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General Forestry => Sawmills and Milling => Topic started by: thecfarm on January 24, 2013, 10:34:33 PM

Title: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: thecfarm on January 24, 2013, 10:34:33 PM
I was thinking,I see very few sawmills being towed down the road. In fact I really can not remember the last time I saw one and where it was.We go alot too. Not too many freeways,but mostly back roads and state highways. I see every piece of heavy equipment being hauled,right from tractors to forwarders. I don't miss a log truck,empty or full either.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Magicman on January 24, 2013, 10:41:09 PM
I see one occasionally and wonder, "what the heck is he doing in my territory?"   :D
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: thecfarm on January 24, 2013, 10:44:20 PM
Getting out of town!!!!
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Delawhere Jack on January 24, 2013, 10:45:17 PM
I've never seen another portable mill on the road. I do see loaded log trucks at least 1 or 2 times a month, and this is not a big timber area.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: hackberry jake on January 24, 2013, 10:47:13 PM
I see log trucks every day, only seen one other portable sawmill on the road. In my neck of the woods commercial circle mills are king.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: thecfarm on January 24, 2013, 10:50:23 PM
Delawhere Jack,that could be another whole thread,how often you see a loaded log truck? I never gave that much of a thought.  :o  I see at least one in a 20 minute drive. very common to meet one empty or full. Helps to live only 20 minutes from a paper mill. But I see logs too.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: NWP on January 24, 2013, 11:10:40 PM
Quote from: thecfarm on January 24, 2013, 10:50:23 PM
But I see logs too.

I see logs too.  Most of them are along the road when I'm driving and are still standing with limbs on them. ;D 

I have never thought of it, but I can't say that I've ever seen a portable mill being towed either.  Funny thing is, Timberking's factory is less than 5 miles from where the fire station is I work at.  It's about 20 miles from my house and my wood yard is right along the interstate so I would think that would improve my chances of a sighting.  Maybe they are kind of like a sasquatch.  Very elusive.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Ianab on January 24, 2013, 11:16:35 PM
When we had a wind storm last year and they were doing salvage logging I thing we had 1/2 the trucks from the central Nth Island rolling though town. On a 1/2 hour drive back from town I counted 15 one day. There would have been 15 empty ones following me too.

Today I counted 3 in a 15 minute walk down our main street, that's a more normal number.  :D

Portable mills? Woodmizer type mills are rare as hens teeth, you occasionally see some other mill on the road, but a swingmill on the back of truck doesn't really stand out.

Ian
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: losttheplot on January 24, 2013, 11:40:29 PM
I've seen 3 in the last 11 years, they have all been LT 40's.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Ljohnsaw on January 25, 2013, 12:08:21 AM
I saw one (orange) loaded in the back of a pickup, hanging out a little, a month or two back.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Brucer on January 25, 2013, 12:12:30 AM
One or two a year.

There used to be a lot of mobile sawyers in these parts but most of them have retired or found something else to do. Most of the time when I see one, I can figure out who it belongs to.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Tom the Sawyer on January 25, 2013, 12:57:22 AM
We are out there, I swear we are.   ;)  It is an unusual sight though.  I frequently get people who drive along side on the interstate or try to flag me down.  I have my web address on both sides of the mill and on my truck.  I've even had them follow me to the client's home.  If I pull through a parking lot, or into a gas station, I'll usually end up handing out several business cards.   


 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19572/Website_URL_on_mill_RF.jpg)
Some will ask, "is that a sawmill?" when there are magnetic signs on the door of my truck that "Tom The Sawyer Portable Sawmill Service"... (here's your sign).  ::) There are a lot of people (even woodworkers) who had no idea such a machine existed and are very curious.  I am looking into pulling it as an entry in our local community parade next summer.  ;D
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Kcwoodbutcher on January 25, 2013, 01:07:24 AM
You've never driven down my street, I probably would have noticed.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: kelLOGg on January 25, 2013, 04:53:35 AM
More than 10 years ago I saw a mill set up sawing as I was driving I85. I know of 5 or 6 sawyers within 10 miles of me but I have never seen one on the road. I expect to draw a lot of attention as I pull my mill but I never do. To the general public we are just another machine on the road. Don't they know how important portable mills are? :D. I'm afraid we are the only ones who will notice. Oops - there is one recent exception: a guy approached me as I was setting up in an urban setting and wanted my contact info. Felt great.
Bob
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: dgdrls on January 25, 2013, 05:44:16 AM
No mills for me,  plenty of logs trucks though.  I did watch my LT-10 go down the road in
the bed of its new owners truck :D

DGDrls
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: bandmiller2 on January 25, 2013, 07:31:46 AM
Most portable bandmills are used stationary,only a handfull of roadies.Its worth having an axle under them just for shipping from the factory,just imagine a LT-70 delivered as a kit to wire and assemble.[not picking on WM] Frank C.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: AdamT on January 25, 2013, 07:37:12 AM
I've only seen one. It was heading north, I was heading south. I would guess an older LT40. The sun wasn't up yet so not for sure. I see plenty of log trucks though.

I too get a lot of stares rolling through town, or passer bys on the interstate.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: justallan1 on January 25, 2013, 07:41:52 AM
I've never seen one going down the road, but when I brought mine home in the back of the truck it was dark out and yet plenty of people in town know all about it.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: rooster 58 on January 25, 2013, 08:04:00 AM
when I lived in the Pittsburgh area, I only remember seeing one. Up here In 3 1/2 yrs, I,ve seen two. I'm not sure about the one last Oct., But I believe it was a Norwood. Then , two weeks ago about an hour from home I saw a Norwood for sure
    As far as logs, I live at the edge of The Allegheney Natl Forest, and State Game Lands no. 24. I see at least 5-6 loads go by my house every day, and when you go into town you can't hekp but see at least 2-3 loads.
    Funny thing about the mills, after Christmas I was on my way back from Ga. I kept seeing one in my rear view mirror. The son of a gun followed me all the way home ;D  8)  ;)
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Tree Feller on January 25, 2013, 08:10:40 AM
I've never seen one being pulled down the road and I do a lot of driving. My monthly commute to shorebase is 430 miles.   :o
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Chuck White on January 25, 2013, 08:19:28 AM
I see a few mills on the road, there are 11 portable mills within 10 miles of my house!

No idea where they travel.

I still get lots of customers though!
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: bama20a on January 25, 2013, 08:40:43 AM
Quote from: bandmiller2 on January 25, 2013, 07:31:46 AM
Most portable bandmills are used stationary,only a handfull of roadies.Its worth having an axle under them just for shipping from the factory,just imagine a LT-70 delivered as a kit to wire and assemble.[not picking on WM] Frank C.
Bandmiller is right (I think) ???.I drive over the road every day,All over the U.S.& very few times have seen one,Although I do travel mostly the interstate's.I would think that most of the mobile sawer's would be more on the back roads when going from job to job.
I've been told that I don't miss much as far as noticing things around me ;D,I sure see several from the interstate that are sit up stationary ;D
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Magicman on January 25, 2013, 08:43:11 AM
I mostly let other folks see me.    ;D
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: terrifictimbersllc on January 25, 2013, 09:14:27 AM
Can't remember seeing one on the road since WM brought me mine, 12 years ago last week.  Except in my mirror.  :) :)
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Ocklawahaboy on January 25, 2013, 09:17:50 AM
For a small mileage fee, I'll be glad to tow my mill past the house of anyone who hasn't seen one, other than their own of course.  Might be a nice way to see the country(s).  My wife has always wanted to see New Zealand too.  That one will cost extra though. 

To answer the question, there are 3 other portable mills I know of in my county and two more in adjoining counties.  I have only once seen one on the road but have seen them set up at other locations from time to time.  I have to look into a basic biz license etc so I can start handing out cards and have signs for when I start towing mine around in a couple of weeks.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: ely on January 25, 2013, 11:57:30 AM
i know i ve seen a mill on the road before... cant say for sure when though.
o know of at least seven portable mills near here that are never moved, some never started.

logs trucks? about 7 every minute.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: hackberry jake on January 25, 2013, 05:03:15 PM
The "how many mills near you" question could be another post of its own. The neighbor across the valley has a lt40hydraulic that is usually stationary. I know of a mr. Sawmill that is about 10 miles from me and a Norwood about 12 miles from me. I have heard of more but never seen them. There's supposed to be a lt15 owner that wants me to sharpen 100+ bands for him but only through mutual friends did I hear this info. The lt40 owner was on the discovery (I think) channel a couple years ago. Here is an article from woodmizer about him http://us.woodmizer-planet.com/index.pl?act=PRODUCT&id=23
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: r.man on January 25, 2013, 05:17:01 PM
I used to see one mill many times in the year. Frequently it would be parked one door down from my house across from the general store. The owner would be in getting his mail or a newspaper. This fellow was a retired GM foreman who bought a manual mill to stay in shape with a money making hobby. He eventually sold all his holdings here and moved back to a more urban area for better access to health care. I have rarely seen a mill on the road since.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: pnyberg on January 25, 2013, 05:50:02 PM
Quote from: terrifictimbersllc on January 25, 2013, 09:14:27 AM
Can't remember seeing one on the road since WM brought me mine, 12 years ago last week.  Except in my mirror.  :) :)

I've never seen one either, but I have this vision in my head of Dennis and I passing each other someday going opposite directions somewhere in Connecticut.

