Author Topic: Wood processors (Read 12588 times)

mainiac · « **on:** December 29, 2007, 10:16:26 am »

Not really sure what board to put this into, so I will start here and see what happens.

I am wanting to expand/take the bending over out of my fire wood business. I am currently doing 25-30 regular cord of fire wood per year with a tractor, splitter, and chainsaw. I am confident I could go up to 75-100 cord per year the 1st year and up to 150-200 cord per year if I have the right processor. I also now own a truck that can deliver 2 cord at a time.

The machine I am leaning towards right now is a Timberwolf Pro-MP with a conveyor for the price of about 35K tax included.

I was wondering if anyone has experience with this machine or could recommend another machine for 35K or less that would meet these needs? If I could get the price down, I would like to add a small saw mill to go with it.

Thanks for any input.
Mainiac

Gary_C · « **Reply #1 on:** December 29, 2007, 10:30:39 am »

Take a look at Blockbuster. I know two people that have them and like them. Price may be similar after you get a conveyor.

Take a look at the picture gallery for member Corley5. I think he has a Blockbuster also.

letsgetitracing · « **Reply #2 on:** December 29, 2007, 10:40:22 am »

the mulitec is a decent machine for a store boughten one eiher the 1x or 2x they won the firwwod cut off at the competition just before escanaba this summer

www.multitekinc.com/

Ron Wenrich · « **Reply #3 on:** December 29, 2007, 11:23:31 am »

We have a multitek, and we can produce a trailerload of cut and split wood in about 6 hours.

What you need to do is start out with a budget and work backwards. How much machine can you afford? How soon do you think you'll outgrow it? Do you have markets? Do you have raw materials?

We only sell to wholesalers. That takes out a lot of the hassles of hauling to homeowners. We can also sell year round. Pros and cons on both sides of the market.

a old timberjack · « **Reply #4 on:** December 29, 2007, 07:07:15 pm »

timberwolf makes a hell of a unit. miltiteck does to, but 3 times the money ( if you were gonna get a new one. ) i used to work for a local saw shop that used to sell timberwolf. ( and i own some of there products ) there factory support is the best. also living in new england you will have parts in a day they are in rutland vermont.i been to there factory dozens of times and it is impressive.not playing favorites, also there machines ( even wood splitters ) are built with average parts you can get from a everyday hyd. shop not alot of hi tec parts. agian , i am not a salesman and tied in with them, but i been around this stuff all of my life and that is just my opinion .it is my first choice.........Brandon

mainiac · « **Reply #5 on:** December 29, 2007, 07:46:54 pm »

You do bring up a good point about the parts and support of them being in the neighborhood. I think that is one reason that I am shying away from the Blockbuster.

Anyone familiar with Built-Rite? I think they are in New England as well.

Mainiac

a old timberjack · « **Reply #6 on:** December 29, 2007, 10:59:57 pm »

this is a tuff one to explain, i will try to get it right, built rite is a excellant product also, years ago brute was formed ( awsome products ) they were in buisiness for x amount of years, company had inside problems, employees bought them out and some patents, and formed timberwolf if you look at some early brute splitters , they are the same as some t.w.'s. a few years later the old crew wanted to get brute back and running and but sold everything , including some patents, so they came back on the scene and formed " built rite " wich all make great productsif you play around on the internet and e-bay , you see a company out of n.y. called hudson, they have a deal with built rite and put there name on it, splitters and prossers. as far as i know that is kind of the story to the best of my knowledge, but PLEASE!!!! dont hold me agginst it. stick with timberwolf, you cannot go wrong.

evergreenforestmgmt · « **Reply #7 on:** December 30, 2007, 05:16:25 pm »

