Hey, all...
I've been kicking around for a couple of years the idea of getting a small processor to help with my own firewood chores and then be able to sell some extra cords.
I would be cutting mostly small and medium alder, fir, hemlock and maple off my own land here in SW WA, and also buying the occasional dump truck load of shorts and misc from local logging ops. And also probably hauling it up to my timber parcel in the Okanogan where it's small diameter fir and larch needing thinned.
I only burn 3-4 cords a year at home, mild climate, and can imagine being able to sell another 2-3 dozen cords locally. Depending on how much time I spend at the cabin in the okanogan, not even a cord a year up there. But that parcel has thousands of cords of firewood that need to be removed. I would also be looking at a dump trailer and having the ability to deliver.
I don't really have an unlimited budget here, and I keep coming across the range road processor in my searches which seems like the least expensive option I've seen that doesn't have me bucking the logs with a chainsaw myself. I would like to avoid bucking the logs myself if I'm going to spend money on a processor.
I can tell just from pics that the Range Road model is not the burliest processor out there, but for the logs I have access to, it doesn't need to be. I'm not going to be shoving massive oak crotches through it, and my logs are mostly pretty straight and clean.
Has anyone used one of these or otherwise have any useful feedback on it?
Thanks!
Mark
I saw there range of equipment and I would not make a purchase.
Too iffy.
a normal hydraulic splitter is 3500 for an ok one. this entire setup is 7100. I think it is a no brainer to get one and try it out. worst case you just bought 2 log splitters. I bet you could easily dump it if you're not happy.
How are your fabrication skills? sometimes it pays to buy a mediocre something then uses all the pieces and parts to build something better or upgrade this one.
I'd have to see one and operate it myself before I'd make a decision. They look kinda chintzy?
Looks like you still need a way to get the log to and up on the processor, not sure what kind of support equipment you have for that and the ability to move the equipment around when not processing at home.
I have often thought for a smaller processor the "winch the log along" kind would be handy for one piece to do it all.
Wallenstein WP845 Firewood Processor - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqWPsSX6pKM&t=1s)
It would be nice to get away from using a chain saw but not a deal killer for me.
I looked to find prices for the Wallenstein and it looks like they are quite a bit more than the Range Road, I see that Hud-son makes a couple, one has a hyd saw.
I have the older version of the range road rocessor (rr20t). We mainly heat with larch and it does a great job with bucking and splitting it. It shines when you feed it anything between 5" and 14" in diameter.
We have a simple diy log table that greatly increases speed and safety. I can produce a full cord in 75 minutes on my own with optimal logs. However, the tonnage ratings are bunk. It definitely isn't 20t but more like 7t. So if you have the 4 way wedge up, you will have to give it a second go to split hardwood.
For the price I have no complaints but it highly depends on what you are feeding it.
I have a 32hp Yanmar tractor that I can put bucket forks on. And I would plan to either buy their loader attachment, or more likely, just build a simple infeed table that I could put logs onto with the tractor.
My logs are mostly going to be in that 5-14" range, mostly clean and straight, and my hardest hardwood here is maple which is not that bad to split, and the bulk of what I have here is alder, so the the tonnage would likely be just fine.
I looked at the hud-Son and the Wallenstein and they do look beefier, but also a LOT more expensive. I don't think I could readily sell enough extra cords a year to justify that unless I decided to make it my main gig.
I have a Wallenstein winch on the tractor, and I love it. I think it was a better value at the time I bought it than the Farmi, actually.
As far as fabrication skills, I could probably eventually put one together that would work, with a few more tool purchases and a ton of time, but I'm not at the level that some of the guys I see on here in terms of building something from scratch.
you don't need to build from scratch. sometimes it works out better to buy something that will work then use the parts from it to build better or just upgrade the machine to suit your needs.
Quote from: Crusarius on May 24, 2022, 09:42:18 AM
you don't need to build from scratch. sometimes it works out better to buy something that will work then use the parts from it to build better or just upgrade the machine to suit your needs.
Oh, yeah, making changes and upgrades as I go along, that I can usually do pretty well.