--Peter
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: losttheplot on January 25, 2013, 06:15:50 PM
Quote from: hackberry jake on January 25, 2013, 05:03:15 PM
The "how many mills near you" question could be another post of its own. 

I live on an island that is only accessible if you have a boat, there is a small barge available for hire.
It is two miles long and half a mile wide +/-
There are around 60 full time residents and perhaps another 100 weekenders.

As far as sawmills go....

There are 4 portable band saws,
There are only 2 circle saws now as one left.
A mighty mite mobile dimension mill.
A chainsaw mill with a 3120 Husky.
4 or 5 Alaskan sawmills.
And I have a Norwood LM 2000.

You would think that 9 mills per square mile would be sufficient, however, there is currently an LT 40 sawing over here from a nearby island.

To be honest most of the mills have not moved in years.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: JohnM on January 25, 2013, 06:47:14 PM
Quote from: pnyberg on January 25, 2013, 05:50:02 PM
I've never seen one either, but I have this vision in my head of Dennis and I passing each other someday going opposite directions somewhere in Connecticut.

:D :D :D  That image cracked me up, Peter.

Oh and to answers Ray's OP...there is one local guy with a LTsuper that I see 2-3 times a year dragging his around, including to my place a couple of years ago. ;D
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Al_Smith on January 25, 2013, 07:55:55 PM
I've never seen a portable mill be pulled .I do however see a multitude of log trucks because right down from work is a veneer exporter .

The haul them in ,auction them then haul them out again .
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Migal on January 25, 2013, 08:32:56 PM
 :) I know of 6 portable mill's in my county. The only one I have seen on the road was mine in the mirror's almost A year ago. Did renew my tags yesterday LOL . When I got mine home I kinda hid it from the road on purpose I'm still kinda of a selective sawyer one might say.  8)    :snowball:
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: schakey on January 25, 2013, 09:49:42 PM
I run about a 500 mile radius of Akron,Oh. I've seen a few Woodmizers and a couple of Timberkings on the road. A lot of log trucks. Once Woodmizer pickup
Passed me with a new mill in Indiana(sure wish they were going to my house)
Sometimes I get to travel the back roads in Pa and see some portable mills
Working.there is a manual mill along Pa rt 80 and 220n that I eyeball when I
Heading west,if it's daylight.
I am always looking for mills where ever I go.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Chuck White on January 26, 2013, 02:38:02 PM
I think that most people transport their sawmills either early morning or late afternoon/evening.

In the middle of the day, they should be sawing!  ;)
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Ga Mtn Man on January 26, 2013, 05:44:50 PM
Quote from: rooster 58 on January 25, 2013, 08:04:00 AM

    Funny thing about the mills, after Christmas I was on my way back from Ga. I kept seeing one in my rear view mirror. The son of a gun followed me all the way home ;D  8)  ;)

That happened to me, too! My avatar is the proof :D :D

I don't recall ever seeing another mill on the road, in front or behind me.

Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Solomon on February 03, 2013, 08:10:08 AM
There's only two of us in my area doing it.   There are a few small manual mills around with no wheels under them.
My friend Paul has an LT40 I have an LM4 and they are the only two rolling in Hampton Roads  and We've both become known as "Those guys with the saw mills".
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: petefrom bearswamp on February 03, 2013, 08:47:19 AM
I see a very few on the road.
There are 10 to 15 portable mills within 20 miles of my location 99 percent appear to be stationary as is mine.
My neighbor Tim Roberson is 3/4 mile from me and is 99 percent portable with a nice LT50 and stays busy.
I saw him yesterday and told him about the forum.
As it is colder than a well diggers behind in the Klondike and he is house bound now i hope he gets on the forum  and joins.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: fishpharmer on February 03, 2013, 08:51:38 AM
Rarely do I see a mill travelling down the road.  Yet, I can think of nearly a dozen within 30 miles of me.   We have lots of trees.

I have never seen a Lucas or any swingmill in transport anywhere (cept pics on here).
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Magicman on February 03, 2013, 08:58:10 AM
I learned last week that one of my "competitors" has hung up his sawblade.  Most of his former customers are mine now anyway.   ;D
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Migal on February 04, 2013, 01:11:23 AM
 ;) Be nice  ;D Always hate to here a blade that hang's up.  8) Hooked up with a cabinet maker Shhh keywords word of mouth.  8)
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: sumday on April 07, 2013, 06:43:56 PM
I finally saw a mill being pulled down the road today. I was headed south on I-81 near Stevens City, Va this afternoon and passed a WM headed north. I think it was being towed by a black Chevy, can't be sure as I really only had eyes for the mill. Wasn't any of you guys, was it ?
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: francismilker on April 07, 2013, 07:09:15 PM
Never seen one in my life except in a rear view mirror.  I'm not in logging country at all and have the only mill for miles as far as I know. 
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: MAI on April 08, 2013, 09:41:41 AM
Can't say that I've seen any mills in tow here in the Southern Tier of NY.  Lots of logging trucks rolling thru the area, especially in Northern PA.   Many of our clients are going from jobsite to jobsite, I know they're out there.  Kind of like when I use to hunt deer, I know they're out there, it would be nice to see one once in a while!  Have a Great Day.   
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: dgdrls on April 17, 2013, 09:46:31 PM
Two WM's on the same truck.  I believe it was the WM Hannibal gang with an LT-10 on the bed and what looked like
an LT-40 in tow. 

DGDrls

Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: chance33 on April 17, 2013, 10:31:27 PM
Anyone see me dragging my Turner from Bremen, Oh Sat pm 4/6/13; rt 22 to Zanesville, I-70 to I-77 to I-80 to I-79 and north to Saegertown. Long trip!! Bought it at a sale at what I feel a good price. 24 hp electric start, electric up/dn, 20' bed and 10 new Lenox blades.  Got it serviced. Now need to get some logs down, if the rain ever stops. Almost got the 4 wheel drive tractor stuck while cutting firewood this pm.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: dgdrls on April 17, 2013, 10:37:37 PM
Quote from: chance33 on April 17, 2013, 10:31:27 PM
Anyone see me dragging my Turner from Bremen, Oh Sat pm 4/6/13; rt 22 to Zanesville, I-70 to I-77 to I-80 to I-79 and north to Saegertown. Long trip!! Bought it at a sale at what I feel a good price. 24 hp electric start, electric up/dn, 20' bed and 10 new Lenox blades.  Got it serviced. Now need to get some logs down, if the rain ever stops. Almost got the 4 wheel drive tractor stuck while cutting firewood this pm.

Welcome aboard Chance33,

re-post your your stuff under a new thread then more of us will find it.

Photo's?

Best DGDrls
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: stamper on April 17, 2013, 10:51:13 PM
I'm usually on the road before daylight or after dark  myself, usually the mill  and another truck with a trailer behind. I see other mills on the road not ofton maybe 2 or 3 times a year.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: clww on April 17, 2013, 10:55:33 PM
I have never seen a mill being towed about.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: thecfarm on April 18, 2013, 06:39:06 AM
chance33,nope,I missed ya,  :D  Welcome to the forum.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: orion388 on April 18, 2013, 07:06:31 AM
As I was getting out of my truck last evening at the mini-mart to get my evening after work Mtn. Dew fix. I seen a small truck with some fresh cut lumber on the back. And as funny as it may sound, my first thought was "who's horning in on my territory"  :D :D :D With ALL my 2mbf cutting expierence so far!!  8) 8) ;D Could not be happier with the LT35 than I am .. Only the man I'm sawing for seems happier.

Funny how we notice these things now ...

Oh yea and one more thing ... Dealing with Marty Parsons.. What a chore   (NOT)... Ordered a De-Barker last Thrusday and it TOOK till Monday (afternoon  ;D)to be delivered to my door step, geesh!!! ;D ;D 8)   Thanks Marty, AWESOME service!!
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Magicman on April 22, 2013, 09:33:30 PM
 

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/1.gif)
If you ever get behind me towing my sawmill you will see this.   :D
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Chuck White on April 23, 2013, 08:03:37 AM
I was going to be on the road this morning, but the job got delayed until Saturday!  ::)
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: tyb525 on April 23, 2013, 03:15:55 PM
I've seen a couple LT40s set up near the road, but never seen one being towed. In fact I always look at what someone is towing in case it might be a mill.

