Norwood hydraulics, gas or electric drive for the pump

[Rickcnc]

Looking at adding hydraulics to my HD36... Which power system would you go with, Gas, or Electric.. They offer both, at the same price.. If you chose Gas, you're running a second gas motor.. If you choose electric, the kit includes an alternator you can add your existing engine.  It's my understanding from talking to the sales rep electric out sells gas, however gas may have slightly more power..

[Rougespear]

If you're okay with the battery and charging system, I'd say go with electric.  Just remember you'll need to get the 12vdc from the carriage down to the sawdeck somehow (I'm not sure how Norwood does it).  I've also read the battery will take a beating and needs replacement "more frequently" (not sure what the interval is).  I put a 7hp gasser pump on my mill because the engines are sooooo cheap (and decent quality), and I can drive a pump with much more flow and pressure than "feasible" with an electric pump.

YMMV.

[Tom the Sawyer]

First, I don't own a Norwood but, do have a relevant opinion.  My mill is a Timberking B-20 and it was designed with two engines, a 6.5 hp mounted in the frame which runs the hydraulic pump, and a 30 hp Kohler which runs the blade. 

My hydraulic engine probably has 2-3 times as many hours as the blade engine.  It runs most of the day (about 4 hours on a fill) and I have hydraulic power for loading, turning, clamping, etc. without wasting the fuel that a 30 hp engine would use while doing those functions.  My big engine only runs when I am milling.  It is also a simpler design, no hydraulic lines running to or from a moving saw head. 

Although I haven't had to make repairs to either engine, if the engine with the most hours fails, it'll be a lot cheaper to replace a 6.5 hp than a 30.  The battery on my B-20 starts the 30 hp engine, powers the setworks, and drives a 12v gear motor that raises and lowers the head.  It has been replaced only once in the 7 years I have owned my mill (it isn't hard on batteries).

[ladylake]

  Another vote for gas which has been real reliable, one reason I bought the mill I did.   Steve

[pineywoods]

Rick, there is a third option, if you are a fixed location and have electric power available. Use  2 or 3 hp electric motor to drive the pump. Hydraulics at the flick of a switch without the hassle of bigger alternator and batteries. Just about maintenance free to boot.

[Rickcnc]

Thanks for the input.. I'm going to go with gas and placed the order with Norwood today.  I'm only adding the Hydraulic log loader and toe boards for now,.... OH.... and the power up down for the saw head. 

[dboyt]

I'm jumping in a bit late, but I was going to recommend the gas option.  I've seen both, and it looks a lot more robust.  I'll be adding one to my mill one of these days.

[Bandmill Bandit]

While both are good options a Gas driven hydraulic pump will give you a lot more modification and expansion options. Just make sure you go with a larger hydraulic system than is required for the mill alone.

Also IF you are stationary AND have access to 220AC then an AC electric hydraulic system would out shine both of the other options.