My old stomping grounds! Lived in Bavaria for 5 years (Shweinfurt) , probably when you lived in Memphis Joe! You were close to 2 main US bases in south DE. I love Germany and Germans!-Brad
My sister lived in Germany for a few years. She says the German people are notoriously 'frugal' I'm sure this firewood company doesn't waste a single wood chip.
Thanks Jeff. This was a super trip. I learned a lot, saw a lot of history, and met my old college roommate who I hadn't seen in 25 years. Firewood in Germany is pretty interesting for sure
Thanks for bringing Germany to your channel. I never had a bad assignment, but my assignment to Kelley Barracks, Mohringen-Stuttgart was one of my favorite assignments. Great food, good people and so much to experience. Enjoy the Journey - Cheers
Definitely Cool Video Joe my Friend. They do Spend alot of time Making all Types of Firewood. I will Be Leaving your Channel for awhile why I take Care of Some Family Business. My Wife just got Diagnosed with COPD and for now needs a little Help with things to do. Also to keep myself well. It hopefully will only be a Short While. In the Mean time Stay Safe Buddy and hopefully be Back Soon. Ron.
Joe, thanks so much for sharing this portion of your trip to Germany. I have only been to Canada once but did ride the Maid of the Mist at Niagra Falls. Looks like you are truly enjoying yourself!
Great stuff Joe! That is one good looking operation. Glad you're getting some good weather on your "working vacation". Very interesting series of videos,thank you mate. It'll be hard to restart when you get home. By the by, a cord measures 3.66 cubic metres. Cheers from HB NZ
When I lived in Germany in the late 60's I had a old VW bus with about 40 hp, usually stayed in the slow lane with the trucks. When we were there in 2018, I noticed that lots of people have a small trailer they can pull with their car rather than own a pickup. Also lots or smaller camper trailers and a few small motor homes. With such high fuel prices, it just makes sense to not have a big vehicle that isn't used much. I hope you got a picture of the semi trucks that haul the logs, a bit different than what you see in North America. Continuing to enjoy the tour and not having to deal with jet lag!
Interesting. I didn't notice. They could predate the wood yard. I'm not sure what this place was before the current company moved in but it did pre exist them
"Forstunternehmen" literally translates to something like "forest company", with "Steinle" being the family name of the owner & boss. Steinle means small stone, so you could tranlaste it as "forest company Pebble" :D It's common in Germany that companies are named after their owner. Most hardwoods I saw were beech, the one you were guessing to be maple was beech as well, if I saw it correctly. Beech is the most favoured firewood in most parts of Germany. If you can have, that's what you go for. It's only because in Bavaria they have so many huge pine woods that they burn a lot of pine as well. Not many people would get the idea of burning soft wood in South Western Germany, where I am. People only want beech here. Even if you tell them "try maple" or "why not oak?", they will likely grumble. As for the length, there is no real "standard" length in Germany, because we have a variety of stoves, from very small to quite big. The only real standard length is one meter (with one m³ filled with one meter long split pieces being the standard volume people reckon with, comparable to your full cords). The smaller sizes are derived from that length: If you divide one meter by 2 (= if you cut it one more time) you get 50 cm pieces. You divide it by 3 (you cut the 1 meter piece another 2 times) you get 33 cm pieces. You divide it by 4, you get 25 cm pieces, which were the pieces you showed towards the end of the video. You even find the occasional old lady who has an oven in her village farmhouse that's so old that only 20 cm pieces will fit inside, but they are getting rare. 50 cm is standard for boiler wood, 33 and 25 are standard for woodstoves. If you are wondering about the short size: Many of our houses are very energy efficient nowadays, and many people live in small, energy efficient appartments. Some are using their stoves only for the living room, but are heating the house with gas or oil. The woodstoves are getting more energy efficient as well, so they are getting smaller and smaller. You just don't need a lot of wood anymore to heat your home. 25 is getting increasingly popular, and people prefer finer splits. Which is actually good, because it dries faster, although you have more work with the spliting. I was wondering how Steinle dries his wood, because I could only see that they split and pile it in your video. With standard Bavarian weather, that wood would never dry if you just left it in a pile under that roof, with 3 walls and a concrete floor, and no chance for ventilation. I checked their website, and they are using drying chambers, so basically they use energy to dry the wood. They don't let it dry by sun & wind. That's usually what the big companies here do. Small companies rely on sun and wind, but the really big companies sell such big quantities, it just makes no sense to have enough space to store all that and wait until it's dry. They dry it as fast as they can and deliver it. It's important to note that this "Forstunternehmen" is doing a couple of other things besides the firewood. firewood is only one branch of the company, although I was surprised that it seems to be the main and biggest one. Usually firewood is a minor branch, especially when the company is a "forest company", and that usually explains the amount of big machines that these companies often have. They just use it for a lot more than only doing firewood. Anyway, long story short: Welcome to Germany and have fun on your trip :D
Good video, I'm enjoying seeing how they do it in Europe 👍 My cousin did work at the decommissioned NATO installation that you showed in your last video. He said he was assigned there until they shut the doors. He met his wife while stationed there. He got a real kick out of seeing what it was turned into, said it is more useful now than it ever was back in his day 😂
WoW *_NEAT Yard!_* Germans are _SO Orderly_ VERY disciplined society. .... I was stationed there for a while as part of 3rd Infantry Division, in Kitzengen (late 80's)
Big clean yard! Elaine from Canada here, Yah I bet you’ve got a lot of questions you’d like answered. Have you encountered anything you’d like to replicate back at your place? Save up for a grapple perhaps? Anyway, looks like you’re holding up well, Thanks for the tour Joe.
