Processor question - Range Road?

[woodrat]

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. 

[woodrat]

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. 

[trapper]

Wolfe ridge has prices on website. more money but worth it.

[woodrat]

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. 

[woodrat]

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. 

[barbender]

I think Black's Creek is actually built in Canada. Range Road sure looks Chinese.

[woodrat]

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. 

[leeroyjd]

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?

[B.C.C. Lapp]

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.

[Nathan4104]

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. 

[RocketFirewood]

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.

[SwampDonkey]

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 is a fan.

[barbender]

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😁

[SwampDonkey]

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.


Yeah I know, my firewood guy I used to buy from could only get 1.5 cords on a 3/4 ton dump truck. Expensive face cords at $300 a pop. He needs to differentiate between loose tossed and stacked 128 cu ft cords.

[barbender]

But hey, he has a new pickup, a loaned new processor and a beautiful Cat CTL...maybe I should follow his lead?!

[SwampDonkey]

...and now building a 40 x 60 ft steel framed shop. Youtube videos and firewood sales.

[barbender]

No 40x60 shop here, either🤷‍♂️😊

[SwampDonkey]

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. 

[barbender]

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😁

[B.C.C. Lapp]

AAAhhhhh, nope.   Nope it don't Barbender.