Just a few days ago I saw a brand new WM edger set up near the road with a pile of logs, but no mill. Somewhere around Bedford, Indiana, I think.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: thecfarm on November 16, 2013, 09:25:55 PM
It wasn't going down the road,but I saw one parked in front of the only restaurant in Livermore Falls. The wife saw it before me. It's a REAL sharp corner and a trailer truck was taking some of my side of the road to make the turn,which they just about have too.I was trying to give him some more room when the wife says,what is that? She knew it was a sawmill. A brand new WM.  ;D   I was past it,so no idea what size. Was a white truck in front of it. Must of came from Chesterville.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Magicman on November 16, 2013, 09:45:12 PM
One of my very few competitors was sitting on his front porch this morning when I went by.  If I had seen him sooner I could have honked at him and his idle sawmill as I passed.  Now that was not nice, but I sawed a nice job.   ;D 
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Dave Shepard on November 16, 2013, 10:11:53 PM
thecfarm, you could have turned around and got the details for us. Was it a Super, a 70? We need to know these things you know. :D
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Brad_S. on November 16, 2013, 10:35:55 PM
thecfarm,
I saw one entering I95 near the Gardiner Service Area about a month ago...didn't catch the brand but it was red. I have probably seen 4 or 5 on the road in the 5.5 years I have worked in Maine.
I travel all over central/northern Maine and have seen dozens of mills parked or set up. One guy in Solon is running an operation right out of his (very small) driveway.  Cracks me up everytime I go by it. Must not be any zoning laws there!  There are two on US1 between Houlton and Danforth that don't appear to have been used at all in the years I have gone by them.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: backwoods sawyer on November 17, 2013, 01:31:27 AM
I have seen five mills on the road my mill was in tow for three of those.
One was a nice shiny clean mill and mine was just coming home from a big job covered in wet sawdust and other grime.
How many locally i have seen 25+ ,7 high production mills in the county
I have counted 50+ log trucks go by daily while set up along a highway.
I keep my mill on the road quite a bit.
Douglas county Or, also boasts being the timber capital of the world, seems to be plenty of logs to go around.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Dave Shepard on November 17, 2013, 10:41:01 AM
A friend of mine has an LT40 that he bought I think in '09. I saw it once on the road then and that's the only time I've ever seen a mill on the road. I've seen him set up with it twice so far, although I know he runs it often.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: rmack on November 17, 2013, 03:29:14 PM
I saw a Woodmizer, looked like LT40 about a year and a half ago, headed toward Prince George. other than that... I know plenty of people see my mill from the road. :)
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: thecfarm on July 31, 2014, 08:07:58 PM
I saw the rails of a LT15,had the extensions strapped to the rails. No head,no nothing,just the rails. It was parked at the lumber yard.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Magicman on July 31, 2014, 08:42:36 PM
I tapped my horn and waved at my "competitor" neighbor Monday AM when I passed.   ;D
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: BCsaw on July 31, 2014, 09:10:12 PM
We saw one this spring go up the logging road beside our property. It went up the neighbours back road. I think when he finds out that I have a mill......I may get a call. He still has lots of nice doug fir on his property. ;D
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: yukon cornelius on August 01, 2014, 10:25:09 PM
the first and last I saw was pulling in my drive when my mill was delivered. I rarely see log trucks either. I did see around 100 large walnut logs that had been stacked up for years not too far from home. If I could figure out what to do with mine id try to ask about them.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: kczbest on August 01, 2014, 11:12:30 PM
I have never seen one on the road unless it was hooked to my truck or when the buyer left with my old mill. There are 10 portable mills in Lowndes county (that I know of) and all of them are set up stationary as far as I know. I see more log trucks than I care to count on a daily basis but I did see the prettiest load of big defect free Hickory logs that I have ever seen at a store in Noxubee county yesterday. I knew the driver and asked him where the logs came from and just my luck they came off of my Great Grandfathers old home place, too bad my Grandfather sold the place right after WWII!
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: 36 coupe on August 02, 2014, 06:21:04 PM
Quote from: thecfarm on January 24, 2013, 10:34:33 PM
I was thinking,I see very few sawmills being towed down the road. In fact I really can not remember the last time I saw one and where it was.We go alot too. Not too many freeways,but mostly back roads and state highways. I see every piece of heavy equipment being hauled,right from tractors to forwarders. I don't miss a log truck,empty or full either.
Saw two new Thomas mills on a trailer go by when I was in the garden.Looked like 8020 mills.I think most mill owners saw for themselves and dont run the roads.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Nomad on August 04, 2014, 03:12:59 PM
     The only one I've ever seen other than mine was a smaller Baker I saw a couple of months ago in central Georgia.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: goose63 on August 04, 2014, 03:50:42 PM
Mine will be on the road to Rosholt S D for the thrashing bee the 16 &17 th this month will be a lot of people see it in action  8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: boscojmb on August 05, 2014, 07:44:47 PM
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34867/headed_north.jpg)

I have never seen another mill on the road other than my own. This picture was taken June 30 on the way to a job in Groton, VT.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: schmism on August 05, 2014, 07:58:37 PM
Just past an orange one about 2 weeks ago.  looked like an LT40 ish.  Older version not something new. 

I usually see one a year round my parts (central IL)
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: backwoods sawyer on August 05, 2014, 11:17:23 PM
Haven't seen one in a while, but while on the freeway coming back from a road trip one of those little smart cars got all his squirrels up to a full gallop as he went sailing past the mill. ;D 
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Kasba on August 06, 2014, 02:09:18 AM
I have never seen one in my neck of the woods other than the one behind my truck, just the other day I was discussing the same question with my wife. When I bought my mill I was told there were about 600 mills on our island but I guess the majority are stationary.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: logboy on August 07, 2014, 03:25:36 AM
I drive to Minneapolis once a week or so to saw. But I'm pulling a Lucas, which just looks like a bunch of strange mechanical parts and two really long aluminum rails on the trailer. No one knows what the heck it is with the slabber.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Joe Hillmann on August 13, 2014, 09:54:27 PM
I just saw a woodmizer being towed on Hwy. 29  between Green Bay, WI and Wausau.  It is probably the first one I have seen on the road in a couple years.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: thecfarm on September 28, 2014, 09:47:28 PM
I saw one,I saw one. It was being hauled by a small dump truck. I did not see it coming until I was right beside it.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Southside on September 29, 2014, 12:38:46 AM
Two Fridays ago on my way to pick up my Husky from the shop in Amelia. It was a WM but the whole thing was on another trailer with more gear, so not sure if that counts.  Thought of this post but figured I would not be able to find it.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: FarmingSawyer on September 29, 2014, 05:34:08 AM
I travel all over mid-maine and I haven't seen a mill on the road, other than mine...... That being said....some S.O.B...(Sweet Old Bear) pulled one in to a neighbor's lot and milled up a pile of boards a month or so back. I passed while they were milling, but was on my way to an appointment so didn't stop and visit....and ask what the heck....
When I got back the mill was gone and about 500bf was sitting in the field. It's still there.....

I do pass by 2 Thomas mills which are parked every day. One of them has been mod-ed to be hydraulic. I'll swing in some day when I see him sawing. I also pass by a huge mill I can see from the interstate. Lots of boards and piles of sawdust. Huge bandsaw with an overhead line for the hydraulics. I swung in one day, but there was no one around and no easy way to get from the outer driveway into the mill area so I left. I pass it 4x a week but haven't seen it being used.

I the town I used to live in, I can think of 5 or 6 mills, mostly stationary. Mostly inactive. Saw some Orange at the Common Ground Fair. He'd come from VT for the day to demonstrate for the crowds.

Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Chuck White on September 29, 2014, 06:44:30 AM
I will usually see a couple of mills on the road each week, this past Saturday I met a Wood-Mizer being towed by a blue Chevy p/u.

Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: JohnM on September 29, 2014, 10:51:36 AM
Quote from: FarmingSawyer on September 29, 2014, 05:34:08 AM
Saw some Orange at the Common Ground Fair. He'd come from VT for the day to demonstrate for the crowds.
We stopped and looked at the WM at the CGF but I didn't have a chance to chit-chat with him.  He was having trouble with his 'tractor forwarder', horse drawn. ;D  The engine for the hydraulics went out on him.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: OlJarhead on September 29, 2014, 12:19:46 PM
In three years I've only seen one going up HWY 97 In the Okanogan when I was heading south.  I think it was an LT15.

Mine's not moved in a while until this weekend when I towed it with my tractor the half mile to my neighbors to do some milling.

