LT40HDG28 question

[Coon]

I was just wondering what you people that own LT40HDG28's average for fuel consumption per hour?  I am thinking that I will most likely be purchasing one this spring and would like to be able to project my costs a bit before hand.  All edging would be done on the mill. 

I am set on a Woodmizer but still not sure which model.  Anyone here own one of the new LT35's?  If so what kind of numbers can you share?

Brad.

[Brucer]

2 litres per engine hour.

[Coon]

That sounds pretty reasonable to me.  I am pretty sure I can live with that.     That is definately lower than what I was thinking. 

[ladylake]

 When I had the 27HP Kohler on my B20 it would take a little over 1 GPH when sawing steady with a offbearer or 2, when sawing by myself quite a bit less.   Steve

[SAWMILL BUDDY]

I can saw hard for 8 hours on 5 gal of gas.

[DR Buck]

I can saw hard for 8 hours on 5 gal of gas.

Almost all day on a single tank.

[Jim H]

On days that I saw by myself the mill idles/is shutdown more 4-5 gal in 8 hours. If I have plenty of help and the mill can stay in the cut a high percentage of the time 6 or maybe an occasional 7 gal day. My previous carberated mill (24hp onan)used about 30%more fuel.   Jim

[Dan_Shade]

my mill is the 25HP with a carburator, I can go almost an entire day on a tank of fuel, or probably around 2000 bf or so

[ladylake]

 When I used just over 1 gph the blade was cutting a lot 300 to 400 bf per hour, when it's not cutting gph will be better..  My little Isuzu uses 1/2 gph at the most and it cuts faster.   Steve

[sparks]

The 28 HP and the 25 HP are .78 gal per hour.

[Brucer]

So, 0.78 USgal/hr = 2.9 L/hr.

My number was my average for the first 4 years I was running the mill. I didn't have a helper then so I had more idling time than if I had someone pulling slabs and flitches.

I'd expect to see more BF per hour with Spark's number than with mine.

[ladylake]

The 28 HP and the 25 HP are .78 gal per hour.

Is that under full load all the time or on a mill sawing lumber which would vary depending on how much time the blade is in the wood.    Steve

[Chuck White]

My LT40  Hydraulic has a 24hp Onan engine and I rarely will use over 5 gal/day (8-10 hrs)

On an average day, we'll (one offbearer) usually put out between 1500 & 1800 bf.

[Coon]

Thanks for sharing this info.  It is greatly appreciated. 

I can live within the whole range of fuel consumption that you all have mentioned.  I am doing alot of number crunching at the moment and hopefully will be placing my order soon.  I would like to start milling as soon as the snow is gone here for the most part.  That will be in mid April.  ;D 

I am thinking that I need to contact Woodmizer and talk to them about the LT35 and get a little bit more info.  I am wondering what the rate the boardfootage/hr would be?  Shouldn't be much off the LT40HD....   I do have some timber that would be too big for the LT35's 32" max diameter but that would make up maybe 2% of my total volume.  I am not sure how much there would be within the custom sawing end of things. 

Anyone even seen the LT35 saw any logs? 

[ronwood]

Coon,

If you want a debarker I believe that you will have to go with the LT40

Ron

[Coon]

I would prefer to have the debarker but I might be able to live without one...... but maybe not... ;D  Ya, I am looking more towards the LT40HD all the time.  Gots to get me eggs all in one basket and order one... 

[sawman]

  I for one would definitely go with the debarker, you will not regret it. It does help save the blades. 

[terrifictimbersllc]

 I wouldnt want to be peeling or brushing logs on top of everything else I have to do in a day sawing on the road.   Debarker seems to cut forever but even its tips get worn.  Have always had one and still do enough blade sharpening.  A debarker a minor investment compared to years of increased blade maintenance or expense.  Also if you're traveling to saw for money, you want to be able to get as much done in a day, or get it done quicker.  This is often going to translate into more profit one way or the other.   

[Magicman]

A Debarker, to me, is the second most valuable "option" on the mill.  Setworks/Accuset being the first.

[Coon]

I have pretty much got my mind made up on the LT40HDG28 with a debarker.  I need to finish up my business plan this week.  The bank has already told me that I can borrow the money I need but want me to have a solid business plan to fall back on.  The way the industry is around here I will have absolutely no problem making money whether it be from lumber sales from my own wood or custom sawing.  I just heard that another one of our local small mills is shutting down due to the owners health issues.  Even without him shutting down there is plenty of room for competition.  This is coming from this other mill owners own mouth.  His son also told me that he will still haul logs for me or rent me his log truck if he is busy.  I have worked for these guys off and on for the last 13 years.  Excellent people.