FAQ

Discover the difference between the self-contained TrailerPlus-M and an attachment firewood processor, and which solution best suits your workflow.

The TrailerPlus-M was developed from practical experience with the BTD PROplus and the demand for a self-contained mobile firewood processor. It combines proven PROplus sawing and splitting technology with its own 40 hp Briggs & Stratton petrol engine, integrated hydraulic triple-pump system and tandem trailer chassis for road transport up to 80 km/h. The machine processes logs up to approximately 45 cm and produces around 5–10 m³ of firewood per hour under normal conditions.

BTD offers three attachment firewood processors – PROcompact, PROcompact-S and PROplus – that use the hydraulic system of a suitable carrier vehicle, as well as the self-contained mobile TrailerPlus-M with its own engine and hydraulic system. The main differences between these concepts are the drive system, mobility, hydraulic requirements, production capacity, log diameter and the way the machine fits into the complete firewood production workflow.

Which vehicles are suitable for a BTD attachment firewood processor? Important factors are hydraulic oil flow, working pressure, lifting capacity, stability and a compatible mechanical attachment. The PROcompact requires at least 35 l/min, while PROcompact-S and PROplus require at least 55 l/min. Depending on the model, suitable carrier vehicles can include tractors, loaders, telehandlers, excavators and compact loaders.

No firewood processor is fully maintenance-free, as parts like saw chains or blades wear over time. However, robust machines such as BTD models require significantly less maintenance due to smart design and high-quality materials.

Features of low-maintenance firewood processors

• Simple, robust design: fewer parts to fail, less upkeep needed.
• Durable materials: reduce wear on key components like saws and drives.
• Self-lubricating mechanisms: automatically apply lubricant, reducing manual maintenance.
• User-friendly components: easy to replace, standard parts available on the European market.
• Strict quality control: lowers the risk of breakdowns and maintenance costs.
• Protected components: shielding of vulnerable parts minimizes damage and frequency of repair.

Low-maintenance brands

Brands like BTD are known for reliability and low maintenance needs. BTD machines require virtually no maintenance apart from the saw chain and high-quality 0.404″ Harvester saw blade.

Conclusion: while proper cleaning and lubrication are still essential, choosing a BTD firewood processor means minimal maintenance, long service life, and consistent performance.

When choosing an attachment firewood processor, check the complete combination of machine and carrier vehicle. Important factors are hydraulic oil flow, working pressure, lifting capacity, stability, mechanical attachment, log diameter and required production capacity. The right configuration depends on both the technical limits of the carrier vehicle and the type of wood you want to process.

The right BTD attachment firewood processor depends on the carrier vehicle, available hydraulic capacity, log diameter and required production output. The PROcompact requires at least 35 l/min, while PROcompact-S and PROplus require at least 55 l/min. PROcompact and PROcompact-S process logs up to about 40 cm, while PROplus handles up to about 45 cm and is intended for heavier professional applications.

The best firewood processor depends on the application, log diameter, required production capacity and available equipment. BTD offers three attachment models – PROcompact, PROcompact-S and PROplus – and, with the TrailerPlus-M, a mobile stand-alone firewood processor with its own engine and hydraulic system.

A BTD attachment firewood processor combines sawing and splitting in one efficient work process and makes effective use of an existing carrier vehicle. The machines are designed for professional use, with a compact and robust construction, clear operation and different models for varying hydraulic capacities, log diameters and production requirements.

The price of a professional firewood processor depends mainly on production capacity, maximum log diameter, hydraulic requirements, splitting force, configuration and selected options. For a meaningful comparison, also consider productivity, labour requirements, maintenance and expected service life.

The BTD PROcompact, PROcompact-S and PROplus differ mainly in hydraulic requirements, production capacity, splitting force and maximum log diameter. PROcompact requires at least 35 l/min and processes logs up to about 40 cm, while PROcompact-S requires at least 55 l/min and also handles up to about 40 cm. PROplus requires at least 55 l/min, processes logs from about 17 to 45 cm and provides 16–20 tonnes of splitting force. Production capacity is approximately 3–5, 4–7 and 4–9 m³/h respectively.

The TrailerPlus-M can quickly switch between transport and working position thanks to three support legs, a log lifter and a fold-out, hydraulically swivelling discharge conveyor.

For an attachment firewood processor, the carrier vehicle must provide sufficient hydraulic oil flow, working pressure, lifting capacity and stability. The BTD PROcompact requires at least 35 l/min, while PROcompact-S and PROplus require at least 55 l/min. Depending on the model, working pressure is approximately 210–250 bar. A compatible mechanical attachment, pressure-free return and leak-oil connection are also important.

All BTD firewood processors use automatic chain lubrication to supply oil to the saw chain and guide bar during the downward sawing movement. The system uses a separate oil reservoir and automatic dosing to reduce friction and wear and support consistent cutting performance. Regular checks of chain tension, sharpness, guide-bar condition and oil level remain important.

A mobile attachment firewood processor is mounted on a suitable carrier vehicle and uses the vehicle’s hydraulic system for sawing and splitting. This makes it possible to move the complete processing setup between work locations. Suitable carrier vehicles include tractors, loaders, telehandlers and excavators, provided they meet the required hydraulic, lifting and stability specifications.

