The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Firewood and Wood Heating => Topic started by: dquest on September 16, 2020, 08:59:49 PM

Title: Blacks Creek / Wallenstein / Eastonmade
Post by: dquest on September 16, 2020, 08:59:49 PM
Looking for feedback on these units.
Considering purchasing a Wallenstein wp840 Processor, Blacks Creek 1250 processor or an Eastonmade 9-16 splitter with box wedge.
If you have any experience with these Canadian units I'd appreciate some feedback.

WP840 | Firewood Processors | WP800 Series - Trailer | Wallenstein Outdoor Power Equipment (https://www.wallensteinequipment.com/ca/en/model/wp840)
Firewood Processors - Blacks Creek (https://www.blackscreek.ca/products-services/firewood-processors/)
Eastonmade 9-16 Wood Splitter (http://www.eastonmadewoodsplitters.com/store/p5/Eastonmade_9-16_Wood_Splitter.html)

New here but lurking a while .
Thanks in advance.

D
Title: Re: Blacks Creek / Wallenstein / Eastonmade
Post by: Nathan4104 on September 16, 2020, 09:24:16 PM

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/57304/EBAAF477-C007-4FBF-BA7E-8D489A81ACDE.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1600305665)
Welcome to the forum!

I have a Blacks Creek 1500.   
I bought it 3rd hand, 15+ years old.  Blacks Creek has been nothing short of amazing in answering a few questions and helping me tweak and make routine repairs.  The unit is built to last. 
I've only seen videos of the 1250, it looks like a neat unit but for speed you'd need something a bit more capable.  
I do ~150 cords per year, some deliveries and some on site for customers and this 1500 fits the bill for me. 
The only downside is you need a separate conveyor, as you would with the other units as well.  Getting the wood away is as important as getting it to you.  I have no experience with the other units and expect them to be excellent as well but I've had nothing but great help from Blacks Creek and only very minor, typical wear and tear on the machine itself. 
Depending on the size of your typical wood, (treelength, 8', 16'...) would likely help make a decision. 

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/57304/2C83AB4C-ED5C-414A-91B7-66F80101C002.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1600305589)
 
Title: Re: Blacks Creek / Wallenstein / Eastonmade
Post by: dquest on September 16, 2020, 10:46:05 PM
Thanks for the info. They are 15 mins from me and I've been in contact with them to go see a unit. I am hoping that the 1250 can be fit with an adjustable 4 way as the 1500 is too much money for me for what I do.  Which is heat our home and some custom stuff for people with the other toys I have :)
Title: Re: Blacks Creek / Wallenstein / Eastonmade
Post by: Wallys World on September 17, 2020, 10:06:34 PM
I have a Wallenstein wp840. I use a Stihl MS440 as the saw on it. 
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13397/20191007_180919.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1570546739)
I have both a 4 and 6 way wedge.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13397/DSCI0111.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1465862672)
This photo is before I had the conveyor. This load was done by myself in 2 1/2 hours.
Title: Re: Blacks Creek / Wallenstein / Eastonmade
Post by: dquest on September 17, 2020, 11:16:16 PM
Thanks for the post. What are the pros/cons ? Would you go to a hydraulic bar instead next time ?

Title: Re: Blacks Creek / Wallenstein / Eastonmade
Post by: Wallys World on September 18, 2020, 05:50:59 PM
I really don't think I would go with a hydraulic bar. It seems that you end up ramming it thru the wood instead of letting the chain cut it. I also like it because you can sharpen it quick and do the saw maintenance off the machine. You can set up another saw to be ready to go in. It also can take 22" diameter wood, most of the same price range can only do around 14". The only bad thing I have encountered so far is small diameter wood, say around 6 inches. It is hard to get it thru using the cable on the winch. I am designing a drive motor to handle the smaller stuff.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13397/IMG_20190129_083333_638.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1549583121)
This is what I mostly run thru it.
Title: Re: Blacks Creek / Wallenstein / Eastonmade
Post by: Wallys World on September 18, 2020, 05:54:02 PM
dquest - where are you located? 
Title: Re: Blacks Creek / Wallenstein / Eastonmade
Post by: dquest on September 21, 2020, 07:02:17 PM
eastern Ontario
Title: Re: Blacks Creek / Wallenstein / Eastonmade
Post by: Tin Horse on September 21, 2020, 07:28:06 PM
dquest. Your must almost be a neighbor. I'm currently running a Bell 1000 processor. The smallest of their models. I've also owned the Eastonmade splitter; also good. ( same family). Also looked at Blacks Creek processors. Your welcome to stop in and take a look. 
Title: Re: Blacks Creek / Wallenstein / Eastonmade
Post by: dquest on September 21, 2020, 07:55:56 PM
Hey Thanks Tin Horse,

The Bell is out of my price range. I don't do alot and am sure folks will say juts get a splitter from a box store and I'm sure they are right. However, we are busy on the farm and I'm willing to spend more on a single person operation to be efficient.
I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the BC you looked at as they are the closest to me ( 15 mins ).
Guess it's really between rounds and 8' logs.

Thanks for the offer, if you could pm me with some contact info , I'd like to pop over if you are close. Would be sometime mid oct I'd guess before I get serious. Still trying to get either company to get back to me.
Title: Re: Blacks Creek / Wallenstein / Eastonmade
Post by: dquest on October 03, 2020, 11:31:15 AM
Quote from: Tin Horse on September 21, 2020, 07:28:06 PM
dquest. Your must almost be a neighbor. I'm currently running a Bell 1000 processor. The smallest of their models. I've also owned the Eastonmade splitter; also good. ( same family). Also looked at Blacks Creek processors. Your welcome to stop in and take a look.
A quick hands on review for those interested.