Mostly, because of my real job, I've been milling for myself only.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: FarmingSawyer on September 29, 2014, 06:04:37 PM
JohnM....they had a nifty articulated forwarder there on Saturday when I went....a spendy scandihoovian thing. The horse forwarders are great & I wish I had one for my team...but $$$$$.  When I chatted with him on Saturday afternoon he was sawing some junk pine for demo. His mill was running smoothly, but it had been acting up and he managed to pull the band off the wheels trying to do a drag back on a small slab. He's put some hours on that mill....owned it for 15 years I think. I also stopped and talked to the Thomas guys. Asked about a 10ft extension for my mill and about their new bunk system. I don't like the fact that they aren't adjustable, but otherwise they're more stout than the ones on my mill.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: JohnM on September 30, 2014, 09:51:43 AM
Quote from: FarmingSawyer on September 29, 2014, 06:04:37 PM
I don't like the fact that they aren't adjustable, but otherwise they're more stout than the ones on my mill.
I wondered what their reasoning was about not making them adjustable, seemed like a big selling point.  Assume it's a cost thing.  Where abouts in the 'mid-coast' are you, FS?  I'm working in Belfast a couple days a week and we're looking to move down that way in a year or two.

For the sake of getting back on topic*, the only sawing related things I see on 'my' stretch of rt9 are log trucks.  There are at least 5 portable mills (likely more) within 10 miles of me.  When I'm traveling with my mill it just looks like I'm headed to the scrap yard. ;D

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/17161/Copy_of_P1000518.JPG)

*At least I didn't mention the 'g' word, Ray!  ;) ;D :D
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: thecfarm on September 30, 2014, 10:24:54 AM
I thank you for that John.  ;D
That was a selling point with the moveable bunks. At the Bangor show,in 2012,they had one there with the movable bunks. I asked about it. Than a new feature was the clap board maker. Just a lever on the head to tilt it. That is real nice to have.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: ozarkgem on September 30, 2014, 08:27:43 PM
I saw new Timberking 1400 headed south today.Well it was being pulled by a pickup.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: rooster 58 on October 02, 2014, 08:24:40 PM
This past Monday I was traveling to Virginia. I was southbound on I79 near Waynesburg, Pa. I saw a trailer sitting on the side of the road that had a small bandmill on it. It was green with yellow framework. Wasn't sure what kind it was :-\
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: clww on October 02, 2014, 08:35:30 PM
I saw my first one (an Orange model) being towed earlier last month on I-264 in Virginia Beach.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: FarmingSawyer on October 02, 2014, 08:38:34 PM
Quote from: rooster 58 on October 02, 2014, 08:24:40 PM
This past Monday I was traveling to Virginia. I was southbound on I79 near Waynesburg, Pa. I saw a trailer sitting on the side of the road that had a small bandmill on it. It was green with yellow framework. Wasn't sure what kind it was :-\

Hmmm...Green & yellow are the color of Thomas Mills from Maine....but that's quite a far, distant sighting for one of those....
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: thecfarm on October 01, 2015, 08:14:18 AM
Saw something orange behind a truck the other day. It was an old one,but a goodie.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: JB Griffin on October 01, 2015, 08:38:18 PM
Saw two in the last month and a half, both brand new, a manual Norwood and a LT35hyd.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Chuck White on October 01, 2015, 10:43:43 PM
It's 5.5 miles from my house to the sawjob I'm on now and sometime today someone move a new (or fairly new) LT40 in to saw some logs 3 miles from my house.

It took me by surprise when I spotted the mill on my way home tonight!

I think it's the mill one of my cousins bought at the Woodsmens Days, year before last!
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: sprucebunny on October 02, 2015, 05:27:50 AM
I see a sawmill every 6 months or so. Usually WM.

Saw a helicopter on a trailer yesterday  :o That's a first !
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: dgdrls on October 02, 2015, 07:05:15 AM
Another WM 2 weeks ago heading south toward the expressway/Thru-way most likely from Hannibal WM.
They are only 10 minutes from the office I work out of.

Dan
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: 4x4American on October 03, 2015, 10:17:54 AM
I have seen maybe 4-5 portable mills going down the road around here.  If I have some eggs handy I throw them at the driver and yell GET OUTTA HERE!!! lol  Shoot log trucks pass by my house so many times a day I can't keep count.  There's a big commercial mill a few miles up the road from me is why.  But anywhere around here you can't go somewhere without seeing a log truck.  I love it, I usually take my hat off and put it over my heart as they go by if it's a good lookin rig lol
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: 4x4American on October 03, 2015, 10:32:41 AM
Quote from: Ocklawahaboy on January 25, 2013, 09:17:50 AM
For a small mileage fee, I'll be glad to tow my mill past the house of anyone who hasn't seen one, other than their own of course.  Might be a nice way to see the country(s).  My wife has always wanted to see New Zealand too.  That one will cost extra though. 

To answer the question, there are 3 other portable mills I know of in my county and two more in adjoining counties.  I have only once seen one on the road but have seen them set up at other locations from time to time.  I have to look into a basic biz license etc so I can start handing out cards and have signs for when I start towing mine around in a couple of weeks.


lol lol lol lol lol
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: ScottInCabot on October 03, 2015, 11:34:50 AM
Hopefully someday I'll get a call and my mill will be ready for pick-up....then I'll see one every time I look in the rearview mirror :D



Scott (haven't seen any others though) B
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: terrifictimbersllc on October 03, 2015, 05:13:38 PM
I'm happiest when look in the mirror and I see my sawmill is still behind my truck.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Robert Owens on October 03, 2015, 05:28:09 PM
I pull mine between my two farms that are about 22 miles apart and my neighbor down the road has a WM portable he occasionally pulls but that is all I have ever seen.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: JohnM on October 16, 2015, 09:01:48 AM
"Saw" a brand new still in the box WM lt10 or 15 go by the house heading downeast.  Guessing Ross would know where it went.  ;)
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Chuck White on October 16, 2015, 05:05:54 PM
Last one I saw being towed was mine, headed home, likely was the last tow for the year.

Will start being towed again next Spring.   8)
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Magicman on October 16, 2015, 05:20:11 PM
Do I smell moth balls Chuck?   ???
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: crowhill on October 16, 2015, 08:22:01 PM
Quote from: sprucebunny on October 02, 2015, 05:27:50 AM
I see a sawmill every 6 months or so. Usually WM.

Saw a helicopter on a trailer yesterday  :o That's a first !

Sprucebunny, you didn't happen to see that helicopter in Vermont did you?
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: sprucebunny on October 17, 2015, 04:55:13 AM
No; in Tamworth, NH. I thought maybe it was headed to Fryeburg Fair but then I'm thinking... Why isn't it just flying there if it's a running one ???
It was headed north so maybe it went thru Vermont.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: ScottInCabot on October 17, 2015, 06:33:14 AM
Just to let everyone know, there was a sawmill sighting yesterday from Mt. Vernon, MO to central Arkansas.......it was ME!


Scott in Cabot
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: 4x4American on October 17, 2015, 07:16:06 AM
 8)   What color?
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Chuck White on October 17, 2015, 08:19:51 AM
Quote from: Magicman on October 16, 2015, 05:20:11 PM
Do I smell moth balls Chuck?   ???


Almost, Lynn!

I have one customer who wants a mantle sawn out of a 9' White Pine log, but he's bringing the log to my back yard, then the moth balls start!  ;D
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: ScottInCabot on October 17, 2015, 09:39:01 PM
Quote from: 4x4American on October 17, 2015, 07:16:06 AM
8)   What color?


KTM orange..... 8)


Scott in Cabot
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: tomb on October 17, 2015, 11:01:55 PM
A little red turner mill followed me to a jobsite today...


 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/17796/2.JPG)
Tom
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: landscraper on October 30, 2015, 08:29:51 PM
Saw a Lt10 or LT15, not sure which one, but it had the head removed and the track rails separate, loaded on a U-Haul trailer behind a maroon SUV going south on US-29S near Charlottesville, Va yesterday.  I wanted to catch up to get a better look but I was hauling heavy equipment and couldn't do so safely.  Was that any of you FF members?
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: 4x4American on November 04, 2015, 06:59:49 AM
Saw an lt40 I'd never seen before passing through town yesterday morning.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Chuck White on November 04, 2015, 09:26:32 AM
Unless something special comes up, no one will see mine on the road until Late March at the very earliest.

Got a few "up-keep" things to do on it, over the Winter!
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Lambee10 on November 04, 2015, 11:36:56 AM
Never have seen one around here until about 2 weeks ago and saw 2 in one hour.  come to find out it was the same guy and he was lost looking for an address :D.  Later found out he was going to a guy I know to work at his house.  Couldn't bring them to me since I am fixed so he hired a guy with a WM. 
Charged him by the hour and did a very good job for him.  Happy happy.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Magicman on November 04, 2015, 12:59:41 PM
Anyone sitting beside Hwy 25 will see mine go by Sunday on our way to Willie's place.   ;D
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: JB Griffin on November 08, 2015, 12:13:01 PM
Seen another lt 35 yesterday headed south on hwy 65.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: WV Sawmiller on November 08, 2015, 02:52:24 PM
   Saw one go by this morning on our little county road. Could not tell if it was an LT 15 or my neighbor's LT 10 but definitely a WM mill. Could not see if it was on its own trailer or sitting on a utility trailer. I'll check when I go out to se if one of my neighbor's mills are gone (I pass 2 going out from my house to town) or if it was someone else.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Kbeitz on November 08, 2015, 04:08:03 PM
The only one I ever seen around here on the road in mine...



