Confused? Look no further… With the UK currently experiencing a boom in firewood processor sales, potential buyers could easily be driven to distraction with the huge selection of makes, models and designs that are currently available. This month we take a look at some of the models on offer. BGU BGU’s KSA 450 with its 20” chainsaw harvester bar running .404 chain has the capacity to process 18” diameter logs. It can be driven either electrically, with a power requirement of 15kW, or by tractor PTO. It has a two-speed splitting ram with a force of 24 tonnes and a 14-way splitting cross. November 2011 will see the launch of a new updated version of the 450. With an 8 tonne splitting force, the lighter-weight KSA 370 can process 4 cubic metres an hour. The 370’s unrestricted infeed conveyor makes it ideal for cutting crooked timber. A 3500mm conveyor comes as standard but an extra long 4500mm option is also available. BGU’s range also features two circular saw firewood processors. The SSA 310 Evolution has a 750mm tungsten-tipped blade with the capacity to cut 12” diameter logs with a splitting force of 8 tonnes. The second circular saw processor, the SSM 250 Z Compakt, has a 700mm blade and 10” diameter capacity. With a 6-tonne splitting force it is capable of processing 3 cubic metres per hour. It has a roller bearing feed table and is available with or without a conveyor. www.perryplanthire.co.uk 01363 866174 Bilke The Bilke 2 processor with tractor PTO drive uses a rotary shear to cut wood to any preset length from 23 to 55cm and can take roundwood of up to 22.5cm diameter, or slabs of up to 34cm diameter. An automatic feeding conveyor carries the wood into the machine. There is no need for the operator to do anything except load it. Several thin stems or slabs may be placed on the feeding conveyor simultaneously to improve productivity. The discharge conveyor is extremely wide ensuring that there is no risk of jamming. Both conveyors fold up easily for transport. www.mlarge.com 028 9034 2838 Binderberger Binderberger offer three different machines for sawing and splitting firewood. The automatically controlled Profi 450 has a maximum cutting capacity of 45cm and can produce logs from 15-50cm in length. The logs are carried into the machine from the log deck by a hydraulicdrive conveyor belt, and are cut to the preset length by a hydraulic harvester chainsaw head with integrated chain lubrication and hydraulic chain tensioning. The wood is rolled into the trough of the 16-tonne automatic splitter, where it is split into a suitable number of pieces (dependent on the log diameter). 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12-way splitting blades are available. The firewood is discharged from the machine by a hydraulically driven conveyor. The Profi 520 operates in either automatic or semi-automatic mode like its smaller sibling, but has the capacity to cut a log up to 55cm in diameter. The splitting force is 30 tonnes and a 16-way splitting blade is an option. Both the 450 and the The Posch S-350 is Wilsons’ top-selling machine. 520 can be powered by tractor PTO, 3-phase electric motor or Hatz Silent Pack diesel engine. For those processing very big logs Binderberger offer the sawing and splitting Gigant, which can saw logs up to 75cm in diameter. Splitting force is 40 tonnes. www.marshalllogging.co.uk 01892 770788 Ireland & Scotland 028 2073 2700 Dalen Marshalls also distribute Norwegianbuilt Dalen firewood processors. The entry-level machine is the Dalen 2052 which is manually operated (hydraulic control is an option), and has a cutting capacity of 40cm. The Dalen 2054 is fully hydraulically controlled and has a cutting capacity of 44cm. Because these machines have wide infeed sections with hydraulic-driven conveyor belts, they are particularly adept at cutting bent, awkward wood with ease. Both machines have 8-tonne capacity splitters, hydraulic discharge conveyors that swing through a 2-metre arc, 2, 4, or 6-way splitting blades, and pressure-fed chain lubrication. The Dalen 2054 uses a harvester bar and chain. www.marshalllogging.co.uk 01892 770788 Ireland & Scotland 028 2073 2700 Fuelwood (Warwick) Fuelwood (Warwick) is the only British manufacturer of firewood and kindling machines. Fuelwood say their machines enable large diameter timber to be sawn into very short lengths (down to 6”) yet still be processed without disruptions caused by logs twisting inside the machine. The Kindlet, Kindlet Pro and Splitta all use the ‘X-Blade’ system. The Splitta produces firewood and nets of kindling. With bulk loads, if the diameter of timber processed changes, the machine produces a constant maximum sized log with no need for different blade configurations. The Transaw 350, designed for short logs and twisted timbers, utilises a low-maintenance, fast-cutting, circular saw system. The range has been extended with the launch of the Transaw 350 XL model, with increased cutting capacity up to 55cm (22”). New auto two-speed splitting doubles the splitting speed, and the new ‘No Grip – No Saw’ technology adds to the safety features on the machine. A mobile Transaw 350 with twin road axle and a Hatz diesel engine will soon be available. www.fuelwood.co.uk 01926 484673 (Left) BGU’s SSA 310 Evolution with 12” cutting capacity. (Right) The Dalen 2054-EHSX firewood processor from Marshall Agricultural Engineering. Forestry Journal 7/11 www.forestryjournal.co.uk 25 (Left) The 22” capacity