this place was pretty big and had a big building for them to store their machines in etc. Having all the roof space would be super nice but I rent my land so I don't want to spend big $$ just yet
G'day Joe, 60 MPH/100 KLPH 3.5 cubic meters to a cord. That circle saw is what you need for docking, faster production less down time and if they give you a diamond 12volt grinder that bolts up to the machine with the cover up you can sharpen it yourself in ten minutes. PS Lowry is making sure you don't film the prototype if you do you're going in the chipper 🤣👍.
Crazy amount of wood. Question, do you or other wood companies ever deal or prevent termites? Even in a sack of smoking wood chunks if I let it sit long enough sometimes the termites take over.
Great video. I live about 100 km south of there. Enjoy beautiful Bavaria. We already had contact a few months ago because I also wanted to buy the JAPA405. It should be delivered by the beginning of June, but JAPA currently does not have the resources for it. Delivery will probably be possible in the next two or three weeks... Now I know why :-) Have fun and good weather. I'm looking forward to more videos from you and even more to my JAPA405 electric version.
Assumptions: Wood Density: For seasoned firewood, a common density is around 500 kg/m³ (this can vary widely). 1 Metric Ton (Tonne): 1,000 kg Step-by-Step Conversion: Convert Metric Tons to Kilograms: 1 Metric Ton = 1,000 kg Calculate the Volume in Cubic Meters: Using the density of wood (500 kg/m³), calculate the volume: Volume ( m 3 ) = Weight ( kg ) Density ( kg/m 3 ) Volume(m 3 )= Density(kg/m 3 ) Weight(kg) Convert Cubic Meters to Cubic Feet: 1 cubic meter = 35.3147 cubic feet Example Calculation: Assume 1 Metric Ton of Wood: Weight = 1,000 kg Calculate Volume in Cubic Meters: Density of wood = 500 kg/m³ Volume (m³) = 1,000 kg / 500 kg/m³ = 2 m³ Convert Volume to Cubic Feet: Volume (ft³) = 2 m³ × 35.3147 ft³/m³ = 70.6294 ft³ Summary: 1 Metric Ton of Wood (with density 500 kg/m³): Volume = 70.63 cubic feet Practical Application: To convert any given number of metric tons of wood into US cubic feet, you can use the following formula, given the density of wood is approximately 500 kg/m³: Volume ( ft 3 ) = Metric Tons × 1000 Density ( kg/m 3 ) × 35.3147 Volume(ft 3 )=Metric Tons× Density(kg/m 3 ) 1000 ×35.3147 For Different Densities: If the density of the wood varies, adjust the density value in the formula accordingly. Here are the conversions for different assumed densities: High-density wood (700 kg/m³): Volume (m³) for 1 Metric Ton = 1,000 kg / 700 kg/m³ = 1.4286 m³ Volume (ft³) = 1.4286 m³ × 35.3147 ft³/m³ = 50.46 ft³ Low-density wood (400 kg/m³): Volume (m³) for 1 Metric Ton = 1,000 kg / 400 kg/m³ = 2.5 m³ Volume (ft³) = 2.5 m³ × 35.3147 ft³/m³ = 88.29 ft³
I did indeed. That's one of the easy things about restaurants is you can forecast if they will need wood while I'm away. So I took steps to make sure that didn't happen. My nap that you saw is evidence that jet lag is real!
Hi Joe - its Big Rodders in Ireland. That sure is some operation. I doubt if they deliver and stack 1/4 or 1/2 cords loads! A cord is 3.72 cubic metres. A tote over here in Éire holds 1 cubic metre so it takes approx 4 totes (or cages as they are called here) to make a cord.
