Bought 2nd Kubota so time to join this forum

[SailormanEd]

Have been using a L2850 DT for almost 10 years but always needed something a little bigger, especially when loading bigger logs onto the Woodmizer. Just acquired a L3600Dt w 2 complete sets of wheels/tires but no FEL. Seems like a better fit for my needs. Felt it was a good time to join.

 

[Piston]

Welcome Ed,
Congrats on the new tractor! I also have a Kubota that I use to load logs onto my sawmill. I have a LT-15, which model do you have? I haven't used it too much in the last 8 months but I'm looking forward to making some sawdust in the fall!

What will you use on the new tractor to load the mill since you don't have a FEL? Do you have rear forks for it? I've found that a FEL grapple is the single most useful tool you can have when working around the mill. It works great for every aspect of it, loading the log, helping turn and level heavy logs (my mill is all manual), taking care of slab piles, and even cleaning up all the brush and tree tops from the trees I fell to turn into lumber.

I mostly use my mill for making timbers rather than dimensional lumber. What do you mostly mill? What's your favorite species? Do you mill commercially and sell your lumber, or mill for others? Or just personal use?

Anyways,
Just wanted to say hi, and welcome you to the forum. :thumbsup:
-Matt

 

[mguitas]

:welcome:

 

[SailormanEd]

Matt - thanks,
Have been using the L2850 w FEL but removed the bucket and welded up a frame to hold fork truck forks. Works quite well. If I slide the 2 forks almost together and tip them forward, I can pickup a 500 lb rootball - great way to move large shrubs. I am also quite comfortable driving around with 1 rear wheel in the air! I have been uncomfortable with the load I put on the front axle, hence the desire to get a bigger tractor. Did break the end off one bucket cylinder so now am a little more careful to even the load.
The Wood mizer will cut 36" x 21 ft although we have cut a 42" pecan. Mostly for our own needs and do move everything to do some custom cutting as needed. I am planning to add a small grapple to the new FEL for the L3600. Right now cutting small timbers (sweet gum) to make a small log cabin for my nieces and then to cut planks (red oak) for my new drawbridge (dug the last section of the moat today). Both my big cabin and large shed are sheathed in rough cut yellow pine.
BTW - my brother lives in Brimfield and his in-laws have a commercial sawmill down towards New Bedford but I have not been there.