Saw the 1250 really nice homeowner machine. Hydraulic saw easy to remove bar and chain. Bar stop so you dont hit the log tray with the chain.

Single speed pump and can only cut or split not both. 4 way wedge is adjustable only by hand .

The 1500 model ( next one up from the base 1250 ) has conveyor feed, adjustable wedge via lever, 4 sec faster and can cut and split at same time. Difference is 5k though.

Very nice unit and since I work alone the log lift and extension to push cut pieces into my dump trailer is ideal.
Will come in around 10.5k cdn with 13 hp Honda engine and electric start.

Ran the unit and it was very instinctive right away.
Will be ordering if the financing is right.
Title: Re: Blacks Creek / Wallenstein / Eastonmade
Post by: dquest on February 25, 2021, 12:37:50 PM
Quote from: dquest on September 16, 2020, 08:59:49 PM
Looking for feedback on these units.
Considering purchasing a Wallenstein wp840 Processor, Blacks Creek 1250 processor or an Eastonmade 9-16 splitter with box wedge.
If you have any experience with these Canadian units I'd appreciate some feedback.

WP840 | Firewood Processors | WP800 Series - Trailer | Wallenstein Outdoor Power Equipment (https://www.wallensteinequipment.com/ca/en/model/wp840)
Firewood Processors - Blacks Creek (https://www.blackscreek.ca/products-services/firewood-processors/)
Eastonmade 9-16 Wood Splitter (http://www.eastonmadewoodsplitters.com/store/p5/Eastonmade_9-16_Wood_Splitter.html)

New here but lurking a while .
Thanks in advance.

D

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/62266/20210225_113539.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1614274061)
 
New Blacks Creek 1250 custom is finally here. They added a lever to make the wedge adjustable ( the 1250 normally comes with manual pin adjustment ). They also added a transition piece ( not shown ) to bring the out feed side up to 26" so it will load right into my dump trailer.
Upgrades other than above: Log lift, Honda 390GX , Electric start.
Luna is the shop supervisor and has approved the purchase.
So far my 30-40 mins splitting by hand turned into 5 mins!!!
Title: Re: Blacks Creek / Wallenstein / Eastonmade
Post by: Bruno of NH on February 25, 2021, 04:17:39 PM
Very nice 
Title: Re: Blacks Creek / Wallenstein / Eastonmade
Post by: cutterboy on February 26, 2021, 06:48:40 AM
Nice going dquest. That should take care of you for many years.
Title: Re: Blacks Creek / Wallenstein / Eastonmade
Post by: thecfarm on February 26, 2021, 06:52:00 AM
That will make life easier!!
Title: Re: Blacks Creek / Wallenstein / Eastonmade
Post by: Nathan4104 on February 26, 2021, 09:50:16 AM
Glad you got a machine and updated us on your progress!  Looks like a great machine and will serve you well!! 
Title: Re: Blacks Creek / Wallenstein / Eastonmade
Post by: dquest on February 26, 2021, 11:35:40 AM
Quote from: Nathan4104 on February 26, 2021, 09:50:16 AM
Glad you got a machine and updated us on your progress!  Looks like a great machine and will serve you well!!
Thanks, way better than  splitting by hand and the addition of the adjustable wedge with a lever is great.
Sheldon and Stephanie have been fantastic to deal with.
Highly recommended. 
Blacks Creek - Firewood Processors & Forestry Equipment (https://www.blackscreek.ca/)
Title: Re: Blacks Creek / Wallenstein / Eastonmade
Post by: hedgerow on February 26, 2021, 12:03:17 PM
dquest
Looks to be a solid machine. Enjoy that new {TOY} I mean tool. 
Title: Re: Blacks Creek / Wallenstein / Eastonmade
Post by: Tin Horse on February 26, 2021, 05:12:43 PM
Looks good! The best part about the purchase is these guys will stand behind it.
Congratulations.
Title: Re: Blacks Creek / Wallenstein / Eastonmade
Post by: dquest on February 27, 2021, 03:01:59 PM
Quote from: Tin Horse on February 26, 2021, 05:12:43 PM
Looks good! The best part about the purchase is these guys will stand behind it.
Congratulations.
Yes they will for sure .
Title: Re: Blacks Creek / Wallenstein / Eastonmade
Post by: sum1 on March 01, 2021, 09:45:04 PM
I have a Wallenstein WP840. current model is WP845 I believe they only added slots in the loading panels between the models. They offer 5 year warranty for personal use which I thought was very good. I have only had 2 issues so far the choke cable needed to be replaced when I first received it I'm guessing it got pinched in transport or something however I could not see any actual damage. I also had to recenter the spool on the winch after about 10-15 hours of use it had walked itself over on the shaft and would no longer free spool.

If your going to process long logs this is the machine for you. If your looking at 8' logs go with something else unless you fabricate some sort of custom infeed. As mentioned by some other posters this is the cheapest machine available that will process big wood. I have put Oak logs thru the machine that a 24" bar would not cut completely from the saw holder. The winch is amazing if your cutting and processing full trees in the bush.
Title: Re: Blacks Creek / Wallenstein / Eastonmade
Post by: dquest on March 03, 2021, 10:48:16 PM
Thanks for the input. I picked up the blacks creek 1250 last week.