Have you seen 'Blacks Creek' processors? Made in Canada. A bit pricier than Range road but not by a whole lot. I have a 1500. It's 15-20 years old now and has ran 50-100 cord (full cords) a year through it. It's built to last. The hydraulic log lift works good for a bunch smaller diameter logs, or as many as you can roll/stack onto it. I do a cord in about an hour with nice wood. The manual saw lever speeds the 'cycle' time up in smaller wood. Same with not waiting for a log clamp. I've rarely felt the need for one.
Range road is likely good, but I feel this machine, for a smaller one at least, is a great value and well thought out.
Look into the Red Runner
A bit more refined than the range road
With the saw engagement done hydraulically not ran buy pull down handle.
I run an old Hakki Pilkeb1x37. Many similar features, but some differences too. When I watched the videos of the machine working the deterrents I saw were as follows:
The machine seems backwards, like it's built for a lefty. If you a lefty, then perfect! My Hakki has a manual saw also. My wood comes in from the left and out the right. I end up using both hands to run the saw (switching off, not at the same time). When blocks fall into the splitting chamber I move right and can do the resplits on my right side, it's kinda a big deal for me, might not be for you.
Another thing I noticed, and maybe its an option, is the infeed. how do you infeed the last few feet of the log? Is it just sliding on the tray? If so, if your doing this for more than your own home use, that'll get old real quick. If your getting short wood, aka dump truck loads, you'll spend a bunch of time fighting those last cuts.
Engine size. I think it's a 15hp? I had a Honda twin, maybe 22 or 24hp to start. It wore itself out and cheap me got a HF Pred twin. It's like a twin Honda, just crappier, hard starting, less powerful, and just a general let down. Short story long, both engines are a bit short on HP, I'd love about 28 to 30hp, so.I'm thinking 15 would be painful.
As far as infeed you'll want to try and figure out your best option, that you can afford. I've got a wood log deck on the ground and the factory log lift to get wood onto my intake belt. It's not ideal, but my budget hasn't expanded to allow a real log deck yet.
Hope that gives you a few things to chew on. The price point is appealing, but you really want to think it over before making the purchase
The range road has an option for the saw bar being activated hydraulically, which I would be purchasing.
The last section of the deck is not powered, so yeah, there would be a bit of handling of the short pieces, but my stuff is not particularly large and heavy or oddly shaped, so that probably wouldn't be a deal breaker for me.
I don't think I would miss the hydraulic lift so much if I didn't order that option, since I have a tractor, and it would be pretty easy to built a log table next to the machine.
I'll look into those other ones, too, although it looks like neither have dealers anywhere near me, and at today's diesel prices, cross country shipping might add a significant cost. Range Road has inventory in Idaho, right next door.
Thanks for the input, this is all very helpful.
I was in the same position, the options for an entry level processor are pretty slim. Honestly, for the size of logs that these cheaper machines can handle, I think you'd be better off just building a wood dead deck, and having a section of roller table for a manual indeed with a gas chainsaw on a pivot at the end, onto a splitter. A powered conveyor off the end would be great. This was the direction I was going to go, but I ended up finding a great deal on a Dyna SC-14. Everything I saw on the market less than $15k was pretty limited in capability or quality.
Quote from: barbender on May 28, 2022, 10:10:57 PM
I was in the same position, the options for an entry level processor are pretty slim. Honestly, for the size of logs that these cheaper machines can handle, I think you'd be better off just building a wood dead deck, and having a section of roller table for a manual indeed with a gas chainsaw on a pivot at the end, onto a splitter. A powered conveyor off the end would be great. This was the direction I was going to go, but I ended up finding a great deal on a Dyna SC-14. Everything I saw on the market less than $15k was pretty limited in capability or quality.
Back ten years ago or so when I looked around at processors that I could afford this is what I found. The lower end ones wouldn't do what I needed. I did build one and its worked pretty well. I have a 40 HP and a 20 HP engine on it and with a hyd saw it gives the 40 HP a work out with the saw. I used it for several years and now its just setting going on three years as we are back to cutting hedge and ever thing is so crooked its just too much work to use the processor. If I were doing it again I wouldn't of built the processor and just built a live deck with a roller conveyor and a chain saw on a pivot feeding a splitter.
As we were working up a couple cord this am I got to thinking. If I didn't have the infeed belt, or any type of infeed, it'd be a huge time suck. I'd love to have a hydraulic saw and hydraulic infeed, but I don't mind the manual pull down saw I have, and I really couldn't, or wouldn't do without the infeed belt!
