I've been in the market for some time for a used wood boiler (basically, for the last 10 years since we moved to this property in early 2016).
Property is 10 acres, heavily wooded. at one point we gave away or mass-burned about 200 cords of wood when some old growth was sold off and the loggers left everything a mess. Even so, plenty of deadfall around, and should I ever run out, neighbors have plenty they'd be happy to get rid of if I cut/remove. House is a crappy-built (2x4 construction) 3600 sq/ft. (living space level) California Ranch style home with full basement. 30x60 RV Garage is located roughly 50 feet away (closest point-to-point distance) from the house. Two additional sheds on property (roughly single-car garage sized), and then another garage (roughly 40x80) about 175 yards from house. Work equipment consists of a Ram 3500 diesel (hauling) '74 Case 580C, and Kubota L2050DT w/ frontloader.
Me: Feeling older, paying for past transgressions (physically) in life, but still able-bodied and enjoy the work..decently versed in welding (TIG/MIG/Stick). Love learning new things. Self-taught mechanic that has worked on car in the performance realm since the late 90's. Have rewired most of the property, and ran new plumbing throughout the house (1 full bath, Kitchen, 1 3/4 bath, two 1/2 baths, laundry room).
With my limited knowledge in this realm, I've somewhat been drawn to Tarm units, as their longevity seems to be in high reputation. I've contacted a few sellers over the years, but have been jerked around by most (despite offering what they're asking, making myself available at their convenience, etc.--(I've learned to despise Marketplace and Craigslist). I'm currently speaking to a guy who has a 502 Tarm (Dual Fuel) circa 1981 according to the testing plate on it. He's stated that he's retired it from his 40x30 pole barn for a more efficient boiler, and is asking $900. He's located about 2 hours away, and has no means of loading it, so I'll be using my trailer winch/loading gates and some thick-wall piping to do my best to "act like an Egyptian". I like the idea of buying something cheaper, sticking it in the RV garage (avoiding homeowner's insurance issues with the house), and hope that it works well enough to not require MAJOR repairs, so that I can put it in service this winter in the RV garage, then trench (SUPER rocky property (boulders)) to the house next spring/summer once I confirm it works well, and get some more knowledge in boilers. I like that in the long-run, should we want to leave, we can have the oil boiler take over to keep everything going until we return and prevent freezing. The RV garage system can then be used a "heat dump" for the boiler down the road as well. I do plan to expand into stored heat once everything is working so that I can batch-burn, but "baby-steps".
My main questions: (As I'd like to start CHEAP on the initial investment to "dip my toes in the water".
---Anything specific I should look at on this boiler (known isssues)?
---What other brands, aside of Tarm typically have a long lifespan of the main components?
Any insight offered up to this newbie is highly appreciated!
Thank you.
Property is 10 acres, heavily wooded. at one point we gave away or mass-burned about 200 cords of wood when some old growth was sold off and the loggers left everything a mess. Even so, plenty of deadfall around, and should I ever run out, neighbors have plenty they'd be happy to get rid of if I cut/remove. House is a crappy-built (2x4 construction) 3600 sq/ft. (living space level) California Ranch style home with full basement. 30x60 RV Garage is located roughly 50 feet away (closest point-to-point distance) from the house. Two additional sheds on property (roughly single-car garage sized), and then another garage (roughly 40x80) about 175 yards from house. Work equipment consists of a Ram 3500 diesel (hauling) '74 Case 580C, and Kubota L2050DT w/ frontloader.
Me: Feeling older, paying for past transgressions (physically) in life, but still able-bodied and enjoy the work..decently versed in welding (TIG/MIG/Stick). Love learning new things. Self-taught mechanic that has worked on car in the performance realm since the late 90's. Have rewired most of the property, and ran new plumbing throughout the house (1 full bath, Kitchen, 1 3/4 bath, two 1/2 baths, laundry room).
With my limited knowledge in this realm, I've somewhat been drawn to Tarm units, as their longevity seems to be in high reputation. I've contacted a few sellers over the years, but have been jerked around by most (despite offering what they're asking, making myself available at their convenience, etc.--(I've learned to despise Marketplace and Craigslist). I'm currently speaking to a guy who has a 502 Tarm (Dual Fuel) circa 1981 according to the testing plate on it. He's stated that he's retired it from his 40x30 pole barn for a more efficient boiler, and is asking $900. He's located about 2 hours away, and has no means of loading it, so I'll be using my trailer winch/loading gates and some thick-wall piping to do my best to "act like an Egyptian". I like the idea of buying something cheaper, sticking it in the RV garage (avoiding homeowner's insurance issues with the house), and hope that it works well enough to not require MAJOR repairs, so that I can put it in service this winter in the RV garage, then trench (SUPER rocky property (boulders)) to the house next spring/summer once I confirm it works well, and get some more knowledge in boilers. I like that in the long-run, should we want to leave, we can have the oil boiler take over to keep everything going until we return and prevent freezing. The RV garage system can then be used a "heat dump" for the boiler down the road as well. I do plan to expand into stored heat once everything is working so that I can batch-burn, but "baby-steps".
My main questions: (As I'd like to start CHEAP on the initial investment to "dip my toes in the water".
---Anything specific I should look at on this boiler (known isssues)?
---What other brands, aside of Tarm typically have a long lifespan of the main components?
Any insight offered up to this newbie is highly appreciated!
Thank you.
