Palax: Firewood processors shown off during Powell's open day

EDWIN Rusling and Diana Lane are the proprietors of Powell’s Forest and Garden Equipment in Herefordshire. The business is also the UK’s main dealer for Palax firewood processors. Its recent demonstration of the Finnish-built machinery was attended by Mika Joensuu, Palax export sales manager, and Teemu Valkama, Palax technical manager.

Edwin was working as an agricultural engineer and contractor when the opportunity to buy Powell’s Forest and Garden Equipment arose a decade ago. The highly rated enterprise originated in the late 1960s as a chainsaw repair business started by John Powell. James Stark, the second owner of Powell’s Forest and Garden Equipment, sold it to Edwin and Diana. The purchase has, it was indicated, proved successful. Powell’s still does repairs on any forestry equipment and carries a very diverse range of products. Alan Davies is its parts manager.

Palax export sales manager Mika Joensuu (left) and technical sales manager Teemu Valkama (right) represented the Finnish firewood processing machinery company at the Wormbridge demo. Stressing that Palax machines are easy to understand and operate, they encouraged the visiting professionals to try out the various processors on display and discuss the experience. (Image: FJ/SB)

Edwin said: “We used to work with Jim Watt’s agricultural engineering enterprise, Caledonian Forestry. Jim, who was approaching retirement, suggested I should continue the successful association Caledonian Forestry had established with Palax.” 

A window of opportunity thus opened. Powell’s Forest and Garden Equipment sold its first Palax firewood processor in 2013 and the association has continued on from there. 

Powell’s Forest and Garden Equipment took over from Caledonian Forestry as Palax’s main dealer for the UK in August 2020. It also serves the whole of the island of Ireland. Business is expanding all the time. Most of the interest has been shown by firewood processing professionals, so sales were pretty good during COVID. Things are now calming down to a steadier level. The popularity of the various Palax machines changes. This year the Palax D410, in particular, is attracting interest. The biggest selling circular saw machine is the Palax C1000. 

Logs of varying dimensions await cutting by visitors interested in familiarising themselves with the labour-saving features of the well-received Palax C1000.2 Pro firewood processor. Designed to accommodate logs between 2.5 and 5 m in length, the Palax Mega Log Deck is a sturdy in-feed table. It is advantaged by a reliable chain feed and hydraulic control that aids ease of use. (Image: FJ/SB)

On the day, the Palax C1000.2 Pro+, operated by Mika Joensuu, took prominence at the entrance to the Wormbridge yard. Palax considers the ‘state-of-the-art’ processor to be the ultimate choice for professional firewood producers seeking ease of use combined with high production when converting large logs. These demands are met in the Pro+ and Pro models by Palax Optimi. The innovation, which was designed to ensure fast splitting, automatically adjusts the splitting length in keeping with the cutting length.

X-Aim, which is a factory-installed automatic splitting wedge height adjustment, can be bought as an additional accessory for both the Pro+ and Pro models. It was pointed out that the difference between the machines is that the Pro+ has not only standard features but also a three-speed intelligent PowerSpeed splitting cylinder that automatically ascertains the required splitting force and speed, leading to a 30 per cent faster work cycle. Maximum splitting force: 16 tonnes, maximum log diameter: 40 cm/15.75”, maximum log length: 55 cm/21.65”. Power source: Tractor PTO: 50 hp is considered to be enough for the largest Palax firewood processors. Electric Motor: 15 kW, minimum fuse size 35A/50A recommended. Optional features comprise: factory-installed PowerSpeed, and a hydraulic oil cooler or a hydraulic oil heater – as dictated by climatic conditions – which can be fitted retrospectively. 

Time for a break. Diana Lane (director, Powell’s), Mika Joensuu, Palax export sales manager (right) and a magnificently bearded visitor discuss the progress of the Palax forestry processing machinery demonstration underway in the yard of Powell’s Forestry and Garden Equipment. (Image: FJ/SB)

The Palax D410 is described as being ‘ideally suited to those who require a mobile machine’. The processor is available as either tractor powered or a hybrid (tractor/electric motor). Featuring a 16” sawbar that is automatically lubricated, the D410 also benefits from an intelligent PowerSpeed splitting cylinder. The automated system’s function is to recognise the required splitting force and speed, resulting in a quicker work cycle. X-Aim, available as an additional accessory, must be factory installed.

Mika Joensuu, Palax sales export manager, said: “The Finnish producer began manufacturing firewood processors 70 years ago. The brand was, in fact, the first firewood processor to be made in the Nordics. Palax sales are now worldwide but all the components are still Finnish made. Durability has played a key part in ensuring the Palax marque’s success; it’s possible to encounter models that are still running after 30 years’ use. I saw one such example in Germany that was bought in 1998.

The Palax D360 is marketed as “a versatile firewood processor for demanding jobs.” Deploying a 15” sawbar with automatic lubrication, the machine splits logs up to 36 cm in diameter with a force reaching nine tonnes. The processor can be purchased as Pro , Pro or Ergo models. Palax advises that the Pro and Pro models are best suited to semi-professionals who value the convenience of hydraulic control. The Ergo model features mechanical control in the form of levers and is targeted at more occasional users. (Image: FJ/SB)

“Designed for professional use, Palax firewood processing machines have featured a circular saw from the outset. This allows them to run faster, and there is less maintenance required. Palax only works with professional partners such as Powell’s Forest and Garden Equipment, who can provide good service to the customer.” 

Teemu Valkama, Palax technical manager, added: “Palax machines are easy to understand and operate. There are no real complications as the machines are ergonomically designed.”

What’s more, it is reported that the work rate achieved by her Palax C750-2 Ergo tractor-powered, circular saw equipped processor caused one satisfied customer to remark: “Palax is the Mercedes-Benz of firewood processors.” 

Powell’s Forest and Garden Equipment advises: “With Palax C1000 you can take it easy. The cutting speed of the machine can be adjusted in accordance with the species of timber to be processed. The fully hydraulic control, strong in-feed conveyor and the 4.3 m disturbance-free out-feed conveyor with speed control make firewood processing efficient and easy.” (Image: FJ/SB)

Mika Joensuu stressed the innovative nature of Palax design and engineering technology. He said: “Palax prides itself on designing and manufacturing firewood processors to suit the needs of a wide variety of customers. We are developing bigger, strongly built models to meet customer expectations. The market has settled a bit since 2023 but remains at a steady level. Production has been significantly increased over the last few years in keeping with rising demand.”

Powell’s Forest and Garden Equipment liaises with engineers based around the UK. William Holmes can be called upon when repair work arises anywhere in Ireland, while Grant Wright is based in Scotland. Edwin Rusling commented: “Powell’s likes to help our people move along and offer them opportunities. Palax firewood processing machines are simple and reliable so we don’t have many issues. We operate well with Palax and hope to continue that.”