Your Sawmill Engine is More than Just a Power Source
When choosing a portable sawmill, the engine is more than just a power source. Horsepower, fuel type, torque, and operating conditions can all affect how efficiently you can turn logs into lumber. TimberKing offers a range of engine options across its sawmill lineup, giving sawyers the ability to match their mill to the type and volume of work they plan to do.
From compact personal mills to heavy-duty production machines, here’s a look at the engine options available for each TimberKing sawmill.
TimberKing 1220: Compact Power
The TimberKing 1220 is designed for personal sawyers who want a rugged, Made-in-USA mill without stepping up to a larger hydraulic machine. Its standard power is a 23HP V-Twin electric-start gasoline engine, with diesel and electric power available as options. The standard V-Twin provides plenty of power for the 1220’s compact design while keeping the machine relatively simple and easy to operate.
The 1220CRZ uses the same 23HP V-Twin electric-start engine as its standard powerplant. The CRZ adds a transport package for sawyers who need to move their mill from job to job.
TimberKing 1400TW: Gas or Diesel
The TimberKing 1400TW steps up to a 23HP V-Twin gasoline engine as standard equipment. For sawyers who prefer diesel power, a 24.8HP Kubota diesel is available as an option.
The gas engine is a practical choice for general-purpose sawing, while the Kubota diesel provides an alternative for operators who prefer diesel’s characteristics for regular or demanding use.
TimberKing 1620TW: More Horsepower and Diesel Options
The TimberKing 1620TW offers more power for sawyers who are moving into heavier-duty work. Its standard engine is a 33HP V-Twin, with a 25HP Kubota diesel available as an option. TimberKing also offers a 37HP EFI gasoline upgrade.
The various engine options give 1620 owners several ways to configure their mill depending on whether they prioritize gasoline performance, diesel operation, or additional gasoline horsepower.
TimberKing 2020TW: Gas, Diesel, or Electric
The TimberKing 2020TW is designed for industrial-duty sawing and comes standard with a 37HP Vanguard EFI gasoline engine. TimberKing also offers 25HP diesel and 25HP electric options.
Having three power choices makes the 2020 particularly versatile. Gasoline provides the standard high-horsepower configuration, diesel offers an alternative for operators who prefer diesel power, and electric power can make sense for a stationary sawmill operation with suitable electrical service.
TimberKing 2220TW: 49HP Kubota Diesel
The TimberKing 2220TW is built for heavy industrial work and comes equipped with a 49HP four-cylinder Kubota diesel engine. Unlike some of the smaller models, the 2220 is designed around diesel power rather than offering a range of gasoline configurations.
The combination of 49 horsepower, a large cutting capacity, and full hydraulic log handling makes the 2220 a strong choice for operators who spend long days processing large logs.
TimberKing 2520TW: Maximum Diesel Power
At the top end of our standard portable lineup is the TimberKing 2520TW. It comes with a 65HP four-cylinder Kubota diesel engine, with electric power also available.
The 65HP diesel provides the power needed for the 2520’s heavy-duty hydraulic systems and large-log capability. For operations where an electric power source is preferable, the electric option provides another configuration.
TimberKing 6000: Wide-Cut Power
The TimberKing 6000 is designed specifically for extremely wide cuts, with a 58-inch maximum cutting width and capacity for logs up to 60 inches in diameter. Its standard engine is a 37HP Vanguard EFI gasoline engine.
Despite its enormous cutting capacity, the 6000 uses the same basic 37HP class of gasoline power found on the 2020. The mill’s design is focused on providing the cutting width needed for large slabs, countertops, mantels, and other wide products.
Which TimberKing Engine Is Right for You?
Gasoline engines are a great all-around choice for portable sawyers because they provide substantial power without requiring an electrical connection. TimberKing’s gasoline-powered mills range from the 23HP V-Twin on the smaller models to the 37HP Vanguard EFI on larger machines.
Diesel engines become especially attractive as sawmill size and production requirements increase. TimberKing offers Kubota diesel options on several models, including the 1400, 1620, 2020, 2220, and 2520. Diesel is also the standard power choice on the 2220 and 2520. TimberKing owner experiences frequently cite diesel’s torque and durability as advantages for production sawing.
Electric power can be an interesting option for stationary operations. Current TimberKing specifications list electric availability on the 1220, 2020, and 2520, although the exact configuration should be confirmed with TimberKing when ordering.
Power That Matches the Mill
TimberKing’s engine lineup follows the same philosophy as its sawmills themselves: give sawyers choices without compromising the heavy-duty construction of the machine.
A 23HP engine can be plenty for personal sawing, while 33HP and 37HP options provide additional capability for operators moving into more serious production. For the largest logs and highest production demands, TimberKing’s 49HP and 65HP Kubota diesel engines provide substantially more power.
Don’t simply choose the highest horsepower available. Select an engine based on the work you actually expect to do. Consider the size and species of the logs you’ll cut, how many hours you’ll operate each week, whether the mill needs to remain portable, and whether gasoline, diesel, or electric power makes the most sense for your operation.
With models ranging from the compact 1220 to the massive 2520 and wide-cut 6000, TimberKing offers a power configuration for virtually every type of sawyer.