Harman SF 360 - Any Users Around?

JJLL · Post by **JJLL** » Fri. Jan. 02, 2009 11:16 am

Hey guys,
I'm interested in a coal boiler, I'd really like a wood/coal combo although I burn coal 99% of the time and prefer it much more than wood, I still like to have the option.

I'm looking for advice/input on a boiler that can put out 160k BTU and I've been looking at the Harman SF-360.

Does anyone have any experience with this boiler? Any tips or reviews? Anyone have any other boilers that they'd recommend?

Thanks again!

Robby · Post by **Robby** » Fri. Jan. 02, 2009 10:49 pm

I have F360. Burn both Bituminous and wood.

Wood, lots of creosote in boiler but none in chimney. I think water chambers are cooling smoke prior to chimney.

Coal, I have spent a good deal of time learning my coal,my stove, my system. I suspect you must learn for every different coal.
The coal I burn is extremely low in sulpher, very little smell, very high in volatiles and therefore lots and lots of top air until gasses burned off. If done right, almost no visible smoke and decent burn times. The coal, I use, is 8500 BTU per Lb. If you need 160,000 BTU consistantly, assuming 70% effiecency or so you would need about 29 lbs.per hour. I doubt that you need this much, but you can extrapolate. I know most will disagree but I intend to add 1100 gal. water (heat) storage come spring. If other questions you think I can help with, ask away.

Robby

danzig · Post by **danzig** » Sat. Jan. 03, 2009 1:04 am

The Harman boilers are good they have a forced draft. I have a marathon logwood (coal/wood boiler). I love it. check them out. I burn bit. anthracite, and wood in this unit. if power goes out I can still heat by gravaity.

JJLL · Post by **JJLL** » Mon. Jan. 05, 2009 11:17 pm

Thanks guys for all your replies. Its nice to get opinions from those who've already have the unit working!

coalkirk · Post by **coalkirk** » Mon. Jan. 05, 2009 11:45 pm

danzig wrote:The Harman boilers are good they have a forced draft. I have a marathon logwood (coal/wood boiler). I love it. check them out. I burn bit. anthracite, and wood in this unit. if power goes out I can still heat by gravaity.

FYI, the Harman SF series boilers do not have forced draft. Only the stoker has a forced draft.

JJLL · Post by **JJLL** » Wed. Jan. 07, 2009 10:33 am

What are the benefits/disadvantages of having a boiler with a forced draft?

Thanks in advance!

JJLL · Post by **JJLL** » Fri. Jan. 09, 2009 11:07 am

coalkirk wrote:
danzig wrote:The Harman boilers are good they have a forced draft. I have a marathon logwood (coal/wood boiler). I love it. check them out. I burn bit. anthracite, and wood in this unit. if power goes out I can still heat by gravaity.
FYI, the Harman SF series boilers do not have forced draft. Only the stoker has a forced draft.

Unless an "automatic draft" isn't a forced draft, your information is incorrect.

http://harmanstoves.com/specifications.asp?id=33

"Automatic Draft Standard"

Option number 16

coalkirk · Post by **coalkirk** » Fri. Jan. 09, 2009 1:57 pm

Automatic draft means there is a little motor that opens and closes the air inlet. Forced draft means a fan is blowing under the fire.

JJLL · Post by **JJLL** » Mon. Jan. 12, 2009 9:31 am

Looks like I stand corrected! Thanks for educating me.