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/18262/IMG_20220529_074833.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1653855205)
Not my best pic, but the bucket (my saw dust collector) is on the infeed belt. When the red log lift is in the air, it acts as the infeed table extension. This setup works great with a raised table and some rollers before the belt too. Like I said, something more to chew on
Quote from: Crusarius on May 23, 2022, 01:21:18 PM
a normal hydraulic splitter is 3500 for an ok one.
Not to hi jack the thread but its slowed a bit so hey Crusarius could you give a us a few examples of a okay splitter for 3500? I'm certainly interested.
been a while since I have shopped for them, but I used to see 32 ton splitters for around 3500. Tractor supply was one of the places I think. Northern was another.
quick google search
Quick Find (logsplittersdirect.com) (https://www.logsplittersdirect.com/quick_search.php?style=5002&grade=0&watts=5&brand=0)
I thought maybe you had been shopping and comparing lately and might have some that stood out to you. I'm seriously considering a new and long needed up grade in my splitter but the $6000 and up price tags have me hesitating.
I've been trying to get shipping and pricing and ETA quotes from multiple processor and splitter companies for the past two weeks, and can't get any replies to emails or forms submitted.
So now I'm shopping for used heavy duty splitters. And a dump trailer.
I was trying to stick with North American made, but there's not a lot of options there, and some say right on their websites that the wait is 4-6 months.
Slim pickings on Craigslist, but there's a few interesting deals here and there. I'll update once I finally get something sorted. Already have someone I know who immediately asked for firewood when I said I was thinking of selling some this fall, so that's a good sign.
And getting some inquiries for sawmilling work again, too.
Quote from: B.C.C. Lapp on June 02, 2022, 09:11:24 PM
I thought maybe you had been shopping and comparing lately and might have some that stood out to you. I'm seriously considering a new and long needed up grade in my splitter but the $6000 and up price tags have me hesitating.
I was liking the look of the smaller Timberwolf, Hud-Son and Wallensteins, but even the smaller ones of those aren't as cheap as $3500 by the time you get them speced out.
RuggedMade is another option, although apparently not US made, or they would be bragging about it. Still, they get good reviews, and I see used ones every now and then. Free shipping, too.
Wolfe ridge has prices on website. more money but worth it.
Quote from: trapper on June 07, 2022, 09:08:25 PM
Wolfe ridge has prices on website. more money but worth it.
The wolf ridge equipment looks good, and not that expensive for the quality and made in north america. But their website shows a 24 week lead time on all models right now.
I did meet a guy the other day who has a Range Road processor and loves it, and says he has over 100 cords through it already, with good reliability and only one repair that he needed to do when the conveyor belt got misaligned and damaged.
He said it's Canadian made, other sources have said made in China. A YT video I saw noted that the hydraulics are not standard US fittings. The dealer who was supposed to give me a shipping quote never got back to me after that, though.
I think Black's Creek is actually built in Canada. Range Road sure looks Chinese.
Quote from: barbender on June 08, 2022, 06:59:38 PM
I think Black's Creek is actually built in Canada. Range Road sure looks Chinese.
I liked the look of their processors and splitters. And they actually answered my email with a price list and more details. But they are 30-35 weeks out on lead time. And wanting a 20% deposit tied up for that long, too.
My friend asked about these, so naturally I searched FF.
I'm not familiar with fw processors but was surprised to see the.325 chain on this model.
Anyone have any input on chain size?
Quote from: woodrat on June 08, 2022, 11:52:10 PM
I liked the look of their processors and splitters. And they actually answered my email with a price list and more details. But they are 30-35 weeks out on lead time. And wanting a 20% deposit tied up for that long, too.
Woodrat is 35 weeks that long a lead time? I mean the way things are these days? I've seen lead times a lot longer on other machines and I bet you have as well.
But I do agree 20% down is asking an awful lot. That's a big leap of faith there.
And truth be told I would not buy a machine from China. But that's just me.
Quote from: leeroyjd on September 21, 2022, 06:13:29 AM
My friend asked about these, so naturally I searched FF.
I'm not familiar with fw processors but was surprised to see the.325 chain on this model.