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/39553/On_the_road.jpg)
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: DDobbs on November 08, 2015, 07:39:35 PM
 

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/30010/IMG_20151107_153507811_HDR.jpg)

Here is the EZ Jr. I sold yesterday going down the drive.

Now I have to get busy and figure what mill is next.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: WV Sawmiller on November 09, 2015, 07:42:56 PM
   Verified today it was my neighbor's LT 10 I saw pass her yesterday. I'd bet he was taking it to his son's place to saw some lumber for him there.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Magicman on November 14, 2015, 11:21:30 AM
You would have needed headlights to see mine on Hwy 25S last night.   ::)
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: ScottInCabot on November 14, 2015, 05:43:12 PM
Had a super small job today.  Stopped at the gas station to top everything off for tomorrows' trip....  Was asked if the LT28 was a wood splitter :D

Handed out some business cards, and came home.  Fella pulled in behind me wanting to chat...  So much for having a hobby!  If this keeps up, I'm going to have to get a tarp and sneak around in the dark.


I'm booked though the beginning of the year.....



Scott in Cabot
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Chuck White on November 15, 2015, 07:25:48 AM
Quote from: ScottInCabot on November 14, 2015, 05:43:12 PM
Had a super small job today.  Stopped at the gas station to top everything off for tomorrows' trip....  Was asked if the LT28 was a wood splitter :D

Handed out some business cards, and came home.  Fella pulled in behind me wanting to chat...  So much for having a hobby!  If this keeps up, I'm going to have to get a tarp and sneak around in the dark.


I'm booked though the beginning of the year.....



Scott in Cabot

Ya should have just said YUP !   ;D
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Sixacresand on November 15, 2015, 05:09:18 PM
I'm so proud of mine, I just hookup sometimes and just ride around town with it. 
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Magicman on November 15, 2015, 05:46:23 PM
You are bad.  Christmas Float??   ???
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: SawyerBrown on November 15, 2015, 05:48:32 PM
The only one I've ever seen is in my rear-view mirror ...

But it does generate a lot of interest.  Probably half the time I pull into a gas station I'm handing out a business card or two.

Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: SawyerBrown on November 15, 2015, 05:50:08 PM
Quote from: Magicman on November 15, 2015, 05:46:23 PM
You are bad.  Christmas Float??   ???
Wrong color.  Halloween maybe?
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Magicman on November 15, 2015, 05:53:05 PM
It may be Orange but it ain't a pumpkin.   ;D
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Kbeitz on November 15, 2015, 05:57:27 PM
Approximately how many here has tags on your mill ?
Are they needed in your state ?
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: SawyerBrown on November 15, 2015, 06:12:15 PM
Quote from: Kbeitz on November 15, 2015, 05:57:27 PM
Approximately how many here has tags on your mill ?
Are they needed in your state ?
Yup and yup.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: ncsawyer on November 15, 2015, 06:48:07 PM
Quote from: Kbeitz on November 15, 2015, 05:57:27 PM
Approximately how many here has tags on your mill ?
Are they needed in your state ?

Don't need them here in NC.  Self contained, trailered equipment being moved from one job site to another do not need tags.  This includes light plants, welders etc. 
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: ScottInCabot on November 15, 2015, 07:33:50 PM
Considered a farm implement here....
It's insured up the wazoo though!

Cleaned, tuned, sharpened the Stihls today, and just sharpened the Jonsereds.....no milling today(thankfully), I needed a rest.



Scott in Cabot
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Chuck White on November 15, 2015, 09:34:42 PM
No plates required on a portable sawmill here in NY.

Lights are required!
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Magicman on November 15, 2015, 09:42:32 PM
No plate on my sawmill.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Tom the Sawyer on November 16, 2015, 12:45:13 AM
Tags required in Kansas if mill (or any trailer) has a GVWR of 2000 lbs. or more (they do).  Subsequently, also requires USDOT registration for truck and mill if moved between states (in Kansas City area it happens all the time).

A couple of years ago I took the opportunity to tow my mill through town at 2-3 mph.  Local community parade, they put me behind a military contingent and in front of the Operation Lifesaver, train crushed car display, I guess they didn't have a Sawmill Division.



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19572/20130813_01.jpg)
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: bkaimwood on November 16, 2015, 06:50:04 AM
What do you throw into the crown when you're towing a sawmill float??!!! Cookies???!!! Love it!, great idea...
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Kbeitz on November 16, 2015, 07:22:40 AM
Quote from: bkaimwood on November 16, 2015, 06:50:04 AM
What do you throw into the crown when you're towing a sawmill float??!!! Cookies???!!! Love it!, great idea...

Yep....



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/39553/log_cookies~1.jpg)
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: garyfg on November 16, 2015, 08:14:13 AM
Saw a woodspliter on I30 the other day going about 70 mph. I don't think he knew or even thought about the wheel bearings.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: beenthere on November 16, 2015, 01:05:04 PM
Quote from: Kbeitz on November 16, 2015, 07:22:40 AM
Quote from: bkaimwood on November 16, 2015, 06:50:04 AM
What do you throw into the crown when you're towing a sawmill float??!!! Cookies???!!! Love it!, great idea...

Yep....



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/39553/log_cookies~1.jpg)

I see those "cookies" as a product of Melissa Joy Co.
http://melissajoycookies.com/page/2/?blogsub=confirming

Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: DDobbs on November 16, 2015, 07:03:05 PM
I just saw a Timberking headed east on I-70
About a hour east of St.Louis just a little bit ago. I would guess it must of left KC mid day.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: OlJarhead on February 21, 2016, 08:34:16 PM
In WA you must have tags and registration on trailer -- and I do :)

Had a stater follow me for a few miles Friday on my way home with the SMLT10....plate expired but I had the renewed reg in the cab with me...he didn't mess with me and I think was just trying to figure out what I was towing...

Only ever saw ONE mill being towed...looked like an older WM but couldn't make out what model.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: redprospector on February 21, 2016, 11:41:46 PM
I saw a Timberking being towed East of Tucson, AZ last week...every time I looked in my mirror.  ;D  8)
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: mart on February 22, 2016, 12:26:50 AM
The only one I've ever seen being towed is mine. Seems odd because driving around rural Alaska, you see a lot of mills parked in yards.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: plowboyswr on February 23, 2016, 06:27:27 PM
Saw a Woodmizer headed south on I49 as I was headed north to work today. First time I've ever seen a mill on the road in these parts.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Bolivian Bluerose on March 11, 2016, 10:01:27 PM
The owner of a mill I have worked on for the last 3 years decided it was time to trade up. We had a 1979 LT40 and he traded up to a 1996 Super LT40.  The guys that picked up the old mill brought a large flatbed truck to haul it home on but for some reason they decided to pull it home behind a pickup. I heard a couple days later that they lost control of the trailer and rolled it in the ditch. It was a sad day for me because I put so much time in maintaining that mill but now I have another to maintain so am moving on.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: alanh on March 14, 2016, 02:47:34 PM
Ive seen 3, there`s a guy across the river from me with a LT40, I`ve seen Dennis` in my yard a few years back, and then there`s mine that I got from a buddy after he put an axle under it. I put on and wired up tail, brake, and running lights last week.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Sixacresand on March 14, 2016, 06:11:24 PM
My mill is the only one that I have ever seen on the highway:  in the mirrors.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Magicman on March 14, 2016, 08:06:30 PM
Not on the road, but I pass by many sawyers when I am traveling to "road trip" jobs.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Banjo picker on March 15, 2016, 08:53:19 PM
I have seen one.  If I had been driving I would have caught up to it.  Don't even know what kind it was.  Banjo
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: WLC on March 16, 2016, 12:34:56 AM
Quote from: mart on February 22, 2016, 12:26:50 AM
The only one I've ever seen being towed is mine. Seems odd because driving around rural Alaska, you see a lot of mills parked in yards.

Same here, I've never seen another one on the road other than mine when I towed it home from the dealer.  Several sitting around various places, but never on the road being towed.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Magicman on March 20, 2016, 08:07:28 AM
For those of you that have never seen a sawmill being towed, watch I55 in Mississippi this afternoon. :)
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: red on March 20, 2016, 08:16:50 AM
We need GPS time of departure and destination, , then we will watch traffic cams . . have a great day Mr Magicman
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: caveman on March 23, 2016, 09:50:27 PM
I saw an older LT-40 being towed today in Kathleen, Fl. This is the first one I have seen in years on the road around here.  I recognized the mill and the man pulling it.  It was an old friend of mine, Sonny.  He used to saw all of my logs before Jmoore and I bought our LT-28.
Caveman
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Delawhere Jack on September 21, 2016, 09:16:18 PM
At the intersection of US1 and US202, in PA, near the Delaware line, I saw (seen? :D) an LT40 behind a brown Ford pickup headed South on US1 as I was stopped at the light at 5:25pm.

