants 8600.

APope · « **Reply #12 on:** February 04, 2020, 05:53:06 PM »

Welcome to the forum!
I really like my Frontier OS31, but I was on a budget as I only cut for myself. I would like to have more power than the 13.5 I have, but it is capable of meeting my requirements. I did purchase an extension. If I continue to mill, I can see where hydraulics are necessary...
I would want to put eyes on the mill in question and cut with it before purchase..
You are going to have to replace wear parts such as bearings no matter the brand. Maintenance is a fact of life. So is knowledge of set up and calibration.

Durf700 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 04, 2020, 06:03:58 PM »

if this woodmizer doesnt work out and the one for sale on this forum I have narrowed it down to a new frontier OS31 or the woodland mills 130max with trailer package and extension.

how do you like your frontier?

Old Greenhorn · « **Reply #14 on:** February 04, 2020, 06:14:54 PM »

Durf, if that used LT15 does not work out (and it is a pretty good price and worth putting a few bucks into) I think that new one will also be a great deal for you. It has been here a while and I am really surprised it hasn't sold. If I had the money, and believe me, I thought about it. hen I have a place that really needs a mill and it would be perfect for them but they are a company and it is not in this years budget....yet. That mill has just the options I would order too, but I have to focus on handling equipment first.
Whichever way you go, you should come out just fine. Good luck to you.

A-z farmer · « **Reply #15 on:** February 04, 2020, 06:25:08 PM »

Welcome to the forestry forum Durf700
Good luck with your purchase and your sawdust journey.I see you are from the home of Remington very nice company and area.
Zeke

Durf700 · « **Reply #16 on:** February 04, 2020, 06:37:00 PM »

thanks guys for the imput so far. ya, remington arms is 5 minutes away. alot of family members worked they're entire careers there. some still do. I just purchased 54 acres of nice woods. 1/2 hardwoods which I am selectively logging and the other half is hemlock. this is what led me to the sawmill. the loggers dont want to pay you hardly anything for it around here due to the closest mill to process it. so unless you sell to people that want the logs for milling its of no value. I figure I have a chance to really do well with milling my own hemlock and building some outbuildings for myself, and then I can also sell some to recover the expense of the mill maybe.

i'm exited.. just want to get something that will be reliable.

APope · « **Reply #17 on:** February 04, 2020, 06:53:03 PM »

Quote from: Durf700 on February 04, 2020, 06:03:58 PM

if this woodmizer doesnt work out and the one for sale on this forum I have narrowed it down to a new frontier OS31 or the woodland mills 130max with trailer package and extension.

how do you like your frontier?

I have plans to build a bit and a use for my wood... I would buy it again. I had the cash money and it fits well with my plans. I have 50 acres of mature mixed trees that the local loggers don't want to pay squat for and the means to selectively harvest. I would rather have the Frontier sawmill and a PTO driven logging winch for my tractor than the more expensive sawmill at this time. Retirement is 10 years out and I work a job... we heat with wood so little goes to waste.

firefighter ontheside · « **Reply #18 on:** February 04, 2020, 07:31:18 PM »

my Biggest concern would have been the motor, but it seems he quelled that concern. That suggests that he took care of it right the last time he used it. I love my LT15 and that one will be upgraded compared to mine. I only have 15hp, manual feed and no extension.

Durf700 · « **Reply #19 on:** February 04, 2020, 07:38:27 PM »

ya, the seller told me that he had drained the gas out last time it was used. so thats good. I guess what i'm most nervous about is the drive wheel bearings and stuff that havent scene action in a while. it would be disappointing to get it home, set up and start milling and have a bearing overheat and seize or something.. what do you guys think of the bearings sitting for a few years?

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Author Topic: looking at 7 year old Woodmizer LT15 (Read 4338 times)

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