coal boiler system

I'm trying to gather as much information about coal boiler systems as possible. I currently have an oil boiler, baseboard, hot water storage for domestic, interested in a boiler that will work in-line with my current system. Looking for top line product that has great reputation, reliablity and doesn't require a physics degree to operate. I heat 2400 sq' and plan on adding a zone for my basement which will bring sq' to 3500. Live in upstate NY. Any good site or boiler recommendations will be appreciated.

Glenn, Efm has a solid product. I'm sure you would be impressed if you saw one in action. I'm near Albany. If you aren't close to me there's someone who will display their prize! Scott

glenn@10thmtn wrote:I'm trying to gather as much information about coal boiler systems as possible. I currently have an oil boiler, baseboard, hot water storage for domestic, interested in a boiler that will work in-line with my current system. Looking for top line product that has great reputation, reliablity and doesn't require a physics degree to operate. I heat 2400 sq' and plan on adding a zone for my basement which will bring sq' to 3500. Live in upstate NY. Any good site or boiler recommendations will be appreciated.

Here are a few companies you won't to look at all are good products it all depends what Type of coal feed and how much room you have And how much you are willing to spend I would read about all of them and then see what works best for you And of course How close a dealer & Coal supply is to you good luck

http://www.alternateheatingsystems.com/coalboilers.htm

http://www.axeman-anderson.com/anthratube.html

http://www.efmheating.com/d520.html

http://www.keystoker.com/coaloilboilers.html

The first thing you have to do is determine your heating requirements. You can base them on the current output of your oil boiler or measure the amount of radiation in your house. A manual J calculation may need to be done for an accurate figure.

If the efm 520 boiler will do the job with 186600 BTU of net output, you may decide to retire the oil boiler and heat 100% with coal.

There are size requirements as far as the footprint of the entire system with coal bin, but it sounds like you have the area for it.

The efm 520 boiler has been in production since 1951 and is still made to, or better than, the original standards established almost 60 years ago. Our approach was to increase the price rather than cut back on the quality of the unit. It isn't uncommon to see 30-40 year old units on the used market because they were made to last a lifetime if properly cared for. The maintenance is minimal, the parts very durable, and many people buying replacement parts are making their first repair after 25 years of continuous service. It is a very simple unit to service and can be done by anyone with a slight amount of mechanical skill.

You can view the pictorial of our stoker boiler in the top heading of this section of the forum. What you're looking at is the same product made since 1951. The main reason for people selling their stoker is because of their old age.

We are always here for prompt answers about any issues or questions you have.

Many people will spend $20K on a car that will be ready for the junk yard in 15 years. An efm stoker is something that will last the rest of your life and beyond for a fraction of that cost and payback when switching from oil to coal is measured in 5 to 10 years or even less.

You can't go wrong with an EFM 520 boiler, I haven't met anyone yet that has one and doesn't absolutely love it.

is there a reason you guys didn't list Harmon? I've been looking at the VF-3000, and was wondering if there was a problem with it.

John, the reason I went with a EFM was the ability to have a bigger bin. Because the auger feed on the bottom you can construct a bigger bin to suit your needs. That means the only worry is emtying the ashes every 2-3 days. Scott

I just ordered an Axeman Anderson (AA). I think it's a solid choice and I like the self cleaning feature. The AHS is a newer compnay and not certified for use in some states unless you pay an extra two grand and get it ASME certified. It's pretty much the same boiler without the ASME. The EMF and AA are both ASME. Some boilers are not ASME, but have a UL or similar type certification.
There is NO bad choice of coal boilers in production. It's one of those products that you actually get what you pay for. If you buy a more expensive one it's beacuse it has extras or is built with heavier steel.

I don't know the specs on the AA, but the efm 520 boiler is constructed from 5/16" boiler plate steel and the keystoker is constructed from 1/4" boiler plate steel.

glenn@10thmtn wrote:I'm trying to gather as much information about coal boiler systems as possible. I currently have an oil boiler, baseboard, hot water storage for domestic, interested in a boiler that will work in-line with my current system. Looking for top line product that has great reputation, reliablity and doesn't require a physics degree to operate. I heat 2400 sq' and plan on adding a zone for my basement which will bring sq' to 3500. Live in upstate NY. Any good site or boiler recommendations will be appreciated.