Timberwolf and Multitek are great products. BUT, very expensive. I too, am in the market for a larger processer. I currently have a Hakki Pilke 1x37. It is a pto powered 3 point hitch machine. Works great, but I am already pushing over 100 cords a season through it. I want to grow and would like a better machine. I have checked out both Timeberwolf and Multitek, but they are not in my budget.
You say that the Pro-MP Timberwolf machine is $35,000? For that little machine?? That's crazy. I'd do one or two things. Look around for a used Multitek or Timberwolf processor for around that price, that is already a larger machine than the Pro-MP that way you'll already have a large enough machine to handle your growth. Otherwise a couple of years from now, you'll probably want to trade or sell the Timberwolf machine.
Another option that I would check into is probably something a lot of people haven't heard of. It's the woodbine processor made my CRD Metalworks in Massachusetts. You can buy a trailer model self contained processor brand new for just over $40,000 brand new. They are built very heavy duty and best of all, uses mostly off the shelf parts that are easy and inexpensive to buy and find. Check out their website. www.crdmetalworks.com

Corley5 · « **Reply #8 on:** December 30, 2007, 06:34:08 pm »

Off the shelf parts are what I like about Block Busters. The only thing I've found that can't be purchased locally is the saw chain drive sprocket. It's made especially for them. I stock a couple extras. Everything else I can buy locally from a bearing supplier, hydraulic shop or Car Quest

The same is true for the Bilt Rite conveyor I've got.

hiwayherbie · « **Reply #9 on:** December 30, 2007, 06:42:54 pm »

Mainiac, Have you checked out a Chomper that uses a shear blade ( no chains to sharpen). I have one and I am Happy with it. I cut a little over 60 + cords this past fall/winter part time. I plan to do 100 + this year, If my full time job will let me?

Their web site is www.chomper.net

thecfarm · « **Reply #10 on:** December 31, 2007, 09:38:07 am »

I finaly got to see one of those chompers in action.If I was looking for a processor I would have one of these.There is no loading area,everything is winched in on ground level.Does not matter how dirty the logs are.You know you will get dirty logs.You move the processor to the pile of logs.I was quite impressesed by the way it worked.You do need a convery to get the logs into a truck because it is at ground level.

Corley5 · « **Reply #11 on:** December 31, 2007, 09:48:25 am »

How's your Chomper work with frozen or dry wood

I stayed away from them because of the reports I got that the machine would crush these conditions of wood instead of shearing them. Chompers are the easiest to find used too

mainiac · « **Reply #12 on:** January 01, 2008, 05:04:39 pm »

Well, this is what I have found so far. Timberwolf $27.5K for a diesel pro-mp $5K for a 20' conveyor 5% sales tax puts it at about $35K.

A Multitek with the same capabilities diesel $54K + 30' conveyor $11K + sales tax = $68250 (ugh)

Blockbuster 18-20 with same capabilities diesel $32.5K + 30' conveyor $6.5K + $2200 shipping(no dealer near me)+ 5% sales = $43260.

Built-Rite prices compare to BlockBuster by the time I figured in the options to compare apples to apples.

I am still leaning towards the Timberwolf. I am not interested in a PTO version as I would have to be thinking of a new tractor to run it as well. Not that I don't want a new tractor, but a man must know his limitations.

Mainiac

Corley5 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 01, 2008, 06:57:41 pm »

Most of these manufacturers will take a well cared for smaller machine in on trade for a larger machine and give you a really good deal. This makes it easier to test the waters of your market without going all out the first season. It's easier to trade up than down

Just a thought

Corley5 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 01, 2008, 08:06:18 pm »

With this setup, Dad running the machine, me running the Bobcat loading logs and keeping the wood leveled off in the trailer/truck we can do a standard cord an hour easily. If the wood is all 8-14" diam it'll do even better. Do you have something with a loader to handle logs?

ScottAR · « **Reply #15 on:** January 02, 2008, 02:08:51 am »

Brrr!

mainiac · « **Reply #16 on:** January 02, 2008, 11:04:21 am »

I do have a Kubota B7500 that will handle most 12' logs that would land in my yard. I can think of an oak log or two that has gone through here that I would have to use the Ol' chain saw, but they would have been to big for any of the processors I am looking at any way.

