Most of the firewood processors run on a hydraulic chainsaw bar for cutting the logs to a specified length. It is simple to use and works efficiently with periodic maintenance and oiling.
Firewood processor hydraulic chainsaw works on a low-pressure hydraulic power source and often operates on an elevated work platform (EWP). This can work with long hose sets making it distant from the power source.
Variety of power available for firewood processor saw
As the name suggests, the firewood processor hydraulic saw takes its power from a hydraulic power source. They can also be operated via an external PTO-driven source using your external machinery like tractor, excavator, bobcat, etc which might need a flow control valve. Additionally, one can input power through petrol, diesel, or electric motor pump as well.
Popular Chainsaw brands
There are multiple brands available in the retail market that make firewood processor hydraulically powered chainsaws. You can look for them in your local market or even on online retailers. Some popular names include Stanley, Maruzen, Unitec, Rami Yokota BV, Husqvarna, Milwaukee, Makita, Festool, AEG powertools, Tosun, Logosol, Skil etc.
DIY your firewood processor chainsaw
With the help of some tools and components, you can also make your chainsaw at your home. You may also refer to some videos or forums available over the internet to understand this process in detail. First thing is to identify the chain speed of your chainsaw which is measured in feet/minute or feet/second. It depends on drive sprocket selection. Faster chain speed can be achieved via a larger sprocket.
The main idea is to generate sufficient torque which can pull the chain at a preferred speed. You can refer to the specifications of some standard products from the internet and keep a note of HP, torque, and chain speed and try matching the same using your firewood processor saw motor combination to build your saw. Here are some key facts about a chainsaw which will help you understand its key specifications while building one.
- The piston of a chainsaw moves up and down about 20,000 times every minute in the cylinder
- The ring speed of the piston travels around 2,500 surface feet every minute in a common chainsaw
- The chain of a saw slides 5000 feet every minute across the saw-bar rail surface
- The chain moves at the speed of around 60 miles per minute
- The average impact linking of drive to the sprocket is around 1,300 times every second
- The sprocket rotates around 1 million times daily during sawmilling
- Higher the chain speed, faster the sawmilling speed as well
How to calculate the chain speed of your chainsaw?
- Start by multiplying the chain pitch by 2
- Then multiply this number by the teeth count of the saw sprocket
- Multiply this number by the saw RPM
- This number is your chain speed in inches per minute. To convert it into feet, you can divide this number by 12
Hydraulic Kit for your chainsaw
You may also look for a separate accessory for your firewood processor – a hydraulic saw kit. This kit helps you eliminate the need for a manual cutting arm and in turn replace it with an additional control lever. It makes the wood cutting even easier.
The kit generally contains one hydraulic cylinder, dual bank valve, and other necessary fittings and hoses.
All it takes is some accurate measurements for drilling the exact holes for the control valve mount and installation gets done to improve the functioning of your hydraulic chainsaw for firewood processor.
Advantages of Firewood Processor Hydraulic Chainsaw
- The key advantage of the hydraulic chainsaw is that it has higher productivity and can work for a longer duration of time in comparison to self-contained chainsaws.
- Hydraulic chainsaws also prove to be more efficient, powerful, and less in weight than these.
- One other benefit that many see with the firewood processor with a chainsaw is that both the processor and chainsaw have the same chain bar and one can easily replace it whenever required.
- With time, the chain becomes dull. It happens with the circular saw as well. However, with a circular saw, you need professional assistance from the specified dealer or technician whereas, with a hydraulic chainsaw, you can sharpen the same on your own. The other day-to-day maintenance is also pretty simple in a hydraulic chainsaw.
- With its easy maintenance routine, hydraulic chainsaws remain sharp most of the time which in turn enhances the speed of wood cutting.
- The noise of a hydraulic chainsaw is lesser in comparison to the noise of a circular saw and hence it provides a quieter operation.
- A firewood processor hydraulic saw is cost-effective as well in comparison to a circular saw.
