Hi Everyone...
I am asking for your help with my decision between wood processors. I am looking at an entry level machine and, YES, price is a large factor in my purchase. I am, and wish to remain, a small producer selling approximately 50-60 cords per year. Right now I produce 30 cords per year from logging poles with my fleet of saws and my Super Splitter. I enjoy this activity buy my back, left knee, and Firewood Shoulder does not. My purchase is not as much a business decision regarding profitability as it is efficiency and lessening the wear and tear on my body. It would be AWESOME to be able to knock out an entire load of logs in a day or weekend!
My process
1. I take a logging truck of 20' poles every 6-8 weeks. The logs are mostly < 13" diameter, straight, no crotches etc.
2. I stack all my split logs...I do not leave in a pile
3. Any log that gets sent thru a 4 way wedge will also be cleaned up by my Super Splitter. I deliver to restaurants and they like smaller splits
4. Speed is not my #1 priority but would like to have a logging truck load processed in a weekend.
5. While anything is possible...never say never..., I DO NOT project massive growth of my enterprise over the 50-60 cords per year I want to produce with this new purchased processor.
I have narrowed my search down between two machines. The Wood Beaver Lil 13 and the Dyna SC12 and am struggling making the decision. Both choices have manual saws and clamps. Both have log lifts which is REQUIRED for my purchase. The differences I will list below...
Wood Beaver 13. Has a "shuttle deck" in-feed adjustable 4 way wedge, 8 foot conveyor. =< 13" log. The price is $10,500 + tax and + approximately $1000 in shipping to my house. It advertises an 8 foot log max but I have a feeling a 12' would possible go thru it. B & C are 18" .050
Dyna SC12. Has a chain driven in-feed. Fixed four way wedge, no conveyor ($3000 option) The price is $13,500, TAX free, and I would be able to pick up myself (4 hours from home).
The price of the Wood Beaver 13 is very appealing to me but I am not sure if I would grow tired of the shuttle deck. Also I may want a longer tray to accept a longer log. The Dyna has a more desirable in-feed but is $3000 more and DOES NOT have the out feed conveyor...$3000 added option....firewood shoulder notwithstanding.
I appreciate your insight and any experiences you have with purchasing this type of machine...if I would regret purchasing "too small" or "too expensive."
Thanks in advance for your comments.
WCA
I am asking for your help with my decision between wood processors. I am looking at an entry level machine and, YES, price is a large factor in my purchase. I am, and wish to remain, a small producer selling approximately 50-60 cords per year. Right now I produce 30 cords per year from logging poles with my fleet of saws and my Super Splitter. I enjoy this activity buy my back, left knee, and Firewood Shoulder does not. My purchase is not as much a business decision regarding profitability as it is efficiency and lessening the wear and tear on my body. It would be AWESOME to be able to knock out an entire load of logs in a day or weekend!
My process
1. I take a logging truck of 20' poles every 6-8 weeks. The logs are mostly < 13" diameter, straight, no crotches etc.
2. I stack all my split logs...I do not leave in a pile
3. Any log that gets sent thru a 4 way wedge will also be cleaned up by my Super Splitter. I deliver to restaurants and they like smaller splits
4. Speed is not my #1 priority but would like to have a logging truck load processed in a weekend.
5. While anything is possible...never say never..., I DO NOT project massive growth of my enterprise over the 50-60 cords per year I want to produce with this new purchased processor.
I have narrowed my search down between two machines. The Wood Beaver Lil 13 and the Dyna SC12 and am struggling making the decision. Both choices have manual saws and clamps. Both have log lifts which is REQUIRED for my purchase. The differences I will list below...
Wood Beaver 13. Has a "shuttle deck" in-feed adjustable 4 way wedge, 8 foot conveyor. =< 13" log. The price is $10,500 + tax and + approximately $1000 in shipping to my house. It advertises an 8 foot log max but I have a feeling a 12' would possible go thru it. B & C are 18" .050
Dyna SC12. Has a chain driven in-feed. Fixed four way wedge, no conveyor ($3000 option) The price is $13,500, TAX free, and I would be able to pick up myself (4 hours from home).
The price of the Wood Beaver 13 is very appealing to me but I am not sure if I would grow tired of the shuttle deck. Also I may want a longer tray to accept a longer log. The Dyna has a more desirable in-feed but is $3000 more and DOES NOT have the out feed conveyor...$3000 added option....firewood shoulder notwithstanding.
I appreciate your insight and any experiences you have with purchasing this type of machine...if I would regret purchasing "too small" or "too expensive."
Thanks in advance for your comments.
WCA