@@ohiowoodburner - Big Rodders again. I didn't see you as I'm 200 miles north of Cork! A little bit of trivia for you - are you aware that Johnny Cash wrote Forty Shades of Green when he saw Ireland flying in on his only trip and marvelled at the greenery he observed?
Hi, Joe, watching you in Germany from Manheim, PA, USA. I am sure there must be a "Manheim" Germany, I thought it neat there is the Monheim; very similar. I will be looking for the new machines and their improvements when they give you those to try out in your woodyard! 😆
Length Conversion: US Length: 16 inches Europe Length: Determine the specific length used in Europe for firewood (commonly 25 cm, 33 cm, or 50 cm) Conversion Between Inches and Centimeters: 1 inch = 2.54 cm Therefore, 16 inches = 40.64 cm Volume Conversion: Cubic Feet to Cubic Meters: 1 cubic foot = 0.0283 cubic meters Cord to Cubic Meters: 1 cord (firewood) = 128 cubic feet = 3.62 cubic meters Weight Conversion: Pounds to Kilograms: 1 pound = 0.4536 kilograms Common European Firewood Measurements: Firewood is often sold by the cubic meter (stere) or by weight (tonne). Typical European firewood lengths: 25 cm, 33 cm, and 50 cm. You may need to adjust your processing equipment or methodology to accommodate these lengths. Steps to Convert and Understand Metrics: Determine the Specific European Firewood Length: If the length is 25 cm (9.84 inches), 33 cm (12.99 inches), or 50 cm (19.69 inches), you need to compare this with your 16-inch length. Calculate Volume in Cubic Meters: Convert your wood volume from cubic feet or cords to cubic meters for European standards. Weight Adjustments: If selling by weight, convert the weight from pounds to kilograms or tonnes. Comparison for Pricing and Efficiency: Compare how much wood you can process based on the different lengths. Understand the European market standards for pricing per cubic meter or tonne. Example Conversion: US Firewood Length: 16 inches (40.64 cm) European Firewood Length: 33 cm (12.99 inches) Volume Calculation: Assume you process 1 cord of firewood (128 cubic feet) in the US: Convert Cord to Cubic Meters: 1 cord = 128 cubic feet = 3.62 cubic meters Adjust for European Length: Calculate the equivalent volume for the European length. If the European length is 33 cm, you need to adjust your volume calculations accordingly. Weight Calculation: Assume you have 1000 pounds of firewood: Convert Pounds to Kilograms: 1000 pounds = 453.6 kilograms Convert Pounds to Tonnes: 1000 pounds = 0.4536 tonnes Key Considerations: Understand the specific requirements and standards of the European market you are entering. Adjust your production and packaging processes to meet these standards. Ensure accurate conversions to avoid any discrepancies in volume or weight when selling in the European market.
Steps for Conversion: Determine the average density of the wood: For this example, let's use an average density of firewood which is approximately 500 kg per cubic meter (this can vary widely). Convert metric tons to kilograms: 1 metric ton = 1,000 kilograms Calculate the volume in cubic meters: Volume (cubic meters) = Weight (kilograms) / Density (kg per cubic meter) For example, if you have 1 metric ton (1,000 kg) of wood with a density of 500 kg/m³: Volume (cubic meters) = 1 , 000 kg 500 kg/m 3 = 2 cubic meters Volume (cubic meters)= 500 kg/m 3 1,000 kg =2 cubic meters Convert cubic meters to cubic feet: 1 cubic meter = 35.3147 cubic feet For 2 cubic meters: 2 cubic meters × 35.3147 cubic feet/cubic meter = 70.6294 cubic feet 2 cubic meters×35.3147 cubic feet/cubic meter=70.6294 cubic feet Convert cubic feet to cords: 1 cord = 128 cubic feet For 70.6294 cubic feet: Cords = 70.6294 cubic feet 128 cubic feet/cord = 0.5518 cords Cords= 128 cubic feet/cord 70.6294 cubic feet =0.5518 cords Summary of the Conversion Formula: Cords = Metric Tons × 1 , 000 Density (kg/m 3 ) × 35.3147 ÷ 128 Cords= Density (kg/m 3 ) Metric Tons×1,000 ×35.3147÷128 Example Conversions: For 1 Metric Ton: With an average density of 500 kg/m³: Cords = 1 × 1 , 000 500 × 35.3147 ÷ 128 = 0.5518 cords Cords= 500 1×1,000 ×35.3147÷128=0.5518 cords For 10 Metric Tons: With an average density of 500 kg/m³: Cords = 10 × 1 , 000 500 × 35.3147 ÷ 128 = 5.518 cords Cords= 500 10×1,000 ×35.3147÷128=5.518 cords Key Considerations: The density of the wood is crucial for accurate conversion. Adjust the density based on the specific type of wood you are dealing with. The moisture content of the wood can significantly affect its density and weight.
