I am looking at either the Built-Rite 16 or 20 ft belt conveyors. I need to stay compact (using it with their 11 hp splitter) as I don't have a ton of room and will be processing on small log landings as well. Then there's also the extra cost of the 20 ft unit (+$600 if bought with the splitter).
I appreciate any input. I am trying to avoid having to buy the conveyor twice or buyer's remorse for getting the wrong one.
Thanks.
I'd go with the 16' the extra four feet isn't going to pile the wood that much higher IMO.
I don't even think 16' is necessary. I would go with the 16' if buying one. When I build mine I only want it to be 12-14' long.
Unless your dumping it into a large dump truck or want tall piles. I only need it to go into my dump trailer or pick up.
10'6" vs. 11'6"
I'm going to be mostly going right into the ton truck and then delivered green. I think the advantage is supposed to be that the 20 ft is a little less tight with the truck.
16' will do it no problem !
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/23822/image%7E57.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/23822/image%7E58.jpg) I built this one myself worked very well.
get the bigger one so it will feed the bigger truck you will get next...........ask me how I know
Couple of thoughts, can you take the truck to the conveyor dealer and try out the different lengths and if the used market is strong can you buy the one you need now, sell it when you get a bigger truck without a huge loss and then buy another new one to suit the new truck. If you would take a huge loss you might want to consider the future but if the added cost is too much worry about now. Logman how long is your homemade and what did it cost in time and money to make?
Rman I made it 20ft and it runs off a 6.5 hp gas engine running a hydraulic pump which power a hydro motor. It cost me about a little over two grand to built and took about two weeks to build it. It was built very heavy duty weighed about 2000lbs. It will run all day at an idle on a gallon of gas. Had both forward and revers.
Go with the 20'. I've got the 20' Built Rite hydraulic and love it. I'd rather have the extra length and not need it :)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10027/031.JPG)
I always like to buy bigger than what I need,IF my wallet lets me. ::) That way in a year or two,it's just the right size.
Could always build one like I did.
what size chain and how big of a sprocket dia did you use Logman81? Been kinda looking around to build a conveyor, using #55 detachable chain but can't seem to locate new sprockets for the chain, and i already have a bunch of chain.
http://shop.farmchains.com/CAST-SPROCKETS-FOR-AGRICULTURAL-CHAIN_c45.htm
Bhc I used pintle chain a 6 tooth Martin sprockets that had a one inch plain bore inside diameter. This combo is meant specially for applications where there will be dirt and abrasive conditions worked extremely well.
thanks corley for the link, i have been searching off and on for a while now and not found that site, I wasn't aware of pintle chain, but maybe i should look into it logman. I had kinda drew up some rough plans copying one that's being advertised with a single chain in the center of of a v trough. The chain conveyors that were around my fathers mill all had big sprockets that i remember i would guess now, 30 years later, 1ft in dia, looking around at the different ones out there i assuming that's not needed?
Yes the pintle chain is the way to go for sure. Drivesinc.com makes the chain. Large sprockets are not needed. My dad who is a mechanical engineer and I built this together and did the homework when selecting the best parts to use. I used double chain it's much stronger I tried to break it and couldn't do it. I've been asked by several people to build one for them. If you build one over build it for the task then it will be just right.
Quote from: Corley5 on March 20, 2014, 01:30:08 AM
http://shop.farmchains.com/CAST-SPROCKETS-FOR-AGRICULTURAL-CHAIN_c45.htm
Thanks for this site. Is there a chart to tell what size hole is in these sprockets and the dia of them. Ivan
I don't see one on that site. I guess you'd have to call them :-\
NH Forester, Get one that has the chain and bars and not the belt one. The belt one, fire wood will slide back or tumble on you, And when you get ice on the belt. It will have a hard time to grab the wood . And go 20. :)
Yes go with the chain and paddles like how I built mine, I could use it year round with no issues.
Do you have a grate for chips and saw dust to fall through or do you find that is even a issue? I was going to put one on the apron made out of 1/2"X 18" round rod laid out 2" apart, but it looks like a good place for wood to jam up, and if i do this need to make some changes to my drawings some how.
No I did not build it with bars in the hoper. My splitter had the table grate so all the mess was eliminated by that. I did use a rubber flap between the hoper and the bottom of the conveyor troth this prevents wood from jamming between the hoper and the paddles.
I keep a jug of windshield washer fluid on hand in the winter to spray the bottom side of the belt. It cures the slipping :) The belt should have rubber cleats molded into it to keep the wood in place.