Anyone have any input on chain size?
I run a blacks creek, with 325 (058ga) chain.
It's just fine for our wood supply, which is mostly Jack Pine and white birch.
I thought about swapping up to 3/8 but that's only like one or 2 teeth less to sharpen. The belt drive will only transmit so much power to the chain,but with the leverage from the manual handle it is way faster than a chainsaw per cut.
I have a Range Road eco pro 300, I'm about to hit 50hrs ran 30 or 40 cord through it so far. I will say, set up required some tinkering and fine adjustments but I've ran pretty close to 40 hrs without any issues since initial setup.
Buying this unit you have to understand it's not a comercial unit but for the price I couldn't be happier.
I have the power infeed and the rr106 log lifter. I've doubled my production compared to cutting and splitting by hand and I don't break a sweat.
If it burnt to the ground tomorrow or got stolen I would order another one immediately.
I only have access to birch and spruce but it will cut and split anything that fits through the cage (16") and I have the 6 way wedge and have 6 way split green birch and spruce 16" logs with no problem.
Here's a fellow out your way who does a community firewood thing. He doesn't own the processor, it's loaned and I think the logs are mostly free from mills other than trucking. It's a Dyna, made in MI. I know @barbender (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=1286) is a fan. :D :D :D splitwood_smiley bike_rider yikes_smiley hurt_smiley
A BETTER WAY TO CUT FIREWOOD IN 2022 - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3i7xeToNEs)
Donk, you booger!😂😂 I tried to watch the whole thing but had to tap out where he estimated they're production at 10 cords an hour🤦♂️ Maybe he's talking face cords, I don't know. He said he thought they would fit 3 cords on the dump trailer, I have a larger trailer and wood is falling out if I try to fit 1.5 cords.
I think I'll contact Wranglerstar and suggest he do a video on pre-commercial thinning😁
Quote from: barbender on October 14, 2022, 07:32:45 AM
Donk, you booger! I tried to watch the whole thing but had to tap out where he estimated they're production at 10 cords an hour♂️ Maybe he's talking face cords, I don't know. He said he thought they would fit 3 cords on the dump trailer, I have a larger trailer and wood is falling out if I try to fit 1.5 cords.
I think I'll contact Wranglerstar and suggest he do a video on pre-commercial thinning
Wait for it..........He has, sort of. ::) One of them 'Forester' blades cutting very very light undergrowth in his pine with a weed eater. And being skeptical of the blade until he used it. :D :D :D
The Craziest Chainsaw Ever Made! - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVuRQ9quS8M)
Yeah I know, my firewood guy I used to buy from could only get 1.5 cords on a 3/4 ton dump truck. :D :D Expensive face cords at $300 a pop. He needs to differentiate between loose tossed and stacked 128 cu ft cords. :D
But hey, he has a new pickup, a loaned new processor and a beautiful Cat CTL...maybe I should follow his lead?!
...and now building a 40 x 60 ft steel framed shop. Youtube videos and firewood sales. ;D
No 40x60 shop here, either🤷♂️😊
I left a message on his video and he later tried to text. I don't have cell phones, but gave him a note under his text request on his video about where I'm coming from and that I'm not out to bust his lip. ;)
It's best if I just keep my distance😂
No cell phone, Donk? I think that makes you and my Dad as the last two guys in North America without a cell phone😊
Dad and I both worked for the same construction company. The office was trying to get everyone to switch over to direct deposits for payroll. They had sent out a letter for sign up, but I didn't do it. One day I stopped in the office, and the gals caught me and were trying to get me on the direct deposit bandwagon. In a company of about 75 employees, my Dad and I, and one other guy, were the only ones that hadn't switched and it would make things WAY easier for them if we did. So I relented and switched over. I think my Dad kept getting a paper check until he retired😊 And still no cell phone to this day, either😁
AAAhhhhh, nope. Nope it don't Barbender. smiley_wavy
Not unless I'm forced to. :D Want nothing to do with them gadgets. ;D I'll be the last hold out so they have to maintain the road side line. :D :D I've had a computer since 1982, so I'm well in tune. ;D
I still have a flip phone. I'm the only 40yr old that I know who has one. My buddys bust my nuggets about what are you gonna do if flip phones go away? My answer is, No cell phone OR Carrier Pigeon's!
