Stoker Coal Boiler that would best meet my needs

Just talked to my coal supplier and they have not carried "soft coal" for a few years now...but would check to see how much it would be per ton to haul up here...and they stated it would definately be cheaper than hard coal. My question now is can AA, EFM, Keystoker, etc. burn soft coal? Just curious!

Only EFM boilers can burn bit coal. But it has to be sized properly, and to my knowledge most bit is sold as lump coal. The lump that I've seen around where I live is huge chunks, some being 2 to 3 times larger than footballs.

I don't know about a 520 (due to its fairly small auger tube size), but I think the bigger EFM's can handle "stoker bit". There is info from tests of EFM's burning bit and sub-bit from different sources in the EFM section.

Mike

My brother is sold on the Portage and Main unit...I need to convince him we can have the same results with another used/refurbished product for a much better price/design/history. With this in mind...I may very well go on my own with a unit to heat "just"my home and burn only 3 tons a year. Thoughts!?

i would have no fear in buying a used unit giving that it looks like its in decent shape. maybe bring hardware to plug all pipe holes and pressure test unit if its not up and running. all of these boilers are built extremely well. if did it over again i dont think i would buy new, theres a considerable amount of savings on a used unit. there are a couple boilers in the classifieds right now for about half of what they cost new. i would get in touch with member glenn harris, he is always posting used efms, and keystokers. im sure he can find you the right sized unit at a great price. good luck!