EKO40 Wood Loading Change

[BulldogAcres]

I have an EKO 40 that I have been running for the last 5 years. I usually burn wood that is 18 inches long. This fall I got 4 cords of wood delivered that was 14 and 15 inches long. I am not sure why he cut it so small, but I did not complain. I began this winter by burning the wood the normal way by putting the wood in length wise. This left lots of room in front of the firebox. Last month I decided to put the wood in cross wise. I have been burning this way for a month now . This has been my best month for burning for the last 5 years. I have not had any bridging and have had longer burns. I can get more wood in the firebox this way. I now plan on cutting all my wood to 15 inches and loading the firebox the opposite way than the manufacture recommends.

 

[easternbob]

Bulldog,
Do you think the longer burn times are just due to the fact that you have more wood in the firebox or is it something else?
I guess the only down side is a few more cuts on each log when you are bucking it up.

 

[BulldogAcres]

Bulldog,
Do you think the longer burn times are just due to the fact that you have more wood in the firebox or is it something else?
I guess the only down side is a few more cuts on each log when you are bucking it up.

I think it is a little of both. The floor of the firebox is always covered with wood and I have a deep layer of embers. One thing nice I always have some space on either side of the firebox so when the fan turns on it can blow air all the way to the back of the firebox.

 

[stee6043]

Based on my experience I would think I'd get more bridging with this method. With small (thin, not short) splits the bridging problem should go away. I generally run 18" splits +/- that are usually no more than 4" wide. I can cram a lot of wood in the chamber with these sizes...

 

[BulldogAcres]

Not sure what the reason is, but I have not had a bridge since I started loading my wood cross ways.