Iz wanna yuze fellar's nosin' in on my territory?!?!  no_no

Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: 4x4American on September 21, 2016, 09:54:41 PM
I seen one yesterday, a Hud-Son.  It was on it's way to Jersey for delivery from Warrensburg.  Only reason I knew where it was going is because I talked to the guy delivering it on the phone before I past him on the road..I see wayy too many portable mills around here..
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: schakey on September 22, 2016, 05:23:35 AM
Watch an LT40 pass me on Pa 476 northbound about a month ago, could'nt catch up being in a YRC truck,seen  some Lt40 On I70 in Indy,one being towed by Woodmizer service truck.Seen a couple on I77 in Wv at different times.
Now being retired hopefully the next I see will be in my rear view mirror! :)
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: bkaimwood on September 22, 2016, 07:10:40 AM
What kind/color of truck did you see pulling the lt40 on 476, schakey?
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: schakey on September 22, 2016, 07:21:23 AM
to be honest,i was so interested in the mill that I'm really not sure,but I think it was either dark blue or black.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: ncsawyer on October 29, 2016, 09:29:46 PM
Towed my LT40 on a 75 mile round trip today sawing on two different jobs.  I was on the way back home on East bound I-40 about 20 miles east of Raleigh and saw a Timber King 2000 (I think that is what model it was) in the West bound lane.  It looked fairly new from what I could tell.  I hardly ever pass other sawmills, and when I do they are other Woodmizers.  I think this was the first non-orange mill I have passed. 
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: DanMc on October 31, 2016, 12:39:36 PM
The only one I have ever seen is the one that follows me around.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: DanMc on November 10, 2016, 07:13:37 AM
This weekend I was going down the freeway here in MA with the mill behind me.  A white pickup passed by in the left lane.  The passenger in the truck held up a white sheet of paper with this written on it:

"Is it for sale?" 

I laughed and shook my head no.  They responded with a thumbs-up. 
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: kelLOGg on November 10, 2016, 12:12:26 PM
After 14 years of seeing none, I saw 2 in the same week: a Woodmizer near me and on a trip to the NC mountains a Cooks (I think) near Hendersonville.
Bob
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: TKehl on December 28, 2016, 04:17:52 PM
Finally saw one "in the wild"!  Looked like a new Timberking eastbound on I-70 about an hour east of KC this afternoon.

Did a double take!   :D
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: boatman on December 30, 2016, 12:52:23 PM
I live in NW Michigan and i have never seen a portable mill on the road.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Darrel on December 31, 2016, 10:13:26 PM
I know where a dozen or so portable mills live but the only one I've ever seen going down the road was following the truck I was driving.
Title: Re: Do see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Jay Sybrandy on December 31, 2016, 11:42:25 PM
Quote from: Delawhere Jack on January 24, 2013, 10:45:17 PM
I've never seen another portable mill on the road. I do see loaded log trucks at least 1 or 2 times a month, and this is not a big timber area.

If I drive 5min I see 2-3 logging trucks and if I drive an hour up to 20 :)
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Gundog on January 01, 2017, 01:53:23 AM
I have never seen one going down the road but plenty of log trucks here in the PNW. I see 2 or 3 guys advertising on my local CL for mobile saw-milling.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: svart ole on January 01, 2017, 04:48:19 AM
20 years ago it was more common to see a portable mill of one type or another going down the road. I had a portable circular mill I moved from job to job. Always stayed away from the real small jobs. It all comes down to logistics. The hard reality of the time you have to spend running to and from costs you. I would rather just have a semi come and drop the wood at the mill sitting close to my house and shop and not burn up time and money running back and forth. Makes operating year round in all weather conditions a lot nicer also. The days get short in Northern Minnesota in the winter and there is something to be said for just flipping the switch to turn the lights on morning and night. The nomadic life may sound good at first and then you start thinking about the old guy that told you you should "work smarter not harder."  That is part of why I sold the mill years ago and went and got a day job. Now I am retired and have two mill sitting here in parts and I still have the itch. Sawdust is habit forming.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: thecfarm on January 15, 2017, 08:13:38 PM
Well kinda cheating,but I saw one. It was on the other side of Chesterville heading to the WM dealer. It was a LT15. Looked like a new one.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: woodweasel on January 15, 2017, 09:56:39 PM
Never saw one in the 4 years I've been playing with them here in Texas.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Treehack on January 16, 2017, 12:02:16 AM
Quote from: TKehl on December 28, 2016, 04:17:52 PM
Finally saw one "in the wild"!  Looked like a new Timberking eastbound on I-70 about an hour east of KC this afternoon.

Did a double take!   :D

Was it a 1220?  If so, good chance it was mine.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: garyfg on February 07, 2017, 10:38:53 PM
Saw a lt28 in my rear view mirrow for 4 hours today plus a wood mizer header east on I44 Mo toward Springfild
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Darrel on February 07, 2017, 11:06:16 PM
Best place to see a sawmill on the road is in the rear view mirror!  8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: ReinkeFandS on February 07, 2017, 11:25:35 PM
A few weeks ago while we were driving south to pick up our new mill saw a newer looking WM heading north on I-65 in southern Indiana. Only time I've ever seen one on the road.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: paul case on February 08, 2017, 03:22:31 PM
I seen one last Valentines day behind me in traffic all the way home from Smithville,MS. ;D

PC
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: paul case on February 13, 2017, 10:47:12 PM
I saw what looked like a brand new TK 2500 going south on MO 43 north of Seneca about 5 this evening. Nice clean and shiny. That was the second mill I ever seen being towed down the road, except for the ones I have pulled home.

PC
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Darrel on February 13, 2017, 11:50:13 PM
Didn't see a mill being pulled, but there is this place in Klamath Falls that I drive by several times a week and I always admire a gooseneck trailer with about a 20' flatbed and I think that it would make a fantastic log trailer. Well today when I went by one of his shed doors was wide open and their sat a beautiful LT40.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: woodweasel on February 19, 2017, 08:21:43 AM
  I sometimes pull mine to the feed store/ bank when I go to town if I'm needing a little spending cash. Never fails to generate a conversation, which sometimes results in a job :D :D
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: OlJarhead on March 22, 2017, 10:32:35 PM
Quote from: woodweasel on February 19, 2017, 08:21:43 AM
  I sometimes pull mine to the feed store/ bank when I go to town if I'm needing a little spending cash. Never fails to generate a conversation, which sometimes results in a job :D :D

Homedepot is a great place to do this at ;) LOL
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: thecfarm on November 13, 2017, 07:21:28 PM
I saw a red one,Hudson,on the road. At the bottom of Jay Hill,route 2 and 4.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Bob_T on November 14, 2017, 10:25:24 AM
Here in the high desert I've  never seen a mill on the road.  In fact, in the past 30 years I've only seen two other mills period, on the road or not.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: WV Sawmiller on November 14, 2017, 11:31:11 AM
Quote from: OlJarhead on March 22, 2017, 10:32:35 PM
Quote from: woodweasel on February 19, 2017, 08:21:43 AM
  I sometimes pull mine to the feed store/ bank when I go to town if I'm needing a little spending cash. Never fails to generate a conversation, which sometimes results in a job :D :D

Homedepot is a great place to do this at ;) LOL
I like this idea. I think at a minimum the next time I am out on a mobile job I will at least stop by Lowes or our local grocery/department store parking lot and hang out a while.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: JV on November 14, 2017, 11:39:02 AM
Our house is close to the county road with a fair amount of traffic.  I had my mill parked on front of the garage to do some maintenance.  I have had 4 people stop to inquire about doing some milling.  I will be doing one this weekend or next week.  Looked at the site last evening, a little tight but doable.  Some nice oak, sugar maple, cherry, and walnut.  I need to build a mill shed in the front yard but I don't think that would go over very well with the boss.  When I saw for one urban customer it draws a lot of attention.  I guess when things are slow I need to hook onto the mill and drive around.   :D
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Revival Sawmill on November 14, 2017, 12:07:53 PM
Not really portable, but I towed this one from Washington DC to the mountains of NC - you wouldn't believe the number of people who almost ran off the road rubber-necking/trying to take pictures/video of it!!


