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Craigslist Boilers

Posted: Thu. Dec. 21, 2017 8:31 pm
by ASea
I keep an eye out on Craigslist as I imagine many of us do. Ive been seeing allot of Tarm and one or two Van Wert Simplex hand fired boilers. I imagine that's what the dealers around here sold. Are they good boilers? I understand I would need to do my due diligence and thoroughly inspect the unit in question.

I'm a little intimidated by the cost of a new unit.

Thanks,

Andrew

Re: Craigslist Boilers

Posted: Thu. Dec. 21, 2017 8:37 pm
by McGiever
Archives can reveal plenty of discussions on both these.

Re: Craigslist Boilers

Posted: Thu. Dec. 21, 2017 8:50 pm
by coaledsweat
Stay away from the TARM.

Re: Craigslist Boilers

Posted: Thu. Dec. 21, 2017 10:03 pm
by ASea
coaledsweat wrote:
Thu. Dec. 21, 2017 8:50 pm
Stay away from the TARM.
Why? Just curious? At any rate,I would prefer something made here in the states.

Re: Craigslist Boilers

Posted: Fri. Dec. 22, 2017 6:52 am
by coaledsweat
Parts are a nightmare as it is made in Europe and its US entity comes and goes like the wind. And they are great for wood but a compromise with coal. Not a great choice.

Re: Craigslist Boilers

Posted: Fri. Mar. 09, 2018 6:37 am
by rswanson330
I've been burning a Tarm 500 every winter since 1996; the first seven or eight winters with wood then coal for the past 15 years or so. I haven't had any issues.
I know parts are difficult or impossible to get, but its an old boiler that has been out of production for a couple decades. I don't imagine they made a lot of these so the shelves are most likely empty. If you need something you're going to have to search eBay, Craigslist or fabricate yourself. I can't speak to the availability of parts for other manufacturer's units that you would find on Craigslist, I don't imagine they would be much more readily available.
My firebox is still fine and my grates are not warped with over 20 years of use. It was a well made unit.

Re: Craigslist Boilers

Posted: Fri. Mar. 09, 2018 6:43 am
by lsayre
rswanson330 wrote:
Fri. Mar. 09, 2018 6:37 am
I've been burning a Tarm 500 every winter since 1996; the first seven or eight winters with wood then coal for the past 15 years or so. I haven't had any issues.
I know parts are difficult or impossible to get, but its an old boiler that has been out of production for a couple decades. I don't imagine they made a lot of these so the shelves are most likely empty. If you need something you're going to have to search eBay, Craigslist or fabricate yourself. I can't speak to the availability of parts for other manufacturer's units that you would find on Craigslist, I don't imagine they would be much more readily available.
My firebox is still fine and my grates are not warped with over 20 years of use. It was a well made unit.
Tarm is still in business and still making boilers. Give them a call. 1-800-STAY-WARM

Tarm Biomass
19 Archertown Road
P.O. Box 322
Orford, NH 03777
800.782.9927

Re: Craigslist Boilers

Posted: Fri. Mar. 09, 2018 8:52 am
by Rob R.
ASea wrote:
Thu. Dec. 21, 2017 8:31 pm
I keep an eye out on Craigslist as I imagine many of us do. Ive been seeing allot of Tarm and one or two Van Wert Simplex hand fired boilers. I imagine that's what the dealers around here sold. Are they good boilers? I understand I would need to do my due diligence and thoroughly inspect the unit in question.

I'm a little intimidated by the cost of a new unit.

Thanks,

Andrew
The Van Wert units are very rugged, and I believe you can get all parts from A&B Van Wert. Call them to confirm.

There is a nice hand fed Van Wert on the Vermont Craigslist. I think hand fed boilers are a poor choice compared to a stoker, but I guess it depends what your expectations are.

Re: Craigslist Boilers

Posted: Fri. Mar. 09, 2018 9:36 am
by coaledsweat
lsayre wrote:
Fri. Mar. 09, 2018 6:43 am
Tarm is still in business and still making boilers. Give them a call. 1-800-STAY-WARM

Tarm Biomass
19 Archertown Road
P.O. Box 322
Orford, NH 03777
800.782.9927
Reincarnated several times now. They are difficult if not impossible to obtain parts for them as has been said. They sell new and parts for same, good luck with anything else.