Economic assessment of using a mobile Micromill® for processing small-diameter ponderosa pine

An economic assessment of an SLP5000 Diesel Micromill® was conducted to determine the maintenance and operation costs and the logistics of a mobile sawmill used to process small-diameter ponderosa pine. The Micromill® was first introduced in 1997 and has since received considerable attention. In 2003, the USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station conducted a detailed financial analysis of a Micromill® in Escalante, Utah. Productive and nonproductive time was recorded, and the feasibility and logistics of periodically moving the mill closer to the raw material source were assessed in terms of delivered log costs and mobilization costs. Product volume and grade recovery were collected to examine market options. Results of the analysis indicate that cashflow, support equipment, delivered log costs, and product markets significantly affect the financial viability of a mobile Micromill® enterprise.