While most people associate firewood with camping, it still has a place in household heating. According to the 2016 U.S. Census Bureau, 1.9% of households in the United States still rely on wood for heat, even though the majority, 48.1% and 38.7% of households in the country, are heated by gas and electricity, respectively. If you're one of the 1.9% of homeowners that's still reliant on firewood, you may wonder, "Where can I get a machine for firewood processing near me?" As you explore local options for firewood processing machines, pay attention to the following qualities of the very best machines on the market today.

Features

Different types of firewood processors come with a variety of features depending on what you need them for, with the size of your operation being the most important factor. For instance, some machines feature large live decks that have a loading capacity of 20 feet of wood. The top machines can produce enough force to split extremely hard wood. This allows you to quickly process exceptionally high-quality firewood. Other firewood processing machines come fitted with an automatic tensioner for the chain. This feature allows you to process an assortment of log sizes without making manual adjustments. You should base your purchase on the type of firewood you expect to use. If you're going to purchase relatively inexpensive firewood that comes in a range of log sizes, a machine that automatically adjusts is a better choice than one that can split expensive, standardized hardwood logs.

Capacity and Ease of Use

Another thing to look for in a firewood processing machine is its capacity. For instance, if it's meant for private use, make sure it's easy to set up and that it can be stored in a relatively compact space. If you own a tractor, consider getting a portable firewood processing machine that functions as a tractor attachment. This will allow you to bring your processing machine to your firewood storage area for ease of use. No matter the type of machine you get, make sure it has a manual that clearly explains maintenance requirements and the built-in safety features so you can troubleshoot any issues you face while processing your firewood.

Diameter of Logs

Not all firewood processing machines can handle wide logs or old-growth lumber. If you have purchased firewood in your area before, you should have an idea of the size of logs available. Just in case this changes, it's wise to get a machine that can handle wider logs if you have the budget to do so. If your machine is undersized for the logs you purchase, you may need to manually split them once or twice before processing them further. Since so much manual labor is far from ideal, your best course of action is to purchase the largest firewood processing machine your budget can tolerate and pay attention to the diameter of the logs you purchase each year.

As you can see, choosing the best firewood processing machine for your needs can be a challenging process. If you still can't answer the question, "Where can I get firewood processing near me,” give Brute Force a call. We'll help you find the resources you need for firewood processing support.