Hello Glenn, with the relative scarcity of coal boilers in Upstate, NY I would guess that a lot of people using a coal boiler didn't purchase it because of specific features or reputation; they purchased it because it was available in the area. I know three people running coal boilers, all different brands, and they all like the one with own. I think this further proves the argument that coal boilers are quality pieces of equipment and given proper maintenance, will last a long time. That being said, my personal choice would be between an Axeman Anderson or an EFM, due to the auger feed and time proven reputation.

By the way, what's your definition of "Upstate"?

stoker-man wrote:The first thing you have to do is determine your heating requirements. You can base them on the current output of your oil boiler or measure the amount of radiation in your house. A manual J calculation may need to be done for an accurate figure.

If the efm 520 boiler will do the job with 186600 BTU of net output, you may decide to retire the oil boiler and heat 100% with coal.

There are size requirements as far as the footprint of the entire system with coal bin, but it sounds like you have the area for it.

The efm 520 boiler has been in production since 1951 and is still made to, or better than, the original standards established almost 60 years ago. Our approach was to increase the price rather than cut back on the quality of the unit. It isn't uncommon to see 30-40 year old units on the used market because they were made to last a lifetime if properly cared for. The maintenance is minimal, the parts very durable, and many people buying replacement parts are making their first repair after 25 years of continuous service. It is a very simple unit to service and can be done by anyone with a slight amount of mechanical skill.

You can view the pictorial of our stoker boiler in the top heading of this section of the forum. What you're looking at is the same product made since 1951. The main reason for people selling their stoker is because of their old age.

We are always here for prompt answers about any issues or questions you have.

Many people will spend $20K on a car that will be ready for the junk yard in 15 years. An efm stoker is something that will last the rest of your life and beyond for a fraction of that cost and payback when switching from oil to coal is measured in 5 to 10 years or even less.

Just wondering Stoker-man why you are not including What are called the 520 Highboy's that where made from 1948 to 1953 I know where you can look at two right now a 1948 & a 1953 Fitzgibbon boiler co. and a 1952 was Just sold to a member on here they are larger then the standard 520 The boiler holds 33 more gal, of water and the water coil is a 7 gal not a 5 gal Do you have any old records on these aswell as the old 350 if not I know who you can contact for info

I went to the oldest employee of efm that I could find and he didn't know about the highboys. I went to another guy and found out about them because he was a salesman at the time and remembered the parts. I can't be held responsible for knowing about boilers that went out of production when I was in diapers.

I know who I can contact too. In fact, his 350 pot was returned today, along with some other goodies.

By the way, the older 520s used a 7 gpm coil, as well. Want to buy one?

stoker-man wrote:;)

I went to the oldest employee of efm that I could find and he didn't know about the highboys. I went to another guy and found out about them because he was a salesman at the time and remembered the parts. I can't be held responsible for knowing about boilers that went out of production when I was in diapers.

I know who I can contact too. In fact, his 350 pot was returned today, along with some other goodies.

By the way, the older 520s used a 7 gpm coil, as well. Want to buy one?

Yes I Know The older 520 and 7 in them bring that 7 up I am sure you know who will take it
you can also put 7 in a 350 in you want seen it It's funny that a Person that never worked for EFM
would know this and one that does work there does not the info should be there if you have info for 520 made in 1951 why not 1948 to 1953 when the Highboys where made I Guess over the years
a lot of Papers where lost or thrown away well when you come up you can get some copies of the info on Highboys and 350 and some older stuff that EFM made over the years like the Auto ash Remover

The Highboys were made by a company nearby for efm.

We have old literature and blueprints back to the '20s, but some stuff was thrown out.

stoker-man wrote:The Highboys were made by a company nearby for efm.

We have old literature and blueprints back to the '20s, but some stuff was thrown out.

Fitzgibbon boil co. is the co. that made them
also Lowline boiler co. made some of the early 350 & 520