ScottAR That looks like a nice setup. What size conveyor is that? Is that a BlockBuster processor?

With all the snow that Maine is getting, I am having a hard time figuring this out. 11" on Monday another 12" at least yesterday. 38 driveways to plow with 3 comm places on top of those-I'm a busy plowman.

Mainiac

beenthere · « **Reply #17 on:** January 02, 2008, 11:23:51 am »

mainiac
Are you text messaging the forum as you plow? Can't imagine with that much snow to plow, you find time to get on the forum....

Have fun plowing...

Corley5
Thanks for the pics...glad the weather was ok to split wood. Hope the logging is going well now. Wishin we didn't have so much snow in the woods, as getting around is tough in the 18" there now.

Corley5 · « **Reply #18 on:** January 02, 2008, 04:21:05 pm »

It was actually fairly warm at 33 degrees when the pics were taken

The snow is just about knee deep in the woods now but the forecast is for rain and maybe 50 by Monday with 40s by Sat lasting into Tues. I'll believe it when it's over

The processor is a 14-12 Block Buster and the conveyor is 24" Built Rite. I used hay elevators for the first couple years and just got the Built Rite last fall. It's a great piece of equipment and compliments the Block Buster very well. The 14-12 does a DanG good job too

Furby · « **Reply #19 on:** January 02, 2008, 04:27:03 pm »

Calling for 57° on Monday here with the coldest weather of the season the week after.

Corley5 · « **Reply #20 on:** January 02, 2008, 04:45:07 pm »

It was 10 above here this morning but 10 below in town. The cold doesn't bother me as long as the lake effect snow bands don't park over us

woody1 · « **Reply #21 on:** January 02, 2008, 05:08:28 pm »

This is a great thread. I too have been considering a pocessor. Thanks for all the info. I really like the 14-12. I have alot of property I am doing tsi on, and tons of pole wood. I am having a hard time making the #s work..skidding, loading, hauling plus the processor. I know the market is here, but thats alot of free firewood to pay for the toys. CODB i quess.

ScottAR · « **Reply #22 on:** January 02, 2008, 08:37:51 pm »

That is a very nice setup and I only wish it was mine.

mainiac · « **Reply #23 on:** January 04, 2008, 12:59:59 pm »

Sorry ScottAR, My last posting was while I was right after taking a 2 hr nap and was getting ready to head back out to plow snow. Got who posted what mixed up.

That is a nice set up Corley5 has.

I am looking to fill winter work. My business is seasonal property maintenance and this winter we are getting slammed with snow, but this is not normal here in mid-coast Maine. I already have the truck that can deliver 2 cord at a time and a tractor to move this stuff around. I am sizing the processor to what equipment I already have. I think a 20' conveyor is going to be to small for my truck. It is about 8' from the ground to the top of the side boards. What do you guys think?

Still leaning towards the Timberwolf pro mp.

There is an Agriculture Show coming up in two weeks that I am going to. I have been told that there is some dealers of this type of equipment will be there. The show is naturely shifting towards the small logging firewood operational theme.
Hope my source of info is correct.

Mainiac

thecfarm · « **Reply #24 on:** January 04, 2008, 04:36:27 pm »

Here is a link for the exhibitors that will be there,

http://www.getrealgetmaine.com/visit/trades_show.html

I did not see any mention of Timberwolf being there,but they could be coming in under a business name that sells all sorts of differant things.Probaly a place to send a e mail to,to ask.
This is a good link for alot of Ag stuff that is going on in the state.I use it alot.Good luck.

mainiac · « **Reply #25 on:** January 04, 2008, 06:41:28 pm »

thecfarm-Thanks for the link. It is all book marked for future use.

The only Timberwolf Processor in Maine is PenBay Tractors in Burnham and I did see them on the list. I will be giving them a call to see what they will be bringing for equipment. He is usually set up right next to Union Farm Equipment. That is how I found out about the show in the first place.