 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/44316/IMG_8641~0.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1510679041)
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Florida boy on November 14, 2017, 04:37:46 PM
Haven't seen any on the road but within a month of buying mine used I seen  one not 5 miles from where I live under a shed. Looks like lt35, then on my way to pick up my blades 2 weeks ago I saw one 15 miles from the house. I guess it's like a car buy one then you see them every where. Oh and when I first saw the mill I eventually bought I was there to pick up some lumber from a guy I found on Craigslist. Talked to him about the mill and said tgat I would like to find one for sale, he said he might be looking to sell that one soon. Went back a few months later he said hed been trying to find my number for a month.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: JRWoodchuck on November 14, 2017, 07:00:19 PM
Funny this thread came up. Never seen another sawmill on the road other than mine until a week or so ago. A guy had an older Norwood all folded up in the bed of his pick up then the next day saw a LT15 cruising down the road....
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: landscraper on November 14, 2017, 08:54:37 PM
Saw an Enercraft Silva Saw on the road today, never seen one of those before, had to come home and Google it.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: campwags on November 15, 2017, 05:43:00 PM
When I brought my TimberKing home from New York, I took the ferry across Lake Champlain.  I had everyone out walking around it and asking all kinds of questions. 
I see lots of log trucks every time I leave the house around here.  Not any portable mills on the road, mostly see them on Craig's list.  :D
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: DPatton on March 22, 2018, 10:31:56 PM
Today on my way home from work I spotted a TimberKing 1600 being towed behind a Chevy west bound on highway 2 about 1 1/2 miles west of Palmyra Ne. I was headed east bound when I met it and had to hightail it home in a big hurry to make sure somebody hadn't stolen mine! Thank goodness it was still there right where I left it.





Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: TKehl on March 23, 2018, 07:41:49 AM
I saw what I think was a circle mill setup on a trailer a few weeks ago.  Disassembled.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: thecfarm on April 14, 2018, 06:42:08 AM
We went for a ride and saw a sawmill being towed! No name on the truck.We was in the Skowhegan-Newport area.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: dgdrls on April 14, 2018, 05:24:13 PM
Saw another shiny new WM rolling outside Hannibal NY, Imagine that ;)  

D
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: thecfarm on April 28, 2018, 01:46:32 PM
I think it was a WM. Saw orange,I have no idea the kind. I had to keep moving,too much traffic. It was coming off a side road.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Southside on May 13, 2018, 06:33:56 PM
Spotted this rig in the area a couple of times this weekend.


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34297/KIMG1422.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1526250798)
 
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: landscraper on May 17, 2018, 08:30:14 PM
Saw an LT35HD today on the way through Charlottesville, Va. headed west, looked like he'd just finished up some red cedar.  Had his chase truck hauling support equipment, an ASV skid steer I think.  That makes 3 mills so far not counting the LT40 I occasionally see in the rear view.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Chuck White on May 17, 2018, 09:23:58 PM
My LT40 was on the road today!

Got a sawjob 45 miles away (further than I like to go)!

Sawed a bunch of Red Oak and Black Cherry logs, all 4/4 x 6, 8, and a few 10 inch widths, tallied up just under 1,000 bf!

I'll go back tomorrow and finish up!
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Hackermatack on May 26, 2018, 11:37:08 AM
I tow mine often. It has no lights, registration, or inspection so I tow it when no one will see me :)
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: trapper on June 03, 2018, 09:37:40 PM
Not quite on road but on my way to woodmizer open house in wisconsin I stopped at a gas station and a lt40 manual was parked close to me when I came out.  The owner was on his way to a sawing job
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Darrel on June 03, 2018, 11:45:19 PM
I saw a toad under my sawmill in the damp sawdust. Does that count? :D  Seriously, I'll be finishing up a job tomorrow and will be towing my mill home. 
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: dirtymartini on June 17, 2018, 08:58:11 PM
I can't believe I wasn't spotted towing my new mill home...From Va to PA...VA 671 to US 340  to US 15 to I-83 and I-81 Everyone must have been busy sawing!
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Ljohnsaw on June 17, 2018, 11:19:53 PM
I saw a WM being towed south on I-80 at Clipper Gap around 8 am on Saturday the 9th.  Anyone from the FF?
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: porcupine on May 05, 2020, 08:21:01 PM
Spotted this early Woodmizer LT30 northbound on I75 near Wolverine Michigan today.
Don't see many on the roads up here.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22851/Woodmizer_I75.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1588724294)
 
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Stephen1 on May 05, 2020, 08:29:05 PM
Is that you Jeff?
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: frazman on May 05, 2020, 09:43:48 PM
We know how it goes. Don't see anything on the road till you have one. Cars, trucks and sawmills  ;D
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: thecfarm on May 06, 2020, 05:54:46 AM
That is why I started this thread, I see very few. 
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: jbjbuild on May 06, 2020, 07:31:41 AM
I've never seen one being towed down the road. Once or twice I've seen someone having logs milled on their property.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Ed_K on May 06, 2020, 08:13:22 AM
 Saw a dark blue one last Sat. don't know what the brand was, maybe home made?
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: farmfromkansas on May 06, 2020, 08:59:47 PM
Know of several in my neighborhood.  Have seen one when visiting Salina KS. Guy was parked at Vanderbilts, guess he needed new shoes.  Asked him about his mill when he came out, had just picked it up at TK, it was a 1600.  
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Banjo picker on October 12, 2020, 12:47:01 PM
I didn't see it being towed, but it was sitting in the Dollar General store parking lot in Cherokee Alabama this morning.   Deb was in there getting something.  When he came out I talked to him.....believe we may even be kin.  Told him about the forum.   Hope he joins as he seemed like a very nice guy.  Only has 70 something hours on it.  Tim
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Banjo picker on October 12, 2020, 10:18:05 PM
 
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/18028/20201012_101040.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1602520927)
 Didn't get the picture up with the old phone this morning I see.  Maybe he will join the forum.  Tim
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: RAYAR on October 12, 2020, 10:25:12 PM
Saw mine today & yesterday behind my truck ;)
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Darrel on October 12, 2020, 11:14:40 PM
Well, I towed my mill to a job site then sold my truck. Guess I'll pull it home with the Jeep. 
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Iwawoodwork on October 13, 2020, 09:28:45 AM
You sold the Red pickup?   how did the work on the new home go this summer? chris
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Magicman on October 13, 2020, 09:05:24 PM
I passed two stationary sawmills today.  I just waved.  smiley_wavy
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Darrel on October 13, 2020, 10:18:35 PM
@Iwawoodwork (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=29762) 
Yes, it was tired, old and was no longer a 4x4. It was time for it to go down the road without me. Am looking for another one. 
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Brad_bb on November 22, 2020, 12:03:19 PM
Here's me in the last 5 minutes 

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/16191/EFC64063-3767-4C1D-B870-0A7C03F9E889.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1606064072)
 
I'm heading back home to Illinois with the mill after 8 1/2 months milling at my property in Indiana.I lost count but I know it was over 300 logs. 
Here was one of the piles.  

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/16191/IMG_5500.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1583011636)
 
Most was ash, but There were a number of logs added as I was milling too, Like a bunch of cherry and a bunch of walnut.
 Now back at the old place I have to mill About 50 Osage sticks, RRQS 4 big oak logs, and about nine walnut logs.  I also have to plane all of my big beams with the MP 100. Once all that is done I can move the mill permanently back to the new place.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: SwampDonkey on November 22, 2020, 02:24:00 PM
Couple local boys have Woodmizers, but they don't go on the road with them. They hobby cut, one fellow mills some barn boards once in awhile. Just can't imagine the money invested in something sitting for months or years. $40,000 to mill $1500 of fir lumber. ;)
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Tin Horse on November 22, 2020, 03:43:38 PM
Quote from: SwampDonkey on November 22, 2020, 02:24:00 PM
Couple local boys have Woodmizers, but they don't go on the road with them. They hobby cut, one fellow mills some barn boards once in awhile. Just can't imagine the money invested in something sitting for months or years. $40,000 to mill $1500 of fir lumber. ;)
I agree, but with the resale value of a well cared for Woodmizer they may not do to badly as an investment. :)
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Walnut Beast on November 22, 2020, 03:44:04 PM
Many people do. Its not all about a return on your money 😂. Sawmills going to be worth more than a car in 10 years 😂. How would you like to have a sawmill or all your money going up in smoke in the stock market after you have had it in there for years banking on a good return 
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Walnut Beast on November 22, 2020, 03:51:44 PM
Heck there's several people on here that have more than one Sawmill 😂. Tell your neighbors that have the Woodmizers about the Forestry Forum they might want to be a member of the family 
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: SwampDonkey on November 22, 2020, 05:19:24 PM
Quote from: Walnut Beast on November 22, 2020, 03:51:44 PM
Tell your neighbors that have the Woodmizers about the Forestry Forum they might want to be a member of the family
They are fine fellows, can't complain about them at all, but they aren't forum oriented. :D

Yes, a sawmill will be worth more than a car in 10 years. But not what you paid for it new. Law of diminishing returns does not exclude sawmills, just a little longer path. :D
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Darrel on November 22, 2020, 08:06:23 PM



However if you buy a used Wood-Mizwe, you have a good investment. Mills like mine were selling for about $8.000 to $10,000 when I bought mine in 2014. They are now going $13,000 to $17,000.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: SwampDonkey on November 23, 2020, 05:07:42 AM
I'd rather use $40,000 on a good tractor, something used for many things, plus a $3500 mill for hobby sawing. You don't need a big dollar mill to make hobby lumber. ;D
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Walnut Beast on November 23, 2020, 09:36:22 AM
The Sawmill companies would frown on you 😂
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: DocGP on November 23, 2020, 11:08:38 AM
I won't fault anyone for the nice mill.  Heck I am feeling it with the hydraulics, sleep good at night after a day at the mill.

