Axeman 130 and Eshland 130 Dissections

Well I finally got around to rebuilding the two 130,000 BTU coalguns. I thought it might be cool to compare the two units and show the process for getting them back up to speed. First off the Axeman has an auger and the Eshland has a hopper, however the Eshland has a flexible chicken feeder auger that will be used to fill the hopper. The Axeman has the ratchet and paul ash drawer mechanism while the Eshland has a gearmotor with sprocket and chain driving a jack shaft that has a crank connected to the rod that moves the drawer. Also the Eshland uses the timer to control ashing while the Axeman has a anthrastat. Additionally the Axeman has a rectangular DHW cavity and coil while the Eshland has the 4" round style. The other major difference form outward appearance is the fan drive, Axeman is belt drive while the Eshland is direct drive.

OK, so here are a few pics of the "before". I will post additional pics and narration as I go through the process. Just started the project yesterday, so hope to be done in a coupla weeks.

Next installment, removed the ash drawers from both units and found quite a big difference, the Eshland is deeper and longer. Will post some measurements when I get a chance. Also the support for the Eshland is by cam follower bearings with 1/2" shafts and nuts. The bearing size is 1.375" OD and .75" width, I already looked into buying the same set up for the Axeman, but the cam follower bearings are quite pricey. Not decided what to do yet. The needle bearings are much preferred to the metal on metal of the drawer rollers on the Axeman. If I decide to modify the Axeman will post pictures.

The paint and grease came off the Axeman nicely with the help of some Sodium Hydroxide I had left over from cleaning AC coils in FLA. Did not strip the Eshland, paint is overall pretty good. Did notice that the base is packed with vermiculite and I kinda blew some of it out while pressure washing. Will have to remove the jacket and replace or insulate another way (perhaps with some Kaowool blanket).

Found one item requiring repair on the Eshland. The fire pot lower ring is cracked on two spots. Nothing a little welding won't fix.

Quite the project you have there. Lookin' good! Thanks for sharing.

Matthaus wrote:Well I finally got around to rebuilding the two 130,000 BTU coalguns. I thought it might be cool to compare the two units and show the process for getting them back up to speed. First off the Axeman has an auger and the Eshland has a hopper, however the Eshland has a flexible chicken feeder auger that will be used to fill the hopper. The Axeman has the ratchet and paul ash drawer mechanism while the Eshland has a gearmotor with sprocket and chain driving a jack shaft that has a crank connected to the rod that moves the drawer. Also the Eshland uses the timer to control ashing while the Axeman has a anthrastat. Additionally the Axeman has a rectangular DHW cavity and coil while the Eshland has the 4" round style. The other major difference form outward appearance is the fan drive, Axeman is belt drive while the Eshland is direct drive.

OK, so here are a few pics of the "before". I will post additional pics and narration as I go through the process. Just started the project yesterday, so hope to be done in a coupla weeks.

From your description the Eshland features appear to be identical to the currently produced AHS.
--Hopper feed
--Ash drawer drive mechanism
--Timer control for ashing in standard version
--Round fitting for DHW coil
--Direct drive fan in standard version
--Cam follower bearings to support ash drawer

Bob wrote:From your description the Eshland features appear to be identical to the currently produced AHS.

Yeah it is my understanding that AHS bought the design from Eshland and has improved it some by adding the options to change the items you listed as standard. I also understand that Eshland used to work for Axeman Anderson and one can see that his departure makes sense based on the improvements that he implemented. It would be interesting to know the whole story.

I plan to use the AHS manual for running my Eshland since I didn't get one with it, plus any parts should be available from AHS.

I've never been able to trace any relationship between A-A and Eshland. Just competitors I guess, the A-A boiler came first, the Eshland improved the details. I've not been able to verify it but one person has claimed the design originated as an attempt to slow the tide of homeowners switching to oil in the late '40s and '50. Claimed there was some involvement with Penn State.

Jeff the current owner of AHS worked for Eshland in field installation and service. The owners of Eshland died and Jeff formed his own company, AHS. There's no evidence of Eshland being bought. In fact many of their trademarks have lapsed for lack of being renewed. If anyone can shed more information on the history of the A-A and Eshland please post it or send me a PM.

Thanks Yanche, I have heard lots of little tid bits but is kinda like the telephone game (or the news media), no relationship to reality.

Will keep digging to see if I can find out any facts.

The Eshland designer is very much still alive. The story is an amazing one.

Also, the Eshland designer never worked for A-A

dipep41 wrote:The Eshland designer is very much still alive. The story is an amazing one.

I spoke with Pete Axeman abut this yesterday, not only did the designer (Axeman copier) of the Eshland never work for them a company named Boston Boilers also did the same thing. Both companies got their start on delivering that particular design by purchasing a unit and dissecting it.

You could say he perfected it, not designed it. However, most of the real advances have come in the last few years. Also, to allude to the dying owners comment, one of the company owners did pass away many years ago. Currently the Eshland designer doesn't work in any compacity with AHS. However, some of the Eshland backbone is still represented in AHS.

Maybe I should write a book.

dipep41 wrote:Maybe I should write a book.

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Go for it man! We need more information.