Hello all,
After several years of debating, researching and looking, I finally pulled the trigger on a Keystoker Kaa-4-1 dual fuel unit last month. I just finished installing it this past week, and have been slowly getting it dialed in. A few little issues, but nothing too bad (I’m a food equipment mechanic who deals with commercial bakery ovens, controls, and burners all day). I had been debating between a Varm wood gasifier and a hopper fed coal stoker, but a shoulder injury made my decision for me. I was able to see a Keystoker last summer through TJ Coal in Spartanburg PA and decided to go for it. We went for the dual fuel option because stokers aren’t common here (we are in Chautauqua county NY) and we like to have options.
I just figured I’d finally become a member after lurking for the past few years. Thanks to everyone whose posts helped me make up my mind, and whose struggles with Kaa-2 and Kaa-4 boilers have been and will continue to assist me with this unit.
New Keystoker Kaa-4-1 install
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- Member
- Posts: 31
- Joined: Wed. Apr. 17, 2019 10:33 am
- Stoker Coal Boiler: Keystoker Kaa-4-1
Attachments
- 2001Sierra
- Member
- Posts: 2211
- Joined: Wed. May. 20, 2009 8:09 am
- Location: Wynantskill NY, 10 miles from Albany
- Hot Air Coal Stoker Stove: Keystoker 90 Chimney vent
- Coal Size/Type: Rice
- Other Heating: Buderus Oil Boiler 3115-34
I hooked all the controls for my friends Tarm wood gasification boiler. I agree with your choice due to your recent injury. Coal is way more reasonable on your body from physical work aspect. You will still save thousands over oil or propane, and the coal from the less work involved over wood is really a long term solution.
- nepacoal
- Member
- Posts: 1696
- Joined: Wed. Nov. 21, 2012 7:49 am
- Location: Coal Country
- Stoker Coal Boiler: Keystoker KAA-4 / "Kelly" and an EFM 520 at my in-laws
- Hand Fed Coal Boiler: Harman SF-260 - retired
- Coal Size/Type: Buck
Congrats on the new boiler and welcome to the forum. You'll love the Keystoker!
- oliver power
- Member
- Posts: 2970
- Joined: Sun. Apr. 16, 2006 9:28 am
- Location: Near Dansville, NY
- Stoker Coal Boiler: KEYSTOKER Kaa-2
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: Hitzer 50-93 & 30-95, Vigilant (pre-2310), D.S. 1600 Circulator, Hitzer 254
- CoalisCoolxWarm
- Member
- Posts: 2323
- Joined: Wed. Jan. 19, 2011 11:41 am
- Location: Western PA
- Stoker Coal Boiler: Keystoker KA-6
- Hand Fed Coal Furnace: old Sears rebuilt, bituminous- offline as of winter 2014
- Coal Size/Type: Anthracite Buckwheat
- Other Heating: Oil Boiler
Sweet and neat!
One last thing to finish off your install. A stool similar to this makes it easy to access the ashes and burner for lighting the coal or whatever.
Harbor Freight. Wait for a sale or good coupon.
One last thing to finish off your install. A stool similar to this makes it easy to access the ashes and burner for lighting the coal or whatever.
Harbor Freight. Wait for a sale or good coupon.