Enjoy the whole process, and it is cheaper than a bass boat!!  Talk about a money pit!

Doc
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: SwampDonkey on November 23, 2020, 11:17:49 AM
Quote from: Walnut Beast on November 23, 2020, 09:36:22 AM
The Sawmill companies would frown on you
More than Woodmizer on this site as a sponsor. In fact if your going to do some serious sawing go buy one, but if it's hobby stuff get the cheaper one. I guess I'm more frugal and others may follow the theory of conspicuous consumption if they please. :D But the guys I'm talking about here have no great wealth, unless it's under the table or hand outs, because they aren't all that productive to generate the cash. Yeah, they farm, but my father farmed and could run circles around both of them and produce 4 times as much. :D
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: doc henderson on November 23, 2020, 03:37:14 PM
mine goes to camp Alaska each fall for an outing and is a favorite among camp goers.  not sure it will happen this year.  It is a good time to pull it from its niche and fix the little things and clean it up.  on the topic of value and worth.  It may be worth more as a hobby (beauty in the eyes of the beholder)  in avoiding waste of good trees, bringing friends neighbors and coworkers together.  Mine was about 27 K new 8 years ago, now pushing 42.  I think if something happened to me and my wife got 20 k for it,  then it cost me 7 k to have all that fun.  a thousand a year or about 3 dollars a day.  with the price going up, I see some going for or at least an asking price of what I paid new.  not bad when compared to the new mills.  lots of consumables and occasional repairs.  but who would not want a new mill to use for 8 years, "just do the repairs, buy fuel and new blades and you can use it".   ;)
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: thecfarm on November 23, 2020, 05:29:53 PM
SwampDonkey, That is why I have a manual mill. ;) I did plan on doing some building this year, but things came up and never even started it this year.
I may have 2 tractors, but only one mill. A Man has to spend his money where he needs too.   ;D
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: esteadle on November 23, 2020, 05:47:05 PM
Got out on the road yesterday. Some nice walnut was sawed in the drizzle. 



(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/12549/Sawmill_on_the_road.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1606171454)
 
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: SawyerTed on November 24, 2020, 05:00:29 PM
I only recall seeing two mills on the road in the last couple of years.  One is the older (than me) fellow that has had a mill in a nearby town for 20 years.  He's gotten older and has some health issues so he's not on the road so much anymore.  He's sending some portable jobs my way. 

The other is a young (20 something) fellow in the other direction who has an LT 35.  He's trying to go 100% stationary with his operation.  I've not seen him on the road in many months.

I did see one "down east" in Carteret County three weeks ago.  It passed me going the other way.  I'm thinking it was a Timber King. 
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Walnut Beast on November 24, 2020, 06:23:57 PM
When was the last time you looked in your review mirror when you where pulling yours Ted 😂😂
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: SawyerTed on November 24, 2020, 09:54:36 PM
Ok Every time it's back there... last Wednesday.  😆 
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: thecfarm on July 01, 2021, 09:55:23 PM
Well not really towed, in fact it was still shrink wrapped up. Looked like a LT 10 or 15, the way it was packaged.  :)  It was on a trailer.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Ventryjr on July 02, 2021, 09:11:13 PM
Most people don't report PBM's (portable band mill sightings). They just chalk it up to swamp gas, weather event, or gov experiment. 
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: maple flats on July 06, 2021, 08:22:02 AM
For 6-7 years after I first got my Peterson ATS, later converted to a WPF, I did mobile sawing, during summers mainly (I drove school bus after selling my previous business and supplemented my income during summer break). Many times when I'd stop for gas or to eat, people would ask me what it was. I think the only times I ever saw other mills being towed was going to or from The NY Woodsman's Field days. Near Boonville, NY there were tons of sawmills being towed, just before the event started or soon after it ended. I got to see lots of them because from 1989 thru 1999 I had a booth there selling OWB's, log winches, chippers and a small PTO powered processor.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: moosehunter on July 20, 2021, 11:45:10 AM
 
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11405/IMG_20210719_103933169_HDR.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1626795776)
 
Got stuck in traffic yesterday in Ithaca NY behind this old circle mill. Looks like someone has some work ahead of them!
mh
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: metalspinner on July 20, 2021, 01:00:00 PM
I'll see a couple a month cruising through town. And I'm not really out driving around too much.
Log trucks are an everyday thing here. We are in the mountains and lots of building is going on. So lots of land clearing.
I live on a state hwy and about 10 miles east is a big stationary mill. They cut lots of barrel wood. Last time I was there buying mulch she said that barrel wood is mostly exported.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: delvis on July 21, 2021, 11:10:24 AM
I was just at Ross and Maureens yesterday cfarm picking up a new drive belt.  I don't see a lot of Mills being towed around but I know they're out there.  We pulled ours off the road three years ago and decided we can stay busy enough without traveling.  Now, if I were sawing for a living, I think I'd have to travel again.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: trapper on July 21, 2021, 10:15:59 PM
Saw  mine in the mirror  today as I went 3 miles down the road to saw 5 logs today
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: thecfarm on July 22, 2021, 05:30:40 AM
delvis, could of stopped in. I am on the other side of town. I was working at the store yesterday.  :( 
Could of shown you the stone wall that I am hauling off up into the bog.  ;D
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: BenTN on July 23, 2021, 05:32:32 AM
Quote from: metalspinner on July 20, 2021, 01:00:00 PM
I'll see a couple a month cruising through town. And I'm not really out driving around too much.
Log trucks are an everyday thing here. We are in the mountains and lots of building is going on. So lots of land clearing.
I live on a state hwy and about 10 miles east is a big stationary mill. They cut lots of barrel wood. Last time I was there buying mulch she said that barrel wood is mostly exported.
One of those was probably us. Funny thing is, we use three different trucks to tow the mill depending on availability and support equipment. Maryville probably thinks we are flooded with mobile mills. I don't see many others in the last couple years. The others I knew have since retired. 
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: metalspinner on July 23, 2021, 06:27:20 PM
BenTN
What kind of mill do you have? We should probably talk. The fella that I used for band milling has retired. 
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: BenTN on July 24, 2021, 06:26:38 AM
Quote from: metalspinner on July 23, 2021, 06:27:20 PM
BenTN
What kind of mill do you have? We should probably talk. The fella that I used for band milling has retired.
We have a LT35hd and an unused CSM(60"). PM sent with contact. 
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: thecfarm on January 21, 2022, 10:20:36 PM
Another one sighted today.
I only saw the sawing part as it was on another road heading away from me. Did not really look brand new, this was only about 15 minutes from the Chesterville WM dealer.
I could not even tell what make it was.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Tom King on January 22, 2022, 09:54:14 AM
Saw the only one I've ever seen around here last week.  Some brand new Woodmizer on River Road.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: OlJarhead on May 17, 2022, 06:58:43 PM
Saw what looked like an older LT40 heading north of of Sandpoint ID.  I was heading south.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Ventryjr on May 21, 2022, 08:15:20 PM
I travel back roads and thruways all over the north east.  About 150k miles a year. And I haven't seen a sawmill in transit yet.  I've seen a pile band mill setup in yards or landings. 
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: moodnacreek on May 21, 2022, 09:12:40 PM
Quote from: Ventryjr on May 21, 2022, 08:15:20 PM
I travel back roads and thruways all over the north east.  About 150k miles a year. And I haven't seen a sawmill in transit yet.  I've seen a pile band mill setup in yards or landings.
If you ever have to come down to orange [you won't like it] try to contact me and see my mill.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: rusticretreater on May 21, 2022, 10:29:02 PM
I see ads and signs for mobile sawmilling all the time in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.  I have only one time seen a mobile sawmill on the road.  It was a woodmizer.
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: Ventryjr on June 11, 2022, 05:33:23 AM
I just spotted a Belsaw on a steel framing taken apart into 3 sections being hauled in Western NY.  Must be staying up that way. Guy was headed north toward the lake and away from the scrap yards.  

If your a forum member contact me.  I'd be willing to lend a hand if needed. Good luck ! 
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: doc henderson on June 12, 2022, 12:03:50 PM
saw a WM near Florescent, Co.  Not being towed.  mostly pine and poss. spruce in the yard.  We were at Camp and the trip to town was between activities so had no time to stop.  no one seen running around the yard.  
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: firefighter ontheside on June 14, 2022, 08:27:00 PM
I have only seen a few, but I saw what looked like a LT35 going down the road today being pulled by a Jeep Cherokee.  
Title: Re: Do you see sawmills being towed on the road?
Post by: thecfarm on January 05, 2023, 06:03:34 AM
Saw 2 more. I saw one last week. looked like a LT15 and they were heading for route 4 to get to the city to get on the freeway I would guess.
The other one I have no idea where it was going. Looked like new.