Wood-Mizer LT-15

[Mike N]

I'm a newbie as of yesterday!

I own a Wood-Mizer LT-15.
My brother & I are currently sawing large Red Oak bolts harvested from the Paul Bunyan State Forest in northern Minnesota.  We have purchased 25 cords over the last 3 yrs.  We have 55 logs left to cut up by this fall.

The PTO clutch is slipping again on my LT-15 & I need to replace it, for the 2nd time.  I plan to buy a new clutch from Wood-Mizer ($ 190.00) & then try to rebuild my old one, has anyone tackled such a project?  My clutch is manually engaged not an electric clutch.  I would think that the clutch disk material can be replaced some how.

I have been in the Tool & Die business for the last 40 yrs. so I can make parts if needed.

Mike N.

[Magicman]

Good morning Mike N, and Welcome to the Forestry Forum.   

[b dukes]

Welcome to the Forum!  I just purchased a LT15. I am still in the learning mode myself.

[clww]

Welcome to the Forestry Forum, Mike N.

[wdtik]

Howdy and welcome, my lt15 doesn't have a clutch, just a idler
pully that tensions the drive belt.  Simple, reliable design IMO.
It's a new model, not sure on earlier models...

[sparks]

You need to periodicly verify the clutch adjustment. At least once a month. Once it starts to slip it does not take long to burn out the disc. Also make sure the bolt that holds the clutch on is torqued to 45 lbs. Do not let the crankshaft turn as you torque it.

[Mike N]

You need to periodicly verify the clutch adjustment. At least once a month. Once it starts to slip it does not take long to burn out the disc. Also make sure the bolt that holds the clutch on is torqued to 45 lbs. Do not let the crankshaft turn as you torque it.

I have the newer style clutch, it has a spring loaded turnbuckle & there is no adjustment.  The arm has reached the bottom of its stroke, so I think the clutch disc is worn out.

[Mike N]

Welcome to the Forum!  I just purchased a LT15. I am still in the learning mode myself.

Have fun with it!  I love my LT-15 it is a 1997 Model & still works great!

[grweldon]

Welcome to the forum...

Can you determine the manufacturer of the clutch?  Most likely WM doesn't make their own clutches.  The manufacturer might have parts available and if they did, you can just replace the disk itself...

[Mike N]

Welcome to the forum...

Can you determine the manufacturer of the clutch?  Most likely WM doesn't make their own clutches.  The manufacturer might have parts available and if they did, you can just replace the disk itself...

I found the manufacture "Noram Clutch Co." I called & got a assembly drawing for the clutch & how it works.  Now I should be able to tear it apart & re-build it

[grweldon]

Good Deal!  Keep us posted on how well this works.  I have been using the electric clutch sparingly on my TK because I see it as a possible failure point on the mill and I'm cheap!  I don't want to have to replace it any sooner than I have to!