32 Chainsaw Review: Dolmar PS-32 Insights (Expert Arborist Tips)

“Winter is coming.” – Ned Stark, Game of Thrones. And with winter comes the need for firewood. But unlike the Starks facing White Walkers, my battles are against inefficient wood processing and poorly performing chainsaws. Just as a general needs to understand their army’s strengths and weaknesses, I need to understand the metrics that drive success in my wood processing endeavors. Today, I’m diving into the world of Dolmar PS-32 chainsaws and how we can leverage project metrics to optimize our firewood operations. This isn’t just about cutting wood; it’s about cutting smart.

The Arborist’s Edge: Mastering Metrics for Chainsaw Success

Tracking project metrics isn’t just for corporate bean counters; it’s vital for anyone involved in wood processing, logging, or firewood preparation. Whether you’re a seasoned arborist or a weekend warrior, understanding these metrics can dramatically improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the overall quality of your work. Let’s explore how we can use data to sharpen our edge.

Why Track Metrics?

Simply put, what gets measured gets managed. In the world of wood, this translates to:

Increased Efficiency: Identifying bottlenecks and streamlining processes.
Reduced Costs: Minimizing waste and optimizing resource allocation.
Improved Quality: Ensuring consistent product standards.
Enhanced Safety: Identifying and mitigating potential hazards.
Data-Driven Decisions: Making informed choices based on real-world performance.

Now, let’s dive into the specific metrics that I’ve found most valuable in my own experiences and break down how they relate to the Dolmar PS-32 chainsaw, a tool I’ve spent a fair amount of time with.

Key Project Metrics for Wood Processing and Firewood Preparation

1. Chainsaw Fuel Consumption (Liters per Hour)

Definition: The amount of fuel your chainsaw consumes per hour of operation.
Why It’s Important: High fuel consumption can indicate an inefficient engine, a dull chain, or improper operating techniques. Monitoring fuel consumption helps you identify potential problems and optimize your chainsaw’s performance.
How to Interpret It: A significant increase in fuel consumption for the same type of work suggests that your chain may need sharpening, the carburetor might need adjusting, or the air filter could be clogged.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: Fuel consumption is directly related to cutting speed (Metric 2) and overall cost per cord (Metric 3). Higher fuel consumption coupled with slower cutting speed means you’re spending more money and time to process the same amount of wood.

Personal Experience: I remember one particularly cold winter where my Dolmar PS-32 was guzzling fuel like a thirsty lumberjack. I initially blamed the cold weather, but after tracking my fuel consumption over a few days, I realized it had spiked by nearly 20%. A quick inspection revealed a clogged air filter. Cleaning it brought my fuel consumption back to normal, saving me money and extending my saw’s runtime.

Actionable Insight: Use a simple logbook to track fuel consumption for each day or project. Note the type of wood you’re cutting, the chain’s sharpness, and the weather conditions. This data will help you establish a baseline for your Dolmar PS-32 and identify any deviations.

2. Cutting Speed (Cords per Hour)

Definition: The amount of wood (measured in cords, cubic feet, or other relevant units) that you can process per hour.
Why It’s Important: Cutting speed directly impacts your productivity and profitability. Optimizing cutting speed reduces the time required to complete a project and allows you to process more wood in a given timeframe.
How to Interpret It: A consistently low cutting speed could indicate a dull chain, an undersized chainsaw for the task, or inefficient cutting techniques.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: Cutting speed is inversely related to fuel consumption (Metric 1) and directly related to labor costs (Metric 4). Faster cutting speed reduces fuel consumption per cord and lowers labor costs.

Personal Experience: I once tackled a large firewood order using a dull chain on my Dolmar PS-32. My cutting speed was abysmal, and I was exhausted by the end of the day. After sharpening the chain, my cutting speed nearly doubled, and I was able to complete the order in half the time.

Actionable Insight: Regularly sharpen your chainsaw chain and use the appropriate cutting techniques for the type of wood you’re processing. Consider upgrading to a more powerful chainsaw if you consistently encounter large-diameter logs. With the Dolmar PS-32, I’ve found it’s best suited for trees and branches under 12 inches in diameter for optimal speed.

3. Cost per Cord (Dollars per Cord)

Definition: The total cost (including fuel, labor, maintenance, and depreciation) associated with producing one cord of firewood or processing a specific volume of timber.
Why It’s Important: Cost per cord is a crucial metric for determining the profitability of your wood processing operation. Monitoring this metric allows you to identify areas where you can reduce costs and increase your profit margin.
How to Interpret It: A high cost per cord may indicate inefficiencies in your operation, such as excessive fuel consumption, high labor costs, or frequent equipment breakdowns.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: Cost per cord is directly related to fuel consumption (Metric 1), cutting speed (Metric 2), labor costs (Metric 4), and equipment downtime (Metric 7). Reducing any of these costs will lower your overall cost per cord.

