A few weeks ago, I visited Metsa Machines in Merrill, Wisconsin, the exclusive North American importer of Japa firewood processors. Having only ever used smaller log splitters before, seeing the Japa 365 in action was eye-opening. Shortly afterward, Metsa Machines kindly delivered a Japa 365 to my wood yard, providing an exciting opportunity to boost my firewood production capabilities.
Installation Insights
Setting up the Japa 365 was straightforward, despite losing the initial delivery footage due to an unfortunate SD card mishap. Transporting and positioning the processor with my Kioti DK5320SE tractor required caution—the 365 weighs around 1,900 lbs, testing the lifting capacity of my tractor. It was manageable but right at the limits, highlighting the need for a robust tractor for safe operation and mobility.
Unfolding the Japa 365 from transport mode involved simple steps: lowering the log lift, setting up the hydraulically driven in-feed roller, and positioning the outfeed conveyor. Overall, this setup was intuitive and hassle-free.
Performance
The Japa 365, particularly the "365 Plus Basic" model I have, easily handles logs from 6 to 12 inches in diameter, with a maximum recommended size of 14 inches. Equipped initially with a six-way wedge and later testing the four-way wedge, I quickly realized the impressive efficiency and productivity gains this processor brings to firewood operations.
I appreciated the PTO-driven model for its powerful performance provided by my 50 HP Kioti tractor engine, offering reliability and significantly less maintenance compared to standalone gas or diesel engine units.
Final Thoughts
Despite some minor operational learning curves—like sharpening chains and fine-tuning the hydraulic log lift—I quickly became comfortable with the Japa 365. Its potential to rapidly boost my firewood output is clear. Moving forward, I’m eager to further refine my workflow and possibly transport the unit to assist family and friends, showcasing its versatility and convenience.
Stay tuned as I continue exploring and sharing more about this powerful firewood processor and my ongoing experiences with the Japa 365!
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