Splitting wood at the right time ensures optimal drying and burning. Key guidelines:

• Immediately after felling: fresh wood is softer and easier to split than dry wood.
• In winter or early spring: moisture content is lower because sap flow is minimal.
• Before drying: split wood dries faster because the increased surface area allows moisture to escape.
• Timing for use: wood generally needs 1–2 years to dry properly, depending on type and storage.

Additional tips

• Store split wood in a dry, well-ventilated place.
• Stack wood so air can flow between logs.
• Cover wood against rain, but leave sides open for ventilation.

Conclusion: split wood right after felling or in winter/early spring, and allow 1–2 years of drying before use as firewood.

Regular maintenance helps keep a BTD firewood processor reliable and ready for use. Important tasks include cleaning the machine after operation, lubricating grease points, checking the saw chain and guide bar, and regularly inspecting hydraulic hoses, couplings and moving parts. Wear parts should be replaced in time and safety systems should remain fully functional to support performance, safety and service life.

A firewood processor can work reliably in both cold and hot weather when the hydraulic system, oil viscosity, cooling and maintenance are matched to the operating conditions. At low temperatures, hydraulic oil becomes more viscous and the system should be allowed to warm up. At high temperatures, adequate cooling, a clean oil circuit and regular checks help maintain consistent performance.

A firewood processor can also handle crooked and knotty logs, but this places higher demands on the machine and work process. Important factors are sufficient hydraulic and splitting force, secure log clamping, an open and robust machine design and reliable log guidance. Log diameter, crookedness, knotting and the selected splitting knife all influence how evenly and efficiently the wood can be processed.

Under normal conditions, the BTD TrailerPlus-M produces approximately 5–10 m³ of firewood per hour. Actual output depends on factors such as wood species, log diameter, log shape, cutting length, splitting settings and the organisation of log feeding and discharge. Under optimal conditions, practical production capacity can be higher.

The production capacity of a firewood processor is usually expressed in cubic metres of firewood per hour and depends on the machine model, available hydraulic capacity, log diameter, wood species, cutting length and work organisation. The BTD PROcompact produces about 3–5 m³/h, the PROcompact-S about 4–7 m³/h and the PROplus about 4–9 m³/h. Efficient log feeding and removal can further improve practical output.

The cost of producing firewood per m³ depends on the purchase price of timber, labour costs, fuel or energy, maintenance, depreciation and the production capacity of the machine. Higher productivity and an efficient work process can reduce the cost per m³. Storage, transport and the use of the carrier vehicle should also be included for a complete cost comparison.

The payback period of a BTD attachment firewood processor depends on the purchase price, annual production volume, margin per m³ and labour, fuel and maintenance costs. The higher the margin and annual utilisation, the faster the investment can potentially be recovered. With the BTD ROI calculator, the indicative payback period can be calculated using your own operating data.

Producing a high volume of firewood at low cost starts with the right combination of machine, carrier vehicle and work organisation. Important factors are sufficient hydraulic capacity, efficient log feeding and discharge, short work cycles and as few unnecessary handling steps as possible. A suitable firewood processor setup, good workplace preparation and features such as SHORT/LONG can help reduce production costs per m³.

Fuel savings with a firewood processor start with a good match between the carrier vehicle and the machine. Important factors are sufficient hydraulic oil flow at the lowest practical engine speed, short work cycles, an appropriate cutting length and efficient work organisation. The SHORT/LONG function can also help reduce unnecessary cylinder movement and energy use when processing shorter firewood lengths.

The TrailerPlus-M has its own hydraulic triple-pump system, allowing it to operate independently of the hydraulics of a carrier vehicle.

The power required for an attachment firewood processor depends mainly on hydraulic oil flow, working pressure, lifting capacity and the stability of the carrier vehicle – not only on engine horsepower. The BTD PROcompact requires at least 35 l/min, while PROcompact-S and PROplus require at least 55 l/min. Depending on the model, the required working pressure is approximately 210–250 bar.

The required splitting force depends on wood species, log diameter, knotting, splitting length and the design of the splitting knife. More tonnes do not automatically mean better performance: the way the force is transferred through the machine and knife design also matters. BTD PROcompact and PROcompact-S provide approximately 13–15 tonnes of splitting force, while PROplus provides approximately 16–20 tonnes.

The maximum log diameter depends on the firewood processor model, splitting force and available hydraulic performance. The BTD PROcompact and PROcompact-S process logs from approximately 15 to 40 cm in diameter, while the PROplus handles approximately 17 to 45 cm. Wood species, knotting, splitting knife configuration and the stability of the carrier vehicle also influence practical processing performance.

The splitting knife determines how the log is divided and how efficiently the available splitting force is used. Depending on the model, BTD offers 4-, 6-, 8- and 12-way splitting knife options. The PROcompact is supplied with a 6-way knife as standard, the PROcompact-S with an 8-way knife and the PROplus with a 6-way knife. The best choice depends on wood species, log diameter, desired firewood size and production capacity.

A firewood processor can handle both softwood and hardwood. Softer species such as pine or spruce are generally easier to saw and split, while hardwoods such as oak or beech may require more splitting force and a suitable machine setup. Log diameter, knotting, moisture content, splitting knife configuration and available hydraulic capacity also influence how efficiently the wood can be processed.

BTD firewood processors allow the cutting length to be adjusted from 23 to 50 cm in 1 cm increments. The selected length is set precisely through the machine control system. Depending on the model and configuration, the SHORT/LONG function can reduce unnecessary cylinder travel when processing shorter firewood lengths, helping to improve cycle efficiency and production capacity.