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arboriculturist

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Everything posted by arboriculturist

  1. Never hear those figures - always allowed 1" per year with wood drying from both sides. Felled November - Jan and stickered correctly always managed to get down to 16 - 17 % in the centre outside 12 months. Then get inside living enviromnent for 4 months down to 11- 12%. Anyone agree?
  2. You'r on a Firewood Forum here O space - may need to tone the science down a touch!
  3. Those with kilns comissioned pre - July 2014 made a sound business decision. With tariffs degressing to 3.5p by October 2015 it will no longer be economic to install a standard kiln installation like Glen Farrow. Those who have wood waste to burn have the option to small scale dry in times of need. We can get wastage down to 2.5% or less waste by buying selected roundwood so don't have much. I think that over time the established kiln dryers will just see a fall in their margins from kiln drying, but they are generally established setups and will be able to adjust their production model as time passes. At the moment they are making a very good return on their investment, so good for them.
  4. Quite right - there are many more volatiles in timber than may be apparent and kiln drying can have a detrimental effect, due to enhanced losses of these elements in the timber upon heating:thumbdown:.
  5. There are one or two on the Forum who have the space, air drying those volumes already and loads across the channel.
  6. Here Here. I think we have to be guided by our conscience, however principles cost money.
  7. Some fair comments there, however as more of us go to bio-fuel things start to look different and utilising modern, efficient machinery large or small can actually be a positive step. Whatever energy is being produced, energy in one form or another will be required in the process. I think we all have to do what we can to reduce the effects on the environment.
  8. We've planted 8,000 over 5 years, sorry but the're all hardwoods:001_tongue:
  9. Where we live perhaps more people can afford to care about the environment. Providing they can buy quality naturally dried firewood that burns well, I cannot see them choosing to buy forced dried Firewood that requires an unnecessary carbon footprint to produce it. Of course if you have invested in a Kiln, understandably you will be fighting your own corner. Only time will tell:001_cool:
  10. There is no justification, just the financial incentive, which generally drives the descision making process.
  11. Not wanting to de-rail but how long do your potatoe boxes last, do you adjust the slats for airflow and what is the going rate used up your way?
  12. The largest Firewood retailer in the UK is now advancing into their 20 years of RHI payments for Kiln Drying Firewood. As their business model hinges on the Tariff, I find it hard to see how can they adapt on their scale and still compete when the RHI payments come to an end. Several of those who are Kiln drying now have had to adjust their prices to fall closer in line with those who air dry. I am certainly interested to hear what others see as the future of Kiln dried Firewood.
  13. Thanks for those thoughts - I don't welcome additional legislation but the affordability issues is one of the best views I have heard this year - i'll take all I can from that. I plan to keep prices static for several years by increasing efficiency. The good old value for money still counts for a lot with many.
  14. Have you got a link to that guy?
  15. Sounds like your cost analysis has given you the answer. To make good margins in the Firewood industry requires substantial investment, time, effort and innovative thinking not to mention producing a high quality end product - many do not realise this at the outset and spend years of relentless toil before making the business a success - some never do. For those that manage it, a good lifestyle can be achieved. We learnt the hard way!
  16. Unless the owner is going to contribute, even recycled aggregate is costly. Telehandlers are versatile as you know, which is why the largest producers use them. Rotators on forklifts dont work for firewood, They also use forklifts, standard or rough terrain - they have everything containerised of course so loads of stacking. Nothing beats one for manoeuvrability though.
  17. I can agree with several of these points as in general many underestimate the true cost of running a business. However 26K on a telehandler rather than hardcore the yard seems uneconomic, plus working in the mud day in day out in winter can't be the way to go. We do the housekeeping every few days, makes for efficiency and a pleasant working environment, Some would say its a waste of time of course. I have converted all customers to having tipped loads; having a crane kills the truck carrying capacity and the margins you make with all the costs associated with using bags and the whole crane infrastructure, liability, training, certification etc. In addition tipped loads is far better environmentally as that is what are industry should be promoting.
  18. That is the effects of the sun on previously shaded foliage - susceptable especially at the height of summer. Recovers over time.
  19. Fine being jack of all trades; providing you are the master of others who are the master of each trade. ( Ahh - and you are able to cope with the stress).
  20. Is that a log deck? I'd recommend buy the Posch deck if you are planning do any serious processing - it's quality! Ooh and buy a 360 if you can afford it.
  21. Its a broadleaved weed. The herbicide you need is Grazon pro and an adjuvant. Treat when no wind, no sunlight, not in times of drought and rain not forecast for 24 hours - evening best.
  22. Nasty - I agree 250 -400 seems par for the course:thumbup1:
  23. Wilsons claim the 360 is 20% faster - would you agree with them on that one? Ooh and how many tonnes crosscutting do you get between blade sharpens? Thanks:thumbup1:

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