Portage and Main or Coalman Boilers

Does anyone have any first hand info on either of these boilers? There is not much on the forum about them.

The Portage and Main stoker unit looks really good with the ash auger.

http://www.portageandmainboilers.com/pd ... bApr19.pdf

I think we have one forum member with this stoker boiler in opperation. It looks really nice,, but have you checked out the price???

I think with all the used Wilburt and IronFireman stokers around, and the good boiler vessels, I'd make up a hybrid like europechris did.

Greg L.

They are pricey, Im not as handy as he is, I would hate to spend a lot of money and time to have something not work well. I was under the impression I would be better off with a rotating ring stoker for burning Ky Bit. Remember I am gone 24 hrs or more on a work day, its all my wife can do to handle this hand fed hitzer.

One thing that bothers me is they are both made in Canada, I would prefer an American made product.

Bk

Did you see the thread from more than a year ago where EFM tested one of their 700 models burning Bit coal? They tested several different coals,
The 700 has a rotating pot.

I believe scrapper23 has an efm700 for sale, or did. fully refurbed for a lot less than the coalman stoker.

Greg L

The EFM 700 would be the ticket IF you can locate a supplier of pea stoker (stoker 1" and under) The EFM's have always had a problem with a small auger. The coalman etc. are excellent choices for heating your house along with all the other buildings using larger coal and can be setup with an ash and feed auger, but, as noted, they do require an initial investment that many can't afford. If you intend to heat all your buildings and your home I imagine the payback period will be pretty quick especially if you have only propane/electric air/air heat pump where you are, if you have NG it may take a little bit longer. yes, with your kentucky coal the non-clinkering type rotating ring stokers are ideal and they allow for easy (automated) ash removal.

OK, BK, the bituminous GURU has spoken !!

Time to look for a EFM 700 !!

but it won't fit in your airplane !!

Greg L.

Often wondered about these. I called these folks last year before I bought. One of their employees wants an AA to medal with to make a hybrid AA and P&M for himself. Price is way out of orbit, probably have to circulate the water 24/7, and have plate heat exchangers. It probably does work, but living this close to anthracite and Williamsport, plus folks digging used AA's out of there basements once in a while, made it a no brainier. Really happy with the axeman. It must be efficient because I still have a few dollars in my wallet and my wife isnt bitching at me for being cold.

I do like the ash remover. Made me think about making something to do the task. Thought about the chained conveyors in concrete trough like old milk barns had to drag cow crap out. Never did it though. And now thinking about it, they go with a screw auger, it might help prevent cold air from blowing right into the unit.
No crap chains for me

checking on pea stoker coal today.

Bk

Can efm stokers handle coal up to 1" diameter?
A couple years ago I sent coal to stokerman to test and was told I would need to screen the coal using 1/2 inch hardware cloth. It was a efm520 if that makes a difference...?

according to coal berner, the auger shaft on a 700 and up boiler is 5/8" the auger tube is 2.5min ID which leaves about 1". I thought the auger tube on the 700 and up was 3" but it seems that I am wrong, it's 2.5"ID 3" or close would be better, but 2.5 will do. I asked him this question because I'm looking into an EFM 700 to burn bit pea stoker for a family member.

Well I talked to the coal yard today, they still offer stoker and pea stoker and plan to do so for many years so I guess I need to start looking for an EFM 700, that way I can burn both if the need arrises.

Now I need to start reading the Boiler forums and learn how to pipe evrything and what all the controls do.

I think a call to Glen Harris would be a good start.

Bk

LsFarm wrote:I think we have one forum member with this stoker boiler in opperation. It looks really nice,, but have you checked out the price???

I think with all the used Wilburt and IronFireman stokers around, and the good boiler vessels, I'd make up a hybrid like europechris did.

Greg L.

What was the price tag on the Portage and Main stoker unit?

Has anyone heard of this boilers price?

Haven't found any dealers or websites besides http://www.portageandmainboilers.com/pr ... -ml30.html

This was a little disturbing to read ( read the red texts ) http://www.noutilitybills.com/OldProduc ... oodPM.html

Yes...I did find those sites...but no prices...