Compare LT10G10 and LT15

[wesdor]

Not sure if I can justify a purchase of this nature, but am at least giving it serious consideration.

I've researched the topic on FF as well as Woodmizer and other spots in the internet.  Basically, I am seeking input on the two small woodmizer models.  We live on a farm and have about 45 acres of timber.  Most of it is NOT high quality timber and I have an active forestry plan.  As we cull the lower quality trees we get a reasonable number of short (less than 8') logs.  I do have access to an LT70 with all the bells and whistles but can only afford that about twice a year.  We do  full day of sawing the big logs and I have a growing stack of stickered lumber under the roof of our metal building. 

My problem is what to do with the short logs.  I am thinking that the LT10 or LT15 might be a good answer for me.  If I had one at home, I could take my time cutting and get the best potential out of the logs.

After doing my research it looks to me like the difference between the LT10 and LT15 is not very much.  The LT10 has a push feed while the LT15 has a crank feed.  The LT15 has a wider choice of engines.

Bottom line question - for the purpose I have described, is there any significant difference between the two mills?  If I am looking correctly, the LT15 is about double the cost of the LT10.  If I can find the money, which one is the better solution for my situation?

Maybe I just need to realize this is firewood and not even try, but I guess it would be fair to say "I have the bug"

Thanks for your input.

[Tom]

The LT10 might be a good mill to have in the garage for those little pieces of firewood you find on the road, or the occasional  tree in the backyard, but my money is on the LT15, given those two choices.  It's not because of the hand crank either.  It's because the LT15 starts you off with a 15 horse motor and horses are like gold. I'd even put a 20 or better on there if it were me.

The LT15's unlimited number of extensions puts you in the ball park of the big mills and is even a trait that would cause a big mill owner to pause as to whether to lengthen his mill or get an LT15.

The LT15 is built on heavier material and that's important when you are working with three ton logs and tractors.

The LT10 folds up and leans against the wall, but the LT15 fits in the back of a pickup truck and getting it there isn't much of a hassle.  So, It would be the bigger mill for me.

[WDH]

The extra power of the LT15 will pay off in improved productivity with the 15 hsp engine and even more so with the 25 hsp engine.  Productivity is in the horses like Tom says.  If you cut 10 logs a year then it probably doesn't matter much, but if you cut 50 logs, it will.

[VT-Woodchuck]

I bought the LT15 this fall with the 25hp engine. I have milled everything from a 28" poplar to a similar sized cherry. I would not want anything less than the 25. It cuts like a dream! 

[DR_Buck]

I don;t have either but I've seen them both side by side a number of times.  There is no comparison.  If the LT-10  was a tricycle, the LT-15 would be a Harley.   Spend a little more $$  and get a real mill.  Buy the LT-15.   You'll never regret it.

[paul case]

i have a manual mill. bigger motor makes sense to me . my advuse- check all your options. heavier and more rugged will pay off in the long run. are small logs worth it?  without a doubt yes. if you have the use for the lumber yes. while custom sawing almost 1/4 of my customers bring me a shorty from time to time. pc

[WDH]

If you cut mainly hardwood, 8 and 10 foot lengths are just fine.  You get better yield and straighter lumber which is important in making furniture.  If you cut mainly pine, you will need an extra bed section to cut 16' since the factory set-up only allows 10.5 feet on the LT15.

[DanG]

B-b-b-but, if you can only scratch up the scratch to get the LT10, by all means get one.  It isn't the mill that the LT15 is, but it's still a pretty sporty little rig for the money.   I been watching these orange-blooded guys and all the LT15 owners are drooling over the LT40, and all the LT40 guys are casting their eyes at the 70.  I can't wait to see the LT70 guys when the 90 comes out!

[zopi]

Forget the lt-10..just forget it..if you live on a farm you know the difference between playtoys and useful equipment...I have an lt-15...
my wife said to me last night, if I knew then what I know now, I would have bought you a used lt-40 hydraulic...

here is my recommendation...if you can afford it get a used lt-28 or lt-40 either manual or hydraulic, and with the biggest engine you can get...the portability is worth the money!

If you can't afford it, get the LT-15, and the log handling package, and a logrite cant hook...get the biggest engine you can, or if you prefer, get the diesel...that little bugger is a workhorse...there is no substitute for horsepower except for torque..the diesel will likely outwork the 15 hp gas..although parts are easier to get locally for the kohler engines...

you WILL get addicted..I predict you won't hire the LT-70 again..

[wesdor]

Thanks for all the replies!

I don't have a lot of time to respond to everyone, since I have to be up at 4:45 in the morning to get to work.

It sounds to me like if I can't afford the LT-15 then I should save my money until I can afford it or at least something that size or bigger.

I'm not sure what the log handling package adds for price, but that might be a good idea.  I do have a John Deere 3520 with pallet forks and can move logs around rather easily. 

A question on the diesel engine.  If I recall correctly, it is only a 10 hp.  How will that perform compared to the 25 hp gas?

Looks like I'll have to save a little longer and raise my sights.

[shinnlinger]

Wesdor,

Sounds like you want a mill and are tight for cash.   I would suggest you look at used and by all means, don't only look at orange.  Lots of other good brands out there.... 

Dave

[jholub]

maybe you can buy Zopi lt15 and let his wife buy him that lt40 sounds like a win-win situation

[zopi]

maybe you can buy Zopi lt15 and let his wife buy him that lt40 sounds like a win-win situation

Zopi's wife is broke or it would have happened already...

[DR_Buck]

maybe you can buy Zopi lt15 and let his wife buy him that lt40 sounds like a win-win situation

Zopi's wife is broke or it would have happened already...

Zopi,  You need to find her another job.   

[zopi]

no lie...need a new lawn mower too..

[paul case]

Zopi,
sounds like tom doesnt seem to get all his sawin done, maybe your wife could go saw for him and he would have more tim for the forum and she'd have the extra $ toget you that mill.
 i know that i wear the pants around my place when she lets me. :)pc

[Traditional Toolworks]

I'm also looking at some small mills and the LT15 is one that caught my eye.

They seem to hold their value pretty good.

A LumberMate 2000 went for $3500 not far from me, but I missed it, small motor and no trailer option but with 4 extensions. I was just a bit late to call...

[Tom]

sounds like tom doesnt seem to get all his sawin done,

Tom's pretty much done sawing. 

[zopi]

wifey is not going to commute to Florida...much less live there...she's allergic to the whole state, and living that close to her mother.. I think she married me just to pith off her folks....it worked too.

[submarinesailor]

I think she married me just to pith off her folks....it worked too.

Ditto - I think it is a requirement to make Chief in the Navy.

Bruce