Personal Experience: I meticulously tracked my costs for an entire firewood season. I discovered that my labor costs were significantly higher than I had anticipated, primarily due to inefficient splitting techniques. By investing in a hydraulic log splitter, I was able to reduce my labor costs and lower my overall cost per cord by 15%.

Actionable Insight: Create a detailed spreadsheet to track all your expenses, including fuel, oil, chain sharpening, chainsaw maintenance, labor, and equipment depreciation. Use this data to calculate your cost per cord and identify areas where you can cut costs. Consider investing in equipment that can automate or streamline certain tasks, such as a log splitter or a firewood processor.

4. Labor Costs (Dollars per Hour)

Definition: The cost of labor associated with wood processing activities, including felling, bucking, splitting, and stacking.
Why It’s Important: Labor costs can be a significant expense in wood processing operations. Monitoring labor costs helps you identify inefficiencies in your workflow and optimize your labor allocation.
How to Interpret It: High labor costs may indicate inefficient work practices, inadequate training, or the need for additional equipment.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: Labor costs are directly related to cutting speed (Metric 2) and volume of wood processed (Metric 5). Increasing cutting speed and processing more wood per hour will reduce your labor costs per cord.

Personal Experience: I initially underestimated the time it took to stack firewood. By timing myself and my helpers, I realized we were losing valuable time due to inefficient stacking methods. By reorganizing our stacking area and implementing a more streamlined process, we were able to reduce our stacking time by 20%.

Actionable Insight: Track the time it takes to complete each step of the wood processing process, from felling to stacking. Identify bottlenecks and areas where you can improve efficiency. Provide adequate training to your workers and ensure they have the necessary tools and equipment to perform their jobs safely and efficiently.

5. Volume of Wood Processed (Cords per Project)

Definition: The total amount of wood processed during a specific project, measured in cords, cubic feet, or other relevant units.
Why It’s Important: Tracking the volume of wood processed helps you assess the overall productivity of your operation and identify areas where you can increase output.
How to Interpret It: A low volume of wood processed may indicate inefficiencies in your workflow, inadequate equipment, or a lack of demand for your product.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: Volume of wood processed is directly related to cutting speed (Metric 2) and labor costs (Metric 4). Increasing cutting speed and optimizing labor allocation will allow you to process more wood in a given timeframe.

Personal Experience: I noticed that my volume of wood processed was significantly lower during periods of heavy rainfall. This was due to the fact that I was unable to safely operate my chainsaw in wet conditions. By investing in a covered workspace, I was able to continue processing wood even during inclement weather, increasing my overall volume of wood processed.

Actionable Insight: Set realistic goals for the volume of wood you want to process and track your progress towards those goals. Identify factors that may be limiting your output, such as weather conditions, equipment limitations, or inefficient work practices. Take steps to address these limitations and increase your overall productivity.

6. Wood Waste (Percentage)

Definition: The percentage of wood that is wasted during the processing operation due to improper cutting, splitting, or handling.
Why It’s Important: Minimizing wood waste reduces your overall costs and increases the sustainability of your operation.
How to Interpret It: A high percentage of wood waste may indicate improper cutting techniques, dull equipment, or inadequate storage practices.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: Wood waste is directly related to cost per cord (Metric 3) and volume of wood processed (Metric 5). Reducing wood waste will lower your cost per cord and increase the amount of usable wood you can process.

Personal Experience: I used to be quite careless when bucking logs, often leaving small pieces of wood that were too short to split easily. These pieces would eventually rot and become unusable. By being more careful when bucking logs and utilizing these smaller pieces for kindling, I was able to significantly reduce my wood waste.

Actionable Insight: Train yourself and your workers to use proper cutting techniques to minimize wood waste. Invest in sharp equipment and maintain it regularly. Store your wood properly to prevent rot and decay. Consider using wood waste for other purposes, such as kindling, mulch, or wood chips.

7. Equipment Downtime (Hours per Month)

Definition: The number of hours that your equipment (chainsaws, log splitters, etc.) is out of service due to maintenance, repairs, or breakdowns.
Why It’s Important: Minimizing equipment downtime is crucial for maintaining productivity and avoiding costly delays.
How to Interpret It: Frequent equipment downtime may indicate inadequate maintenance, overuse, or the need for equipment upgrades.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: Equipment downtime is directly related to cutting speed (Metric 2), cost per cord (Metric 3), and volume of wood processed (Metric 5). Reducing equipment downtime will increase your cutting speed, lower your cost per cord, and allow you to process more wood.

