New sawmill coming next month - need to sort out towing issues

[difflock]

"J"

I understand you explored the options, however is a 5th set-up any benefit, I am thinking in the reduction of the overall length, even if it meant tweaking the tlr axle set up so as to ensure the tail end of the trailer does not bottom out, even if only when manouvering on rougher sites.

Iveco offered a 5th wheel conversion of their Daily van.

Or buy the 5th wheel kit from the US where they are commonly retro fitted to pick-ups.

As far as I am aware on the old British (pre 1997) car licence we are allowed 8250kg GTW.

Would this be a plausible option.

Marcus

OR

How about a skeleton frame 7.5 tonne beaver tail type truck and winch the trailer unit up onto.

If needs be ramped up over the cab to reduce overall length at the expense of height.

Use the hydraulics on the sawmill to power a winch.

 

No towbar needed therefore shorter over all.

What is the longest lorry bed or load allowed?

Certainly no problem with the weight at 2.8 tonne

Edited July 16, 2013 by difflock

[Big J]

Not being rude or disrespectful but why did you buy the mill if you cant tow it ?

 

Because I hate the fact that Woodmizer have the monopoly on sawmills here. They aren't the best, they aren't the toughest, they aren't the most versatile, but they are the most expensive for what you get. A similarly specced machine from Woodmizer would have cost £35k, and it would have still had the stupid single mast system that creates a massive amount of headaches. Additionally, Woodmizer UK don't seem interested in supporting their customers, the parts are incredibly expensive as well as often not in stock, and should you want a Woodmizer mechanic to look at your mill, it's £50 an hour. The machines are so complicated that if you don't have the time and expertise yourself, this is often the only option.

 

What I wanted was a simple, robust mill. No electronics, no electric motors, all hydraulic, all standard parts, twin rail, 4 post head. My option in the UK was Timberking, but they are new into the country and their sawmills aren't legal to tow either. Additionally, I have heard of some issues with build quality.

 

I went with the Logmaster because they are heavier and bigger than all the others. Mobile sawmilling is always a compromise, and I figured the issues with this mill were worth it. I've spent many months trying to figure out the best towing options, and Unimog seems to be ideal. It wouldn't be very often than I need to go out with it, but mobile work is pretty lucrative and needs to be done.

 

Would simply hiring someone else to deliver it to site be the easiest thing to do?

 

Shortening the bed isn't an option. I discussed it at huge length with the manufacturer, and they were of the opinion that it would create too many issues. If they think it can't be done well, I will defer to their experience and better judgement.

[kernowstu]

I agree 100 percent about woodmizer,and take on board anything you said and respect it and understand your reasons.

 

Just got me thinking about the autotrek from loglogic and the tom sawyer from forestor both good machines but dont know if spec is like for like good luck in the new venture.

[agrimog]

as the sawmill is obviously a dedicated "forestry" machine, you should have no problems with an agri registered mog, and a crane only strengthens the case, have you looked fully into the trailer brake situation as some american brake setups are legal in the UK, although as an agricultural setup brakes arent an issue, a swb mog, U1000, U1200, or even a U1500, the "smaller" ones would be ideal for your needs, (your looking around the 10-15 litres an hour, forget mpg..lol) and get used to around 45-50mph. Itll get you and the mill into most places, get you noticed(more work), and make loading the mill easier, plus all the other good bits a mog can do

[gensetsteve]

I think there is an american truck on ebay with 5 th wheel low miles and cheap 6.5 litre diesel.

[Big J]

You mean this one:

 

Chevrolete GMC vandura pickup 5th wheel | eBay

 

So what is the law regarding towing a fifth wheel trailer?

[openspaceman]

Given that it only weighs 2.8 tonnes, as I understand it, it doesn't even need brakes.

 

Anything over 750 kg needs brakes unless it's a trailed harvesting implement (exemption for a combine header on a trailer I think).

 

I think the sawmill could be towed as an Agricultural Trailed Appliance to get around the length issue but would have to be towed by an agricultural tractor, max length with 4 wheels is 12 metres

[Big J]

Anything over 750 kg needs brakes unless it's a trailed harvesting implement (exemption for a combine header on a trailer I think).

 

I think the sawmill could be towed as an Agricultural Trailed Appliance to get around the length issue but would have to be towed by an agricultural tractor, max length with 4 wheels is 12 metres

 

It has brakes. American ones though, not the standard hydraulic actuated cable drum brakes that are commonly used here.

[openspaceman]

It has brakes. American ones though, not the standard hydraulic actuated cable drum brakes that are commonly used here.

 

You'll need to verify this but as long as the towing AMV is at least a 1/4 the weight of the mill (ATA) and the brakes are operated from the AMV cab then I don't think they have to to connected to the service brake, whereas a post 1986 trailer over 750kg does have to be operated by the service brake.

[Tom D]

If it was mine, personally I would tow it with the nav, make sure all lights and number plates are in good order and go for it. I have been driving trailers for 22 years and only been pulled by vosa once.... If you are worried about the brakes swap the axles for some indespension units or similar, should cost under 2k for the whole lot. My brother has a 6 wheel steering drawbar trailer that he imported from germany, it has at least 8m of load bed and another 2 in the drawbar, so it must be 10m long, he tows it with a disco4. not had any bother...