I'm a 61 year old with a flip phone. ;D
I had a regular phone. Had it in my front pocket, picked up a rock and that was the end of that phone.
Flip phone for me. Or for a while longer. I just have trac phone and buy my minutes. But something about 5g is coming? I will be forced to get a different phone in a year.
Only reason I have one, is the wife wants me to call her when I drop a tree on my head. ::)
Smartphones are a mixed blessing, at best. I always said I wouldn't get one, and when I did sign up for a pair I misunderstood what I was doing (I thought they were just normal phones. Wait! Oooh! I can check the Forum on this!)
I love mine because it is all of the computer I need. I don't have a computer, my wife and kids have laptops galore but anything I would do on a computer I can do on my phone. Emails, I can send business invoices, connect with the printer to print whatever documents I need. It goes on and on. I hate it because of all the time I waste on it mindlessly searching the web, needling people on FB, being on the Forum. I'm the kind of person if you put a full bag of candy next to me, I don't care how big it is, I'll have it ate in short order. No self control with that kind of stuff😂 The only way to not eat the candy is to not have any candy, for me. The only way for me to not waste time on the internet, is to not have the internet. But I have it riding on my hip🤷♂️
Oh Ray, it had to be a rock😂😂
The ideal setup for me would be a smartphone with a very limited amount of data. It would still be there if I need to find a part, ask an important forum question, stuff like that. I'm ashamed that I can't handle unlimited data🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️😂
Well I don't want to get into it about them things. None of my business what someone does on their time. I don't need to be tracked or asked what's for dinner. If you gotta ask that, there ain't none, been cancelled. :D :D
Here's a quick video of my 12v winch powered infeed table for my little range road processor:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/TwTaDkIInMo (https://www.youtube.com/shorts/TwTaDkIInMo)
It greatly increased speed but more importantly, it's safer to operate now that I'm not trying to slide the logs into the processor by hand.
Oh yes, a rock!!!!
swampdonkey, my phone is some relation to The Jitterbug phone. :D
I have never been on the internet with my phone.
To text I have to go through 3 letters at a time. No texting for me. Unless it's a Yes or no answer.
Wife has a fit when see needs me and I am cutting wood. I don't get back to her until I run out of gas for the saw. ::)
melezefarmer, that's a nice setup👍
Hello. I'm in Northern Ontario, Canada. Purchased the range road 300 last summer. We are off grid and heat with wood, with LPG backup assist for -30 c weather (C and F meet at -40) . The 14hp Kohler has proven to be dependable and runs well in winter temps. warmup of the hydraulics is a must, but as it is in any hydraulic equipment. our primary species of wood is birch, as well as tamarack. have never had an issue with the 4 way splitter force that has required 2 attempts. largest logs would be 14-16". conveyor works well, and is easy to adjust tension and tracking. the two infeed hydraulic rollers are on a flimsy frame, but can easily be assisted by adding a couple of 2x4s, to make a better support frame for it. it's important to either have some mechanical inclination as there are a few adjustments required as the machine wears in. i currently have only 30 hours on the machine, but have processed estimated 20-30 face cords of wood. for the price the unit is fair. missing a hydraulic filtering system, however can be installed afterwards. i also purchased the new hydraulic saw bar feed, vs the manual pull down lever. easily adjustable for speed of cut. i'd recommend that as an option. towing on its own, it has no suspension. solid mount axles. i have towed it 2 hours to get it to my property but dont have any plans to be transporting on the highway. i'm a faithful Honda believer, and for the extra i would have purchased the Honda, however the lead time was an issue.
as someone posted, a quality log splitter is going to run 2-3k, and all done with taxes, i was at 11,400 Canadian $ our dollar avgs 75 cents to the US$ .
all to say, i would recommend the unit, providing you are somewhat able to make some adjustments and that there is a lot of valuable info on the web. I'm in the market this spring for a sawmill, currently have a very small 5.0 honda powered ross bandmill, which has had a lot of use, but i'm limited to 9' long lumber. with the age and price of steel to extend the track, it's more logical to move to a newer unit capable of min. 12' length lumber. i dont necessarily plan to go with Range road, there look to be other options that are of better quality. hope the feedback helps anyone in this processor market.