Personal Experience: I neglected to properly maintain my Dolmar PS-32, and it eventually broke down during a critical project. I had to spend several days repairing it, which resulted in significant delays and lost revenue. I learned my lesson and now perform regular maintenance on all my equipment.

Actionable Insight: Establish a regular maintenance schedule for all your equipment. Keep a log of all maintenance activities and repairs. Invest in high-quality equipment and replace worn parts promptly. Consider having a backup chainsaw on hand in case your primary saw breaks down. I always have a spare chain for my Dolmar PS-32 ready to go.

8. Moisture Content (Percentage)

Definition: The percentage of water in the wood, measured using a moisture meter.
Why It’s Important: Moisture content is a critical factor in determining the quality and burnability of firewood. Properly seasoned firewood (with a moisture content below 20%) burns more efficiently and produces less smoke.
How to Interpret It: High moisture content indicates that the wood is not properly seasoned and will be difficult to burn.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: Moisture content is directly related to fuel efficiency (Metric 9) and customer satisfaction (Metric 10). Properly seasoned firewood burns more efficiently and results in happier customers.

Personal Experience: I once sold a batch of firewood that was not properly seasoned. My customers complained that it was difficult to light and produced excessive smoke. I learned my lesson and now always ensure that my firewood is properly seasoned before selling it.

Actionable Insight: Use a moisture meter to measure the moisture content of your firewood before selling it. Season your firewood properly by stacking it in a well-ventilated area for at least six months. Consider using a kiln to accelerate the drying process.

9. Fuel Efficiency (BTUs per Dollar)

Definition: The amount of heat (measured in British Thermal Units or BTUs) that you get from a dollar’s worth of firewood.
Why It’s Important: Fuel efficiency is a measure of the economic value of your firewood. Higher fuel efficiency means you’re getting more heat for your money.
How to Interpret It: Low fuel efficiency may indicate that your firewood is not properly seasoned or that you’re using an inefficient wood stove.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: Fuel efficiency is directly related to moisture content (Metric 8) and customer satisfaction (Metric 10). Properly seasoned firewood burns more efficiently and results in happier customers.

Personal Experience: I compared the fuel efficiency of different types of firewood and discovered that hardwoods like oak and maple produced significantly more heat than softwoods like pine and fir. I now primarily sell hardwoods to maximize fuel efficiency for my customers.

Actionable Insight: Choose firewood that is dense and properly seasoned. Use an efficient wood stove or fireplace. Consider using a wood stove insert to increase the efficiency of your fireplace.

10. Customer Satisfaction (Percentage)

Definition: The percentage of customers who are satisfied with your product or service.
Why It’s Important: Customer satisfaction is essential for building a loyal customer base and generating repeat business.
How to Interpret It: Low customer satisfaction may indicate problems with the quality of your firewood, your pricing, or your customer service.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: Customer satisfaction is directly related to moisture content (Metric 8), fuel efficiency (Metric 9), and overall quality of your product. Providing high-quality firewood at a fair price will result in happier customers.

Personal Experience: I started surveying my customers after each delivery to gauge their satisfaction. I discovered that many customers were unhappy with the size of the firewood pieces. By adjusting my splitting process to produce more uniform pieces, I was able to significantly improve customer satisfaction.

Actionable Insight: Regularly survey your customers to gauge their satisfaction. Ask for feedback on the quality of your firewood, your pricing, and your customer service. Use this feedback to improve your operation and better meet the needs of your customers.

11. Chain Sharpening Frequency (Hours Between Sharpening)

Definition: The average number of operating hours before the chainsaw chain requires sharpening.
Why It’s Important: This metric is a good indicator of the type of wood being cut, the quality of the chain, and the operator’s technique. Frequent sharpening indicates harder woods or less efficient cutting.
How to Interpret It: A low number of hours between sharpening could mean you’re cutting very hard woods, your chain is of lower quality, or your technique is causing excessive wear.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: Directly related to cutting speed (Metric 2) and fuel consumption (Metric 1). A dull chain leads to slower cutting and higher fuel consumption.

Personal Experience: When I first started using my Dolmar PS-32, I was sharpening the chain almost daily. I realized I was forcing the saw through the wood instead of letting the chain do the work. By improving my technique and using a higher-quality chain, I significantly increased the hours between sharpening.

Actionable Insight: Keep a log of when you sharpen your chain and the type of wood you were cutting. Experiment with different chain types and sharpening techniques to optimize for the wood you’re processing.