Mainiac

letsgetitracing · « **Reply #26 on:** January 07, 2008, 08:20:09 pm »

http://youtube.com/watch?v=hhmKBDIAXd0

this one is kool

Corley5 · « **Reply #27 on:** January 07, 2008, 10:33:00 pm »

I'd like to have the tumbler setup

Gary_C · « **Reply #28 on:** January 07, 2008, 11:26:58 pm »

I wondered what the purpose was of the tumbler?

Corley5 · « **Reply #29 on:** January 07, 2008, 11:32:56 pm »

Ir removes slivers, sawdust and loose bark

farmerdoug · « **Reply #30 on:** January 08, 2008, 10:23:57 pm »

For dirt too.

Corley5,

Roughly how much sawdust does a full cord of wood produce through your processor?

I have wondered about the amount of sawdust left when bucking but since you are stationary it may be an easy guess for you.

Furby · « **Reply #31 on:** January 09, 2008, 12:10:49 am »

Doug, it kinda sounds like ya might have heard about my chainsaw bagger attachment idea.

farmerdoug · « **Reply #32 on:** January 09, 2008, 12:37:58 pm »

Sounds good but my help probably would not approve. How about a hose with a dust collector?

Corley5 · « **Reply #33 on:** January 09, 2008, 12:47:50 pm »

I've never checked. It'll make a big pile fairly quick though. I've got some orders to fill Friday so I'll see if I can get some idea. Sawdust bagger on a chainsaw

I don't think so

burnwood · « **Reply #34 on:** January 09, 2008, 01:13:23 pm »

Just curious, how much wood to you intend to product each year with this thing?

johncinquo · « **Reply #35 on:** January 09, 2008, 02:20:06 pm »

I think I have seen that video a dozen times, every time I get .......

mainiac · « **Reply #36 on:** January 09, 2008, 03:05:40 pm »

Burnwood-

If that question is directed towards me, I would like to get up around +/- 125 reg.cord of sales per year. I am busy through the summer, so I plan to do most of this processing in the winter and spring. This year with all the snow we have had, I would be able to process about 4-5 months. Normal winters though, it would be more like 6 months.

I am also considering doing "custom processing" where my client would buy a truck load of tree length wood and I could come to their place set up for a couple of days and process for them. Right now, tree length is selling for $90/cord for a 10 cord truck. Cut,split, and delivered fire would is selling for $180-$200/cord green. If I charge $80/cord to process, the customer still comes out better in the long run. I have not run of these machines as of yet, but based on what I have been reading, I feel that 2 days to do the 10 cord would be a fair time guestimation.

Mainiac

WILDSAWMILL · « **Reply #37 on:** January 09, 2008, 09:22:21 pm »

consider this processor option www.millerswoodcutting.com

mainiac · « **Reply #38 on:** January 10, 2008, 04:47:22 pm »

I got to see a Timberwolf PRO-MP in use today and I am very impressed at how easy it works, the quality of the machine, and how fast the machine is. The only thing I have to do now is figure out how to pay for it and I will have one in my yard.

The guy that has it actually was able to use a PRO-MX which is one step up and the only advantage it had over the MP is it could load a 24' log onto it. The MP can only load up a 12' log, but the splitter is alot faster on the MP. 6sec versus 10sec.

Mainiac

woody1 · « **Reply #39 on:** January 10, 2008, 05:24:56 pm »

I think we should all get together and buy the best processor available. With all the bells and whistles...Everything you want. If we got 10 people, it wouldn't be that much money.

And we'll keep it at my house.

mainiac · « **Reply #40 on:** January 24, 2009, 04:08:23 pm »

Someone e-mailed me the other day asking if I ever bought a processor last year so I thought I would give an update. I tried emailing them back, but it got kicked back to me.