Transaw 350 XL from Fuelwood. (Right) The Multitek 2025 from Metpro International. Gandini Chippers International offer the Forest Cut firewood processor from Gandini. A heavy-duty professional machine, the Forest Cut weighs just over 1000kg. It can be powered by a 35hp tractor with the option of 3-phase electric motor. All controls are operated from a central work console; the machine’s internal hydraulic system powers the pumps and cast iron motors. Capable of cutting logs up to 380mm (16”) diameter, timber is loaded onto the infeed conveyor table and moved to an adjustable stop for different log lengths. By operating a single gate lever the chainsaw arm is lowered hydraulically, giving high performance cutting ability even on the hardest timber. As the cut log drops and the saw arm is raised, the splitting ram, which has up to 15 tonne capacity, is automatically activated. Logs can be split 2, 4 or 6-ways. The mechanism can be hydraulically raised and lowered to accommodate the appropriate log diameter and can be removed in seconds to allow smaller logs to pass straight through. A major feature is that the saw arm can be raised, the chain stopped from rotating, and, by pushing a single button, the splitter can be operated on its own for off-cuts and awkward-shaped pieces. As logs are pushed through they are carried by the discharge elevator which has an adjustable discharge height of up to 3.5 metres. An optional loading table is also available which greatly increases output to up to 50 tonnes per day. The whole machine can be folded for transport with an overall width of 2.5 metres. www.chippersinternational.co.uk 01789 414871 Hakki Pilke Hakki Pilke offer a wide range of firewood processing equipment. The Eagle, tractor or Honda petrol engine powered, has a 700mm TCT cross-cut blade with cone type splitter. Aimed at the first-time buyer, domestic or small-scale commercial user, over 285 units were sold in the UK and Ireland in 2010. The OH60 is an ideal machine for high output of logs up to 250mm in diameter. Features include 700mm TCT cross-cut, 6-tonne log splitting and 3.2m of outfeed conveyor. The 1X-37 can cope with logs up to 370mm in diameter and features a 16-inch chainsaw cross-cut, 7-tonne splitting force and 4-metre outfeed. Users have a choice of either manual cross-cut, or hydraulic joystick option. No longer a new runner in the The Hakki Pilke BigX47 is ideal for processing large diameter timber. 26 Hakki Pilke stable, the 1X-42, introduced into the marketplace almost 4 years ago, came with a few initial technical issues. However, the introduction of the much improved 1X-42 hydraulic 18 months ago addressed these. The 1X-42 offers full hydraulic power (no belt transmission), heavy-duty infeed conveyor, joystick controls, 20” harvester bar and .404 chain cross-cut, 13 tonnes variable speed splitting force, laser and mechanical log length measurement, 4-metre hydraulically powered and slewing outfeed conveyor and oil cooler. For those needing to process large-diameter timber, Hakki Pilke offer the BigX47, with a 470mm maximum log diameter, and the new BigX50. This has a 500mm maximum log diameter, full hydraulic log clamp and 4 to 30 tonnes variable splitting force. Other standard features include a sawdust extraction unit, and operator working platform. Due in early autumn, the 2X + Carry is built around the PTO-driven 2X machine, adding fully legal road running gear. With a Honda 13hp petrol (key start) engine, 15” bar for log cross-cutting, twin splitting chamber, 4-metre outfeed conveyor and hydraulic drive with variable speed control, this machine is worth considering for mobile firewood processing. www.mlarge.com 028 9034 2838 Japa The Japa range includes the Japa 300, a new Japa 700, and the Japa 375. The Japa 300, a compact, selfpowered machine, is available in low-cost tractor hydraulic or PTO versions. The Japa 700 can take timber up to 12” in diameter and requires a minimum of 20hp from the tractor PTO. The sawn logs drop into the splitting trough and the hydraulic cylinder pushes the log through the splitting knife. The new Japa 375 is the latest in www.forestryjournal.co.uk the chainsaw cutting range with a capacity of 14½” diameter and an 8-tonne single splitting chamber. All 375 models now have 4.1m folding outfeed conveyors and 2.3m reversible infeed conveyors, with an option of joystick controls, Expert and Pro models. New lower prices for the 375 range have just been released. www.fuelwood.co.uk 01926 484673 Multitek Metpro International are the sole UK agents for the Multitek range of firewood processors. The 2040XP2 has a log capacity of 50.8cm diameter by 12.2 metres and can split log rounds into up to 16 pieces for the production of bundles, kindling, or cooking woods. The machine is available in .404”, ¾” or 60“ circular saw configurations. Available in diesel and electric form, it can be used in conjunction with various conveyor systems and debris cleaning options. The patented overhead shuttle grapple log feed system was designed by Multitek in the early 1980s. With its ability to grab and feed the log forwards and backwards, it can handle crooked logs with ease. The 3040XP2 is popular where oversize logs would otherwise go to waste. With a 72” circular saw, it cuts logs up to 77cm in diameter. The 1610EZ and 2020 series have many of the industrial features of the 2040XP2 and 3040XP2, and are designed for the small and medium sized firewood