12. Log Splitting Efficiency (Cords Split per Hour)

Definition: The amount of wood (cords) that can be split in an hour, either manually or with a log splitter.
Why It’s Important: Measures the efficiency of the splitting process, which is a significant part of firewood preparation.
How to Interpret It: A low cords-per-hour rate may indicate the need for a more powerful log splitter, better technique, or a more efficient workflow.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: Directly related to labor costs (Metric 4) and overall production capacity (Metric 5).

Personal Experience: I started with a manual maul, and splitting a cord of wood felt like climbing Everest. Investing in a hydraulic log splitter dramatically increased my splitting efficiency and reduced the strain on my body.

Actionable Insight: Track your splitting speed and experiment with different splitting techniques and equipment. Consider investing in a log splitter if you’re processing a large volume of firewood.

13. Drying Time (Months to Reach Target Moisture)

Definition: The time it takes for freshly cut wood to reach the target moisture content for burning (typically below 20%).
Why It’s Important: Proper seasoning is crucial for efficient burning and reducing creosote buildup in chimneys.
How to Interpret It: A longer-than-expected drying time may indicate poor stacking practices, insufficient ventilation, or unfavorable weather conditions.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: Directly related to fuel efficiency (Metric 9) and customer satisfaction (Metric 10).

Personal Experience: I learned the hard way that stacking firewood in a damp, shaded area prolonged the drying time significantly. By moving my woodpile to a sunny, well-ventilated location, I reduced the drying time by several months.

Actionable Insight: Monitor the moisture content of your firewood regularly and adjust your stacking practices to optimize drying time. Ensure good airflow and sunlight exposure. Consider covering the top of the pile to prevent rain from soaking the wood.

14. Stumpage Costs (Dollars per Cord Equivalent)

Definition: The cost of acquiring standing timber (stumpage) per cord equivalent of finished firewood.
Why It’s Important: This metric is crucial for understanding the raw material cost of your firewood operation.
How to Interpret It: A high stumpage cost can significantly impact your profitability.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: Directly related to cost per cord (Metric 3) and overall profitability.

Personal Experience: I initially sourced my timber from a local supplier without negotiating the price. I later discovered that I could obtain stumpage rights from a private landowner at a significantly lower cost, reducing my raw material expenses.

Actionable Insight: Research different sources of timber and negotiate the best possible stumpage rates. Consider the transportation costs associated with different sources.

15. Transportation Costs (Dollars per Cord)

Definition: The cost of transporting wood from the source to your processing location or to the customer.
Why It’s Important: Transportation costs can be a significant expense, especially for operations that source timber from distant locations.
How to Interpret It: High transportation costs can erode your profit margin.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: Directly related to cost per cord (Metric 3) and overall profitability.

Personal Experience: I initially used a small pickup truck to transport firewood, which required multiple trips and increased my fuel consumption. I invested in a larger trailer, which allowed me to transport more wood per trip, reducing my transportation costs.

Actionable Insight: Optimize your transportation routes and use the most efficient vehicle for the job. Consider partnering with other firewood producers to share transportation costs.

16. Chainsaw Chain Life (Cords Cut per Chain)

Definition: The total amount of wood (in cords) that can be cut with a single chainsaw chain before it needs to be replaced.
Why It’s Important: This metric helps assess the durability and cost-effectiveness of different chainsaw chains.
How to Interpret It: A short chain life may indicate poor chain quality, improper sharpening, or cutting abrasive materials.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: Directly related to cost per cord (Metric 3) and equipment downtime (Metric 7).

Personal Experience: I experimented with different brands of chainsaw chains and found that some chains lasted significantly longer than others, even when cutting the same type of wood. Investing in higher-quality chains reduced my overall costs.

Actionable Insight: Track the lifespan of your chainsaw chains and experiment with different brands and types to find the most cost-effective option for your operation. Ensure proper sharpening and maintenance to maximize chain life.

17. Sawdust Production Rate (Cubic Feet per Cord)

Definition: The amount of sawdust produced per cord of wood processed.
Why It’s Important: This metric can indicate the efficiency of your cutting technique and the sharpness of your chainsaw.
How to Interpret It: A high sawdust production rate may suggest that you’re using a dull chain or applying excessive pressure, leading to wasted energy and reduced cutting speed.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: Related to fuel consumption (Metric 1) and cutting speed (Metric 2).

Personal Experience: I noticed that I was producing a lot of sawdust when cutting a particularly knotty log with a dull chain. After sharpening the chain and adjusting my cutting technique, I significantly reduced the amount of sawdust produced.