In February'08, I took delivery of my Timberwolf Pro-MP. I was loading it with my B7500 Kubota and after I almost tipped over for the second time, I found an old pulp truck that I now use to load and move wood around.

First year sales was about 75 cord and I missed out on about 50 cord because I could not get logs. To much compition for the trees last summer.

On average, it takes me about 1.5-2 hours per cord to process. That is by myself. The brow will hold not quite 1/2 of a cord at a time.

To sum it up- I love my machine and will be expecting many years of use from it.
Timberwolf Co. is outstanding to deal with.

Mainiac

beenthere · « **Reply #41 on:** January 24, 2009, 04:24:06 pm »

Good for you.

Now, what is a brow?

SwampDonkey · « **Reply #42 on:** January 24, 2009, 04:42:00 pm »

A place to unload and store logs. It was a term used in Maine and New Brunswick when horse logging, basically a place to deck logs where they were loaded onto sleds as a load was harvested. He might mean his decking for his processor. Brow of logs, is a phrase commonly used here.

mainiac · « **Reply #43 on:** January 24, 2009, 09:48:05 pm »

Yup! What swampdonkey said.

Did not realize that was a regional term.

Mainiac

thecfarm · « **Reply #44 on:** January 25, 2009, 07:53:27 am »

Brow may also be an old timer word.I use to hear my Father say it.I have a brow in front of my mill to put my logs onto.Probaly now the new word is deck?

gunman63 · « **Reply #45 on:** January 25, 2009, 08:32:08 am »

HI, I was just wondering if u got the $80 a cord u thought about charging for cutting and splitting, I dont think we could get $40 here in northern Mn, But then with my processor i can do 2 cords an hour in most wood.

SwampDonkey · « **Reply #46 on:** January 25, 2009, 10:40:54 am »

gunman, double that and more here in New Brunswick.

gunman63 · « **Reply #47 on:** January 25, 2009, 03:06:40 pm »

WOW, thats good money. Is there much for custom processing up there. A guy could make $160 a hr. and up with one, granted it isnt all the time and have to figure move time in there, but its a good start.

barbender · « **Reply #48 on:** January 25, 2009, 10:24:46 pm »

Do you mean $80 per cord total or just for the processing?? I think around $40 per cord for just the processing sounds about right around here, so if you paid $80 per cord for the wood you would be trying to get $120 for it when you are done.

gunman63 · « **Reply #49 on:** January 26, 2009, 10:08:15 am »

I took it he was getting $80 for processing it, I could be wrong tho. If u buy wood for $80 a cord delivered in, (buying 200 cords hardwood for just under $60 delievered in right now), and figure $40 for processing, thats $120, plus holding it for 6 plus months, and delivery in the fall, U need to get $160-170 a cord to come out.

SwampDonkey · « **Reply #50 on:** January 26, 2009, 11:03:31 am »

Around here, if you have to purchase it, you won't get it for less than $100 a cord from the loggers, plus trucking. Heck the cutters get anywhere from $30- $50 a cord around here. For prices that low they must be cutting in easy timber and cutting high volumes per day.

Kodiakmac · « **Reply #51 on:** January 26, 2009, 11:54:01 am »

Here's one made in Smiths Falls, Ontario. Don't know anything about prices.

http://www.cord-master.com/

Their Cord King Compact model won some competition in SC...apparently split 7.42 cph.

riggin rat · « **Reply #52 on:** January 30, 2009, 10:59:41 pm »

I have a multitek 20-20 here in washington state, I love it runs 6 days a week. I have 3 skidders,2 logtrucks, one swing yarder, 1 grapple cat,3 shovels, 2 dangle heads and only the firewood proccessor and logtrucks have worked since mid oct.

Sawyerfortyish · « **Reply #53 on:** January 31, 2009, 01:59:06 am »

I've run my Multitek 2020 since I bought it in 1990. There a good machine very little down time.

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Author Topic: Wood processors (Read 12588 times)