I wish we sold by the ton. Scale weight verses volume makes so much more sense to me. Hard to argue over a scale ticket... The fancy phone in your hand doesn't have a language translation app available for it? Awesome opportunity this trip has been and thanks for bringing us along for the ride!👍👍
Actualy, the name of the company is "Steinle". "Forstunternehmen" literally means "forestry enterprise". But well done with the German pronounciation 🙂
I'm sure you already thought about this but, maybe next trip put down all of your questions in a word document. I think you mentioned a few you had of specs, ops, sop, legal, H&S, Policies etc... then before you leave to the next country put it in ChatGPT and it will convert and translate everything for you so you could send it to them before you get their and you can make all the conversions. I think it would make your trip much better experience. Sounds in your voice you want those answers. Few tips here: 100k on the road is around 64 miles an hour, speed of 50k is 32 miles an hour.
In Germany, it's not uncommon to speak German and not speak English. It's similar to small towns in central Pennsylvania where no one speaks German either. OK, the "ü" in Wülzburg (a proper name) is difficult to pronounce. the "ei" in Weissenburg is pronounced as in "either". Charles de Gaulle, who later became President of France, was imprisoned as a prisoner of war at Wülzburg in 1918. The "o" in Monheim is pronounced like "offer". The way you pronounce it, it sounds like "Mannheim" (the "a" as in "after"). One European ton (to) is equivalent to 1.1 short ton (tn) of the USA. Firewood in Europe is available in 3 standard lengths: 25/33/50 cm (~10 / ~13 / ~20 inches) Sawdust and wood chips are used, for example, as bedding for horse stalls and riding halls. Steinle is a fairly small company Selling American machines in Germany is difficult. Firstly, because metric tools do not fit and nobody works with adjustable wrenches. Secondly, because every screw to US standard is not available in the nearest store. Thirdly, because US quality and US service do not have a good reputation. If you don't speak German, you hardly stand a chance with small and medium-sized companies.
Sawdust usually gets turned into "wood briquettes", which is a popular fuel, too. Why operate wasteful like in some other places in the world, when You can do a professional job, too?
US Ton (Short Ton): 1 US Ton = 2,000 pounds = 907.185 kilograms Metric Ton (Tonne): 1 Metric Ton (Tonne) = 1,000 kilograms = 2,204.62 pounds Conversion Between US Tons and Metric Tons: To convert US Tons to Metric Tons: Metric Tons = US Tons × 0.907185 Metric Tons=US Tons×0.907185 To convert Metric Tons to US Tons: US Tons = Metric Tons × 1.10231 US Tons=Metric Tons×1.10231 Practical Example Conversions: If you have 10 US Tons: Convert to Metric Tons: 10 US Tons × 0.907185 = 9.07185 Metric Tons 10 US Tons×0.907185=9.07185 Metric Tons If you have 10 Metric Tons: Convert to US Tons: 10 Metric Tons × 1.10231 = 11.0231 US Tons 10 Metric Tons×1.10231=11.0231 US Tons Summary of Important Conversion Metrics for Wood Processing: Length: 1 inch = 2.54 cm 16 inches (US) = 40.64 cm Common European lengths: 25 cm, 33 cm, 50 cm Volume: 1 cubic foot = 0.0283 cubic meters 1 cord (128 cubic feet) = 3.62 cubic meters Weight: 1 pound = 0.4536 kilograms 1 US Ton = 2,000 pounds = 907.185 kilograms 1 Metric Ton = 1,000 kilograms = 2,204.62 pounds Adjustments for European Market: If you process wood into specific European lengths (e.g., 25 cm, 33 cm, 50 cm), ensure your equipment can accommodate these lengths. When converting volumes, remember that 1 cord of wood in the US is equivalent to 3.62 cubic meters in Europe. For weight conversions, use the above formulas to accurately convert between US Tons and Metric Tons. Example for Practical Use: Scenario: You have 5 US Tons of wood. Conversion to Metric Tons: 5 US Tons × 0.907185 = 4.535925 Metric Tons 5 US Tons×0.907185=4.535925 Metric Tons This ensures that you understand the exact amount of wood you are dealing with when communicating with European counterparts.