Actionable Insight: Monitor your sawdust production rate and adjust your cutting technique and chain sharpness to minimize waste.

18. Kindling Production (Percentage of Total Volume)

Definition: The percentage of the total wood volume that is processed into kindling.
Why It’s Important: Kindling is a valuable byproduct of firewood production and can increase overall revenue.
How to Interpret It: A low kindling production rate may indicate that you’re not effectively utilizing smaller pieces of wood.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: Related to wood waste (Metric 6) and overall profitability.

Personal Experience: I started collecting and bundling small pieces of wood that would have otherwise been discarded as waste. I sold these bundles as kindling, generating additional revenue and reducing my overall waste.

Actionable Insight: Develop a system for collecting and processing kindling. Consider selling kindling separately or bundling it with firewood.

19. Insurance Costs (Dollars per Year)

Definition: The annual cost of insurance for your wood processing operation, covering liability, equipment, and workers’ compensation.
Why It’s Important: Insurance is a necessary expense for protecting your business from financial losses due to accidents, injuries, or property damage.
How to Interpret It: High insurance costs may indicate a high-risk operation or a poor safety record.
How It Relates to Other Metrics: Related to safety performance and overall profitability.
Actionable Insight: Consult with an insurance professional to determine the appropriate level of coverage for your wood processing operation. Implement safety measures to reduce your risk and potentially lower your insurance premiums.
20. Safety Incidents (Number per Year)
- Definition: The number of accidents, injuries, or near-misses that occur during the year.
- Why It’s Important: Safety is paramount in wood processing operations. Tracking safety incidents helps identify potential hazards and implement preventive measures.
- How to Interpret It: A high number of safety incidents indicates a need for improved safety training, better equipment, or stricter adherence to safety protocols.
- How It Relates to Other Metrics: Related to insurance costs (Metric 19) and overall profitability.
Personal Experience: I implemented a mandatory safety training program for all my workers, which included instruction on proper chainsaw operation, personal protective equipment, and first aid. This program significantly reduced the number of safety incidents on my property.
Case Study: Optimizing a Small-Scale Firewood Operation
Let’s consider a hypothetical small-scale firewood operation run by a single individual. I call him… Bob. Bob starts by simply cutting and splitting wood as needed, without tracking any metrics. He quickly realizes he’s spending too much time and money on the operation.
Initial Situation:
- Cost per Cord: $250
- Cutting Speed: 0.2 cords per hour
- Fuel Consumption: High
- Customer Satisfaction: Moderate (due to inconsistent moisture content)
Bob’s Intervention:
1. Implements Metric Tracking: Bob starts meticulously tracking fuel consumption, cutting speed, labor costs, and moisture content.
2. Identifies Inefficiencies: Bob discovers his chain is dull, his splitting technique is inefficient, and his drying process is inadequate.
3. Takes Action:
  - Sharpens his chainsaw chain regularly.
  - Invests in a log splitter.
  - Improves his wood stacking and drying practices.
Results:
- Cost per Cord: Reduced to $180
- Cutting Speed: Increased to 0.4 cords per hour
- Fuel Consumption: Reduced by 15%
- Customer Satisfaction: Significantly increased (due to consistent quality and moisture content)
Key Takeaways:
By tracking metrics and taking targeted action, Bob significantly improved the efficiency and profitability of his firewood operation. This simple example demonstrates the power of data-driven decision-making in the wood processing industry.
Applying Metrics to Future Projects
The insights gained from tracking these metrics are invaluable for improving future wood processing and firewood preparation projects. Here’s how you can apply these learnings:
1. Set Realistic Goals: Based on your historical data, set achievable goals for each metric (e.g., reducing fuel consumption by 10%, increasing cutting speed by 20%).
2. Monitor Progress Regularly: Track your progress towards these goals on a weekly or monthly basis.
3. Identify Areas for Improvement: If you’re not meeting your goals, analyze the data to identify the underlying causes.
4. Implement Corrective Actions: Take specific steps to address the identified issues (e.g., sharpening your chain, improving your splitting technique, optimizing your drying process).
5. Continuously Refine Your Processes: Wood processing is an iterative process. Continuously monitor your metrics and refine your processes to optimize your efficiency and profitability.
Conclusion
Mastering these metrics is essential for achieving success in wood processing and firewood preparation. By tracking your performance, identifying areas for improvement, and taking targeted action, you can optimize your operations, reduce your costs, and enhance the quality of your work. So, grab your chainsaw (and your moisture meter!), start tracking your metrics, and get ready to conquer the world of wood. Just remember, winter is always coming, and a well-managed firewood operation is your best defense.