So, you’re thinking about buying a Firewood Processor. Whether you’re an established firewood business or are just tired of splitting by hand, it’s a big step to invest in a processing machine. How do you even begin to sort through all the models, specs, and price points?
This guide should help you keep the big picture in mind as you decide which Firewood Processor fits your needs:
What to consider:
Durability & Lifespan
When purchasing machinery, the durability of the equipment is one of the most important thing to consider. The machine’s life span directly impacts your operation’s future costs. The machine’s overall durability to withstand the impacts of running all day, every day, should be the first consideration for such a large purchase.
There are a few ways to evaluate a Processors toughness – scan through the manufacturers website, and you’ll see what they emphasise. Customer testimonials are a big deal, and so are repeat customers. Check out some of the biggest firewood operations and which machines they use. Perhaps the best way is to actually see, feel, and test a Processor machine.
Many commercial operations process thousands of Tonnes of firewood per year, and so downtime for a broken machine can put you behind on orders. While minor repairs may be an inconvenience, major repairs can have a substantial impact on your bottom line. The ideal machine would never break – it would keep running as long as you need it to.
Although no real machine is ideal, some machines are more durable than others. For example, some firewood operations are still using Processors that were new in the 1980’s. To run one machine for that long takes dedication to good maintenance, but no amount of maintenance can ever make up for a poorly built Processor.
Maintenance:
All machines require maintenance – it’s just a fact. As you enquire about different Firewood Processors, make sure the machinery supplier will provide a good maintenance schedule and manual to you. This is an indicator that the company cares about your experience beyond the sale.
Research circular saw versus bar chainsaw options as well. Bar chainsaws usually require the chain to be changed after a few hours of cutting, and they require a constant feed of chain oil. Circular saws are more expensive to buy up-front, but they come at a greatly reduced maintenance cost. A typical carbide-toothed circular saw can run for about a year before needing the teeth replaced.
Service:
While durability and build quality should be the #1 consideration, things do break. Even a well-built machine can have an occasional problem. So what do you do when something breaks?
Firewood Processors are big machines, and DIY repairs are often out of the question for someone who’s not a heavy equipment mechanic. At that point, you will need to rely on the service abilities of the manufacturer.
As you consider the Processor you’ll buy, ask about parts availability and lead times. Ask about how the company will help you if your machine breaks. This is especially important if you are far from the manufacturer’s location, as shipping or towing a machine can be very expensive.
Volume; (Cubic Metres (m³) – 1m³ = .35 Tonne or 350kg)
Volume is a tricky measurement because of the numerous ways of reporting.
Cubic Metres is an industry standard measurement that refers to the volume which a machine can process in an hour. All kinds of brands claim to have the fastest Processor in the world, but speed is dependent on numerous factors:
- Log diameter
- Log length
- Straightness of the log
- Operator experience
- Firewood length / cuts per log
- Consistent loading
Whenever a manufacturer states a machines Volume capability, notice the language used. Some companies will report the maximum Volume of the machine – the fastest it can possibly go under optimal conditions. Others report average Volume: a measure of how much you could reasonably process under normal conditions.
Not every log is perfect; you will get crooked, short, or skinny logs, and these will affect your output. When setting your expectations for what a Processor can deliver (and its impact on profit), a speed average rather than a speed maximum paints a more accurate picture of the Firewood volumes you can expect to produce.
Investment:
The cost of a Firewood Processor machine should always be balanced with the expected profit the machine will create. Firewood Processors can impact profit in any number of ways:
- Lower labour costs
- Greater output of finished firewood
- Safer work environments that impact insurance costs
- Creating efficiencies in your operation
- Ensuring standard length bundles
- Fuel efficiency savings
The upfront price of the machine is not enough by itself to determine a return on investment (ROI). The initial investment to buy the machine, plus the operating costs will impact the length of time before your Processor turns a profit. After all, when you buy a Processor, you buy it to use it. The Processor’s operating margin (profit) is what really determines if the Processor is worth the investment.
Cost to Operate:
Maintenance, labour rates, and fuel usage all impact a key figure: Cost to Operate. Labour and fuel are easy to convert to hourly rates, while maintenance costs may need more calculation. Once combined into one hourly rate, these three (Labour/Fuel/Maintenance) determine your cost to simply operate the Processor.
