Bundling firewood is a great way to save space and store it for later use, and it helps keep firewood dry and easier to transport.
Therefore, if you’re looking for the best way to bundle firewood, this comprehensive guide has you covered.
Also, it will cover the different types of bundlers, strapping materials, and more.
What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing Strapping Material?
A green polypropylene band.
Product Dimensions
When buying strapping material, consider the size and weight of your product. In other words, your trapping material should be strong enough to maintain the stability of your firewood bundle while in transit.
Shipping Distance
Suppose you want to ship your firewood bundle over a long distance. You must use a more sturdy strap so your bundle doesn’t move about or shift during transportation.
In other words, don’t use thin straps; they might not have the strength to manage the load.
Tensile Strength
Tensile strength depends on different factors, including the weight of the bundle you want to strap, the number of straps you’ll use per load, and the strapping method.
Method of Strapping
Do you want to strap your firewood bundles manually or automatically? For example, use a manual strapping tool if you have only a few products to strap in a day.
But, use semi-automatic or automatic machines to strap several products. By the way, automatic machines can handle up to 1000 straps daily.
Virgin Vs. Recycled Strapping
Virgin strapping is suitable if you’re using machine strapping. Just so you know, virgin straps lower the dust that automatic machines create, reducing maintenance costs and downtime.
On the other hand, recycled strapping is ideal for manual strapping and is cheaper than virgin strapping material.
Type of Strapping Material
Firewood bundles.
Polypropylene Strapping
Polypropylene strapping comes in different tensile strengths, sizes, and weights. Moreover, embossing gives polypropylene strapping extra strength and texture for better friction.
When it comes to application, you can apply polypropylene strapping manually or using automated strapping machines.
For your information, plain polypropylene straps can be sensitive to ultraviolet light. On the same note, they might be ineffective when exposed to extremely high temperatures.
Polypropylene strapping is versatile – you can use it in different applications, including the following:
- Appliances
- Direct mail
- Flooring
- Clothing
- Hay baling
- Printed materials
- Millwork
- Pharmaceutical and drug store distribution centers
- Food distribution centers
Polyester Strapping
For your information, polyester strapping is usually smooth in texture but can be embossed.
Heavy-duty polyester strapping has a decent thermal tolerance as it has a higher tensile strength than steel – it holds the tension for longer. In addition, you can tie by hand using a wire buckle.
Polyester strapping is suitable for rigid loads.
While such formulations have a higher tensile strength (up to 2000 lbs), they have a higher price tag and might not be suitable if you are on a budget.
You can use polyester strapping in the following applications.
- Bricks
- Tiles
- Metal
- Lumber
- Stabilizing heavy loads
- Pallets of cans and bottles
Steel Strapping
A tool is sealing steel strapping.
Steel strapping is made from stainless steel and might lose strength when bent at right angles. That’s why steel strapping is probably becoming less common these days.
Nevertheless, the government recommends steel strapping for railroad transport.
For your information, steel doesn’t contract or expand with the load. That explains why steel strapping is suitable for heavy-duty applications. In line with this, you can use steel strapping in the following applications.
- Steel coils
- Bundling metals
- Railroad shipping
- Heavy industrial and manufacturing equipment
- Construction materials
- Baling wire
- Secure closure of metal containers
PVC Shrink Wrap
It is the most common type of shrink-packaging material. In addition, it is low in cost and light in weight. I recommend using PVC shrink wrap for rigid applications because it is strong and can withstand time.
However, use this strapping material in well-ventilated spaces as it can produce dangerous odors when heated.
For your information, PVC shrink wrap is illegal in some countries. Finally, dispose of PVC shrink wrap properly because it emits harmful by-products during decomposition.
Types of Bundlers
Stacks of firewood.
Truck Wagon or Cart
Truck wagons have four robust wheels and can easily move over any terrain, including gravel roads. In addition, these carts have an adjustable handlebar and are easy to push along – even with weighty loads inside.
Wheeled Bundling Equipment
While it’s similar to track wagons (or cats), wheeled bundling equipment has two wheels. Notwithstanding, this wood bundler has an adjustable handlebar and is easy to push around.
Piggyback Wood Chipper
This one has a handy shoulder strap for easy transportation. In addition, it is suitable for frequent transportation of heavy loads over short distances.
Moreover, a piggyback wood chipper is a small size making it an excellent option for users with small wood storage spaces.
Truck Box or Crate
Basic models have a wooden crate fixed to a metal frame. Truck boxes are suitable for smaller bundles that require little loading space.
Moreover, you will need some special tools (saws, axes, etc.) to use a truck box or crate bundler. Likewise, make sure to have straps on your truck bed to secure the bundle firmly so it doesn’t slip away.
Bulk Bag
These bundlers are no different from the bulk bags used in construction. In other words, they require strong strips around their edges for reliable support and balance during transportation.
That way, you can safely transport heavy loads of wood without them slipping away.
Firewood Bundles
The Firewood.
Firewood bundles are your go-to option if you frequently purchase logs in bulk. That’s because firewood bundles have sturdy handles along the sides for hassle-free transportation – even with heavyweight loads.
Conclusion
A bundle of firewood.
With the proper materials and knowledge, you can easily bundle your firewood and make the most out of it. For more information, contact us today.