business. The 1610EZ is a single-operator machine that will cut and split logs up to 16” in diameter and 10’ long. It can be towed behind a pick-up truck and offers an integrated 13’ firewood elevator for quick set-up and mobility. www.metprointernational.com www.multitekinc.com 01656 657457 Palax The newest arrival in the Palax range Forestry Journal 7/11 (Left) Riko UK’s WP36 with its unique self-loading system. (Right) The KS50S is the latest addition to the Palax range from Caledonian Forestry Services. is the KS50S, a fully hydraulically controlled machine capable of high production. With a cutting diameter of 50cm and a splitting force ranging from 4-24 tonnes, this machine operates at approximately 15 work cycles a minute. The smaller machine in the range is the Palax 55, suitable for the domestic market and small contractors. The 55 is available in three different models, powered by either a mini tractor PTO, electric motor or its own engine. The Combi MiII has features such as adjustable automatic belt tension, and adjustable elevator height and direction. The tungstentipped blade cuts up to 25cm. With only three grease nipples on the machine, the Combi is easily operated and maintained. The Power 70S also cuts up to 25cm and is hydraulically controlled via a joystick. The Power 70, which is manually controlled, offers excellent value for money. The KS35S, operating from a single control lever, is fully hydraulic with a cutting diameter of 35cm and, like most models, has a 4.3m elevator. The Palax Power 90 and Power 100 are the larger circular saw machines in the range, producing a cross-cut of 35 to 40cm. The opti- mising stroke splitting system makes these very fast machines, splitting a variety of sizes of timber just as quickly as the smaller machines. The Mega log deck is fully hydraulic and connects directly to either of the machines. www.caledonianforestryservices.co.uk 01764 663798 Pinosa Pinosa offer machines for timber diameters of 16½”, 18½” and 24”. The machines process smalldiameter branchwood, sawmill offcuts and low value twisted timber, cutting several bundles of smalldiameter timber at the same time. The automatic circular saw compensates for variations in log lengths so no short off-cuts are left in the machine. The patented gripping and transfer to splitting ensures short logs can be processed without twisting. The machines automatically select how many pieces to split the log into, based on diameter. They also automatically centre the knife so uniform logs are produced. www.fuelwood.co.uk 01926 484673 Posch Jas P Wilson import the Austrian Posch range, aimed at the professional producer. Posch sales in the UK tend to be mainly small to medium sized machines with circular saw blades. The 280 model was recently introduced with a foot pedal system for splitting. It cuts up to 28cm and has a 10-tonne splitting force. The 3100 and 3200 machines are offered with tilting tables and varied knife options. The star of the Posch processor range is the S-350, which, from its launch in May 2010 till mid June 2011, saw 82 units sold. It cuts 35cm-diameter logs, has a folding conveyor and proportional joystick controls. The machine is designed to be used with a powered log deck, although some customers have opted not to use a deck. Posch also offer much larger machines, namely the S400, with circular saw and the K480, K540 and K580, all with chainsaw. All of these are factory machines and are generally used in conjunction with a smaller firewood processor. www.jaspwilson.co.uk 01556 612233 Sami New to the Fuelwood range is the Sami Autochopper. With fully automatic operation, the machine boasts a cutting diameter of 44cm and splitting power of 16 tonnes. The logs are continually monitored to balance out the length, never leaving a short piece at the end, and the splitting knife’s position is adjusted automatically so that equal size split logs are produced automatically. www.fuelwood.co.uk 01926 484673 Mastersplit The WP30 and WP36 firewood processors from Riko UK, which will cut 30 and 36cm diameter timber, are especially suitable for twisted, awkward timber, so common in the UK. A unique self-loading system means there is no need for a log loading table/rack. The operator simply rolls the length of timber on the ground onto the loading arm. As the exiting piece of timber in the processor is being split, the arm lifts the next length onto the infeed ready for cutting. Once the timber is cut and splitting starts, the uncut timber is automatically fed to its preset length ready for cutting. Unlike other processors that use a flat infeed conveyor, the timber on the WP sits in a ‘V’ shaped trough which feeds it forward. Operation is by a single lever, leaving the operator’s other hand to ‘assist’ any awkward shaped timber being processed. Finally, the new Continental 550 processor takes timber up to 55cm in diameter and has a splitting force of 25 tonnes. www.alpinetractors.com 01420 487300 Fuelwood – woodfuel – Fuelwood – woodfuel – Fuelwood - woodfuel New Japa 700 High output logs & kindling wood up to 120 nets/hr - Sawbenches - Firewood machines - PTO & Self Powered - Towable versions New Model for 2011 Range of trailer and cranes Range of mobile sawmills Log Splitters 8 ton to 38 ton Various power options Drum chippers Claywood, Beausale, Warwick, CV35 7NX - Tel: 01926 484673 e-mail:- [email protected] Forestry Journal 7/11 www.forestryjournal.co.uk web:- www.fuelwood.co.uk 27