Sawmill Power Plant?

Dino Caverson · May 29, 2013

Our 40 inch circular sawmill has always been powered
by a Farmall H. The Farmall has always done a good
job. I know the pto speed is about 540 rpms. Been
wondering about building a power plant. I have a
good running Toyota 22R 4 cylinder and and 4 speed
trans. I was wondering if ran in 1st gear, if I
would be close to correct rpms? The engine has
enough power, but I may be way off on gearing? The
small clutch may not hold either, right? Thanks for
any info.

ben there · May 29, 2013

that engine has plenty of power but you also need a heavy flywheel for momentum to keep blade up to speed during a long cut.

neverfear · May 29, 2013

Some sort of belt driven governor set up will be necessary also.

36 Coupe · May 29, 2013

Stay with the H.If you need more power buy an M.many old sawmills were powered with a Model A Ford engine.

Paul from MI · May 29, 2013

Sawmills have to be run at a constant rpm. That's why the old Farmall with a good senstive governor was so good. Any good tractor engine will have a good governor to maintain constant engine speed. If the H isn't powerful enough, stepping up to a bigger tractor would probably be the cheapest, easiest solution, and you'll have the use of the tractor for other jobs.

Anonymous-0 · May 29, 2013

If the engine has adequate power to maintain the rpm no need for the heavy flywheel

Mike (WA) · May 29, 2013

First gears are usually about 2.8:1, or so- So if your Toyota is max power at about 2,500 RPM, you're going to be at close to 900 RPM on the saw.

I'd stick with a tractor- get a diesel if you want more power reserve and cheaper operating.

Janicholson · May 29, 2013

Do it. The belt driven saw mill run from the pulley drive and flat belt operate at between 800 and 1100 at wide open throttle. A governor can be adapted. Jim
one source

Anonymous-0 · May 29, 2013

I have a 350 cummins running my mill. Power is a good thang..lol

Richard G. · May 29, 2013

Been running a sawmill for nearly 40 years. Power and slow speed is the key. My blade is 42 inches and run at 450 RPM. Stay with the tractor.
Richard in NW SC

Rich_WI · May 29, 2013

Here is a list of Toyota transmissions, click on the one you have and it should show the ratios. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Toyota_transmissions

Like was said, even in first gear you will need help from pulleys to get the rpms down. With most of the transmissions, with 3,500 engine rpm you will have around 1000 rpm output. I dont think the 22R would have enough power at 1750 rpm.

gbs · May 29, 2013

as others have suggested stick with the tractors or an engine out of an older combine,without a governor it won't work, even with one on a 40" inch with standard tooth spacing it will struggle

Dino Caverson · May 30, 2013

Thanks for all the helpful info! The H is enough power, I just like to build stuff! We'll stick with the tractor. Thanks again!

Sawmill Power Plant?

Dino Caverson

New User

ben there

Member

neverfear

Member

36 Coupe

Well-known Member

Paul from MI

Well-known Member

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member

Mike (WA)

Well-known Member

Janicholson

Well-known Member

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member

Richard G.

Well-known Member

Rich_WI

Member

gbs

Member

Dino Caverson

New User

Similar threads