Firewood processor build thread

[CDN Farm Boy]

Yup, talked to Bromley at the farm show too. He was the only dealer I didn't go to when I was shopping. Hands down the XU was his choice for that size of machine and I'd have to agree. I've always liked the LS machined regardless of who's name is on it. By the time I move to a property to justify keeping the B3300 and having a 60 HP tractor, hopefully the LS dealer network up here will be a little more established. Bromley is the only one around I have any faith will be here for the long haul.

When you are at Rath, go to the other side of the ditch that runs thru his yard for a gander. That's where all the old relicks of attachments used to be

 

[kiotiken]

Yup, talked to Bromley at the farm show too. He was the only dealer I didn't go to when I was shopping. Hands down the XU was his choice for that size of machine and I'd have to agree. I've always liked the LS machined regardless of who's name is on it. By the time I move to a property to justify keeping the B3300 and having a 60 HP tractor, hopefully the LS dealer network up here will be a little more established. Bromley is the only one around I have any faith will be here for the long haul.

When you are at Rath, go to the other side of the ditch that runs thru his yard for a gander. That's where all the old relicks of attachments used to be

Bromely is a really good dealer. Free delivery, will pick it up for warranty work if they can't fix it in place, good to deal with and very competitive in price. I've been very happy with them. I know their LS inventory is growing, but they still seem to have twice as many Kioti on their lot. With the new NX line from Kioti, I'm not sure which one I'd go with, but I'd have fun shopping.

Good to know where the relics are at Rath. I'm actually hoping I'll stumble into something that I can use as a starting point or that at least gets my imagination going.

 

[kiotiken]

I had a very successful day. I picked up the belt. Its got a chevron pattern but not enough of one to carry the wood without some help. I'll start designing something now and have it done this week if all works out.

My more exciting find is a 100 gallon, aluminium hydraulic tank. Its off a truck, in almost new condition, is a rectangular shape and has all the fittings in place. I gave him $200 cash for it. I couldn't fit it in my car so I'll go back for it tomorrow.

Needless to say, my little 10 gal tank is being decommissioned. I'll keep it for some future project.

My only concern with the new tank is it has supply and return ports on the bottom. Anybody have any experience with that type of tank? He told me I'd have no problem with only 45 gallons of oil in it but I'm wondering how the baffle inside works and if I don't need a certain amount to make that work.

 

[ultrarunner]

We always were told to keep the Hydraulic tanks topped off to minimize moisture contamination... maybe a reason for concern?

 

[aczlan]

Take a look inside, the baffle should be visible and you should be able to see the holes in it.

Aaron Z

 

[Scooby074]

I had a very successful day. I picked up the belt. Its got a chevron pattern but not enough of one to carry the wood without some help. I'll start designing something now and have it done this week if all works out.

My more exciting find is a 100 gallon, aluminium hydraulic tank. Its off a truck, in almost new condition, is a rectangular shape and has all the fittings in place. I gave him $200 cash for it. I couldn't fit it in my car so I'll go back for it tomorrow.

Needless to say, my little 10 gal tank is being decommissioned. I'll keep it for some future project.

My only concern with the new tank is it has supply and return ports on the bottom. Anybody have any experience with that type of tank? He told me I'd have no problem with only 45 gallons of oil in it but I'm wondering how the baffle inside works and if I don't need a certain amount to make that work.



View attachment 424401

Good score on the tank. Need pics to know if there is any issue with the fittings but likely not. So long as there isnt a direct path from return to outlet there will be ample chance for cooling. If its a manufactured hydraulic tank, likely this was taken into consideration. Hopefully the baffles are in such a position (and/or have holes) so you dont have to buy a ton of oil.

 

[kiotiken]

Good score on the tank. Need pics to know if there is any issue with the fittings but likely not. So long as there isnt a direct path from return to outlet there will be ample chance for cooling. If its a manufactured hydraulic tank, likely this was taken into consideration. Hopefully the baffles are in such a position (and/or have holes) so you dont have to buy a ton of oil.

I'll post pics when I pick it up tomorrow. It is an awesome manufactured tank off a truck. I'd guess you couldn't buy it new under $1500 and maybe a fair bit more. The more I think of it, the more I'm questioning it though. I only have 40 gallons of oil and from all the drawings of upright hydraulic tanks I've found, that's probably not enough to clear the baffle. Of course when the pump fires up, it will try and dump my 40 gallons on the return side and that will be plenty to get it spilling over.

To complicate it some more (the theme of this thread after all), they have a used 50 gallon steel reservoir that hangs from the side and told me I could have it for $180. It has an 8" access hatch as well, something the aluminium tank doesn't have. The problem is its sitting outside and I'm sure its got plenty of water in it. I was scared off because of the possible rust issues inside the tank.

So, I'm trying to decide if I go for the 50 gallon steel tank with normal ports and an access hatch or a really sweet, diamond plated, aluminium rust free tank with lots of room for future additions to my hydraulic system.

 

[Scooby074]

If it was me, Id likely go for the more appropriately sized steel. Try to get it for $150 lol.

I bet the inside isnt as bad as you fear. It has a hatch so you could check. Even if it has light rust, so long as its not a disaster you could salvage it... But then again, the aluminum one is a rust free bargan!! But you could end up spending $$$ on oil. Tough call

 

[kevinwak]

I don't see why that conveyer belt material would have any trouble moving wood as is. On our sawmill we have used smooth belting to move cut off wood and slabs for years.
Maybe try and buy both tanks, and then sell the one you don't use?

 

[CDN Farm Boy]

Where did you find the tanks?

I'm guessing the belting will work fine as long as you don't have it on too steep of an incline.