Keenerbuilt mill.. anyone heard of it?

[tcrofton]

I am still shopping around and have discovered a small outfit in Southern Illinois that makes an interesting rig.
It's got a standard 15hp gas or 10hp 3phase electric with standard hydraulic up /dn and f/r and winch type turner, trailer set up, and built-in sharpener for $9400.
This is similar to most manual mill pricing but has some of the hydraulics of mills costing more like $15k.
The owner has made phase converters for decades, and includes that in the package if required (which I would ). He says that the converter will run more motors, so additional hydraulics could run off a separate motor, such as better log turners, live deck, dust conveyor, etc.

He uses 1 1/2" blades because they fit his all metal wheels better.
The track is 2x6 steel tube and the blade guides have a bearing behind the band. There is a power lube system that they recommend using intermittently with diesel/oil mix (about a quart per day).
I'm told that the electric version will cost about $2 day to run compared to as much as $15-20 for a large gas engine.

After my reading of many posts here, and other manufacturers websites I think this may be a best buy. Anyone heard of it? ???

[Bibbyman]

I've seen quite a few Keenerbilt mills at the shows – mostly the Small Farm Show in Columbia, Mo. where Mr. Keener was a regular until the last few years.  I thought they went out of business.

Do a search on "Keener" and look for posts in the "Shows and places to meet" section of the Forum and you'll find some pictures, notes, etc. I posted from the shows.

[SamB]

Check out Sawmill & Woodlot magazine Oct/Nov 2008, they did a review on the Keener Built Sawmill.
http://www.sawmillmag.com/

[Bibbyman]

Not to dissuade you from Keenerbuilt,  we're kind of partial to the brands that have banners to the left of the screen here on the Forestry Forum.

I guess I'm partial to Wood-Mizer, company and mill, but also have a Baker live deck and Timberking dust blower.  All good people to work with. 

If price is one concern, and when ain't it,  you may consider a used mill.  Some of the dealers have them now and then. Wood-Mizer refurbishes their used mills and advertise them on their web site.

[DJL50]

Check out Sawmill & Woodlot magazine Oct/Nov 2008, they did a review on the Keener Built Sawmill.
http://www.sawmillmag.com/

Here is the link to the review. They have the name on the pdf wrong. The link is the mill not the processor

https://sawmillmag.com/reviews/45/Hud-Son+Firewood+Processor