Processors choices?

[Mad Ginger]

I'm undecided whether to spend money on a firewood processor, or stick with the slower but less expensive chainsaw and splitter... From agriculture I'm new to this sector and therefore have limited knowledge on processors. From little research I can see a lot are foreign built, but what is the best? I'm located Central Scotland so preferably not something that's only got dealer service from Cornwall..

And by 'best' I'm meaning Build quality:Price.

I'm not decided on a budget but we'll say around tops 10-12k? and I would consider 2nd hand if they don't hold their value as well as other machinary.

Thanks

[Steve Bullman]

i'm no longer in the firewood game, but after several years of processing with chainsaw and axe i splashed out on a hakki pilke 1x37. Absolutely its worth it. You'll do 3-4 times as much work and not even break a sweat. The hakki pile is the only machine I have had experience with but as far as deal support goes, theres really not much to go wrong with it. Belts need changing every so often but they are a standard part.

[theflyingscotsman]

I was super impressed with the Farmi WP 36, softwood billets (for biomass) and hardwood to 14" through a six way, just..👍🏻

 

Portable and simple to use and repair, no belts and a log lift 👍🏻

 

Pretty rapid for a fairly cheap mobile/self-powered unit.

 

The new ones are the ones to go for as the older model has now been upgraded.

 

We had a Posch machine in on hire two years back, the little Farmi would keep up no worries (with processor grade hardwood and pulp softwood)

 

As I said I was mega impressed. Extremely simple and robust.

 

(I'm aware that Big-J had problems with his hire machine, this one I had was brand new 2015--first hire)

[delabodge]

look forward to the review on this:thumbup:

[biggarlogs]

i have had a farmi ok machine but slow replaced with posch 360 and what a beast.you can also come and have a look if you are near,otherwise speak to john wilson at wilsons or kenny watt at caledonian forestry both have a good range of reconditioned machines for your sort of money .if you can wait till may both run open days and you can see the latest models flexing their muscles.

[R5log]

Any one got a Tajfun 480?

[biggarlogs]

spruce is the worst wood to put through a processor ,especially if its dry,stringy and if full of knots horrible,larch now thats a great wood to cut:thumbup:

[theflyingscotsman]

Yes I think you and BL would have been on the older WP36.

 

Ran hard for three straight days never skipped a beat and only refused two nasty unions even the 30T wallenstein would have coughed at 😂👍🏻 chain had a quick run at the start of day to but with clean wood ran like a dream.

 

My family have also been in the saw milling business for around 50 years and my old man was loving the Farmi. We just taken his biggest saw out of the sawmil to make way for a larger kiln and biomass plant and it was a huge circular saw 5' in diameter 👍🏻 (I've still got the saw blade for a keep sake!)

 

Given the limited space I've got (about 1/2 an acre, including sheds), it goes some way to explaining my delight in the compact road towable/easy to handle Farmi. If your fortunate enough to have a the space for a large tractor mounted number and log table, I can then see the attraction in that too 👍🏻👍🏻

[njmusk]

i have had a farmi ok machine but slow replaced with posch 360 and what a beast.you can also come and have a look if you are near,otherwise speak to john wilson at wilsons or kenny watt at caledonian forestry both have a good range of reconditioned machines for your sort of money .if you can wait till may both run open days and you can see the latest models flexing their muscles.

 

We have a palax 35s from Caledonian forestry, they sometimes have ex demo models as well. Don't forget the vat.

[Mad Ginger]

Thanks, more info than i expected.. I'll get in contact with the local companies you have all mentioned and see what floats my boat