The number of tonnes / cubic metres per hour determines the materials (pulp wood) cost per hour as well as the hourly value of finished product. Speed (Volume) ultimately impacts the top-line profit and creates a margin, assuming the value of the finished Volume/Cubic Metres is greater than that of the pulp wood. The operating margin determines how quickly you will earn back the money you invested in your Processor.
Operating Margin = $ Value of a Finished Cubic Metre x Cubic Metres per Hour – (Operating Cost per Hour + Cost of Pulp wood Cubic Metre per hour)
Below is the formula for how many machine hours you must run your processor to pay off the initial investment:
Payback Period = (Initial Investment) / (Operating Margin)
Durability will have a big impact on this margin, as one major breakdown could massively affect cost and output. If you intend to use these rates to predict financial return, then the machine’s toughness really matters in determining the stability of the margin. And so durability, that #1 factor for picking a Processor, impacts operation cost over time, and therefore your Return on Investment (ROI).
Size of your Operation
Consider your operation as it currently exists. Why do you currently operate the way you do? What tasks would change if you had a Firewood Processor Machine? What are the efficiencies you would gain from a new Firewood Processor?
To find the right machine model for your needs, here are some more questions to ask yourself:
- How many Tonnes of wood do I plan to process this year? Next year? Three years from now?
- How am I generating demand/selling more of my finished firewood? How will I grow that demand?
- What kind of Tonnage do I need to provide enough profit margin for my business?
- How will a purchase this large affect my cash flow? Maybe look at Financing options?
If you’re just getting started in the firewood industry, all these financial questions can seem daunting. As you grow, you might find you need more Processor machines or machines with higher volume output…
Machine Resale Value:
The bigger companies in the Firewood Processor industry offer trade-in programs for used machines that allow you to upgrade to a bigger Processor. However, the best Processors typically have a high residual value, and you may be able to sell your used equipment online. Either way, durable machines with a long life tend to sell better on the secondary market.
If you think your operation will be growing fast enough to trade in a Processor, be sure to do your research before buying your first one. Make sure the controls and maintenance systems are similar enough between machines so that your operators spend less time re-learning. Operator skill/proficiency is one of the factors affecting speed, and so Processor systems that can scale with your operation will be more cost effective.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is another big factor in determining the right machine for you. Most machines today feature electric over hydraulic controls, like user-friendly joysticks.
If you have the chance, test out a machine. Or, if you’re too far from the company’s location, see if they have a dealer or customer nearby who will let you try out a Processor machine.
Safety
All firewood processing companies emphasise safety – it’s a necessary part of the equipment, but it often is not a differentiator. Almost all companies have metal screens, two hand operation, and bullet-proof glass to ensure your safety.
One of the often overlooked safety features is the type of controls. Fully electric controls (which keep hydraulic lines away from the user) are actually a safety feature, as a hydraulic line burst can be fatal. Hydraulic fluid is high-temperature and high-pressure, and it can cut and scorch exposed skin in the rare event of a line rupture.
Comfort
Depending on the size of the Processor you buy, it may come with a seat or a cabin. Comfort is a big deal if you’re processing all day long.
Small machines often leave the operator standing as a cost saving measure. Mid-sized machines may have an outdoor platform, seat, or optional cabin to ease the burden on your knees and back. Large machines often come standard with a cabin and have options for air conditioning and a radio.
These little comforts can make the difference in wanting to process all day or wanting to quit after a couple of hours. If you process year-round, those cold winters and hot summers can really make an air conditioned cabin seem like a necessity.
Overall Evaluation
In the end, it’s up to you which machine is best for you. But here are some final thoughts:
- Output is a function of speed and time. Both are important in that equation, and a machine’s durability directly impacts running time. A higher Volume-per-hour only delivers profit over the long run, which requires a machine that’s built to last.
- The upfront machine cost can be a significant investment for a business, but with a little bit of calculation you can soon determine if a Processor is too big, too small, or just right for your operation. Remember, it’s an investment that should provide a return.
- Have a vision for the future. Make sure the Processor you buy will be useful for as long as you need it or will at least have enough resale value to give you a good return, and help you upgrade to a bigger Processor.
- Always consider the Operator, whether that’s yourself or an employee. The best Processors will be easy to use, safe, and comfortable.
Time to pick a suitable firewood processor with various options available from our partners at Multitek. Click here for options.
Contact us to assist you with your existing or new firewood processing project.