Genesis5521:
In this year of cutting firewood (300-400 cord), I am calculating I will make $30 000, so I don't want to invest in anything too expensive. The option of a commercial duty saw (a Stihl 66 in my case) with a commercial duty splitter, a loader tractor, and a truck and dump trailer appeals to me. I can make my own hours; I'm right beside my house; I don't waste time driving anywhere or talking to people.
Alright. I'll admit that a GOOD processor used properly alone (certain models) or with a GOOD crew of two people (certain other models) could put out A LOT of wood as long as there are no delays like (1) waiting for logs (2) waiting for an empty truck (3) mechanical difficulties.
The Hudson Wolverine wood processor you showed in your video appears to be a nice one, though I have not used that style. However, imagine placing two operators side by side at 7:00 am on a Monday morning with the following equipment and supplies:
Operator A: 4 cord of wood in 8-12 foot lengths, Stihl 66, Splitfire 9 hp wood splitter
Operator B: 4 cord of wood in 8-12 foot lengths, Stihl 66, Hudson Wolverine wood processor
You would find the following:
Operator A should have his logs in 16” lengths by 10:00 am with time for a coffee break or two. By 5:00 pm he should be packing up even if he had a 30 minute lunch and a few breaks. Physically, this operator had to bend over frequently, but I think this type of work increases rather than decreases back health. Wear and tear on equipment in minimal as is fuel consumption.
Operator B will never be able to make two cuts in a row. Every time he makes a cut, he has to put his saw down, press the splitter button or lever and advance the log by button or lever. Nonetheless, he's got to make the same number of cuts as operator A. If the wood is straight and small, he might be done before operator A. However, if he encounters anything that is bent or the wrong size, he'd have to cut it normally and either have a wood splitter or an axe on hand to split these rounds. The potential for wear and tear is greater than with just a processor, since there are more complex and more expensive components involved. Fuel consumption is significantly greater. Physical exertion is slightly less.