The Power of Hydraulics: Michael Huemer’s Success with the Wood-Mizer LT70 Sawmill
Michael Huemer, a master sawyer in Abtenau, Austria, operates a stationary Wood-Mizer LT70 sawmill, efficiently handling diverse customer orders. Initially using an LT15, he upgraded to the LT70 for its hydraulic capabilities, enhancing efficiency and comfort. His operation, which is also equipped with accessory sawmilling machinery, focuses on long cuts, mainly for construction timber. Known for its durability and performance, the LT70 has significantly improved Michael's ability to process large and challenging logs.
Michael's typical day involves cutting a wide variety of wood products, from posts to slats to board lumber. Some customers bring their own wood, trusting Michael to cut it to their specifications. The LT70 easily handles all of these requests, including challenging tasks like cutting crooked fruit trees. With the capability to handle logs up to 95 cm in diameter, the LT70 sets no limits on what can be achieved in contract cutting.
Michael's journey with Wood-Mizer started with an LT15. While it was a reliable machine, it often reached its limits with larger logs, prompting Michael to upgrade to the LT70. The fully hydraulic LT70 sawmill eliminated the need for manual turning, loading, clamping, and leveling, making the process significantly faster and more comfortable.
In addition to his Wood-Mizer LT70, Michael also operates an old frame saw that he uses as a board edger. This combination allows him to produce slats and other wood products efficiently. The edger works in tandem with the LT70, ensuring that every piece of wood is utilized to its fullest potential.
Michael recalls his decision to choose Wood-Mizer, noting its strong reputation among sawmill manufacturers and the convenience of having a representative nearby in Gaisberg, Salzburg. This proximity was a key factor in his decision, along with the positive feedback he heard from others in the industry. "The LT70 is known for its durability and performance," Michael says. "For the price, you get a good, solid sawmill."
Wood-Mizer’s LT70 Sawmill Series is designed for high-production sawmilling enterprises. It utilizes thin-kerf blade technology to boost profits. Various electric and diesel engine options are available to suit different operational requirements. Standard features include belted blade wheels for 32-38 mm blades and wider crowned cast iron wheels for 50 mm blades. The LT70 sawmill has the standard sawhead configuration (max. cutting diameter 95 cm), the WIDE head option (max. cutting diameter 105 cm), and the Heavy Duty configuration featuring the robust industrial sawmill bed.
Log handling configurations - manual, Hydraulic, or Super Hydraulic - can be tailored to fit specific productivity and budget needs. The powerful Accuset or PLC computer Setworks allows the operator to maintain high-speed cutting by the quick automatic position of the sawhead to the next cut. The high-performance LubeMizer blade lubrication system ensures clean blades and enhanced sawing output. Wood-Mizer offers a range of affordable blades designed to maximize log yield and minimize timber waste. The debarker option prolongs blade life by removing dirt and rocks from the bark.
One of Michael’s most memorable moments with the LT70 was when it easily handled a massive four-ton log. The hydraulics performed flawlessly, starkly contrasting his experiences with the LT15, which lacked hydraulics and made manipulating large logs cumbersome. The LT70’s hydraulic system, including the log turner and clamps, has proven to be optimal and highly efficient.
"My goal is to process everything the customers bring me," Michael explains. "With the Wood-Mizer, I am very flexible. Along with my other equipment, it has put me on a good path."
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