Harman Stoker St8-VF8

modell79 · Post by **modell79** » Sat. Feb. 21, 2015 9:26 am

Good morning everyone,
i have an option to purchase a used Harman stoker. I am looking at replacing my hand fed hitzer, to much work. the stove is currently in use with a new stainless hopper. I was just wondering if anyone has experiance with this stove good or bad. thanks again

McGiever · Post by **McGiever** » Sat. Feb. 21, 2015 2:36 pm

Lots of discussion existed already on this subject...Using the Search feature in upper right of page, enter your model for loads of reading.

Horace · Post by **Horace** » Sun. Feb. 22, 2015 11:11 am

I have lots of experience with this stove - both good and bad - but all good now that I know what I'm doing. Most of my experiences are documented here on the forum using the search feature that McGiever referenced. In a nutshell, I've found mine to be pretty much bullet-proof. If you have any specific questions, please ask.

Just know that if this is one of the originals then parts are nearly impossible to find. If you can get and post some pictures that might help, too.

modell79 · Post by **modell79** » Sun. Feb. 22, 2015 2:36 pm

i have done a lot of reading about this stove on this site. I am aware of the problem with fly ash build up under the collar. I was able to come up with some pictures of the stove. im not sure if it an original design or not. I just want to be sure that parts are still available and not crazy expensive. thanks again for your help

Horace · Post by **Horace** » Sun. Feb. 22, 2015 2:56 pm

That's the newer/updated version of my stove - it's far closer to a Harman Magnum than the original ST8-VF8. You shouldn't have a problem with the ash buildup in that stove. In your second picture you'll see the sloped roof over the fire - that allows the flyash to drop into the stove body rather than collecting. There's a knob on the back somewhere (maybe right behind the collar in the first picture) that you pull that drags a chain across the roof and clears the flyash.

The older ST8-VF8 is flat on top, which is what causes the buildup. Old version also uses a single-piece grate design, which cracks down the middle from front to back. Mine cracked long before I owned it - and I've owned it for 13 years - and it still works fine, but it's virtually impossible to find a single-piece grate.

As far as I know, the stove in the picture uses parts that are interchangeable with a Harman Magnum and therefore readily available. I'm hoping someone will chime in and confirm that as I'm not completely sure that that's the case. Please don't take my word on that; I'm not as familiar with this version as I am my stove.

If the current owner is asking a fair price, and since it obviously works okay, It should prove to be a good stove.

009to090 · Post by **009to090** » Sun. Feb. 22, 2015 3:26 pm

Yeah, that's the newer version of the ST8. Just ask the owner if it has a single grate or double grates. There is no replacement for the single grate.

McGiever · Post by **McGiever** » Sun. Feb. 22, 2015 8:04 pm

Single glass window seems to be the later version...3 piece glass is the earlier with the flat shelf inside.

modell79 · Post by **modell79** » Fri. Feb. 27, 2015 9:04 am

I want to thank everyone for there input. I have decided to pass on the Harman stove. after looking at the price of some of the replacement parts it could get pretty expensive. on a good note I was able to find a hitzer 608 stoker on craigslist. I think I got a pretty good deal on it. just needed a little cleaning and lubed. I kind of like the idea of having two of the same stoves.

Harman Stoker St8-VF8

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