FAQs

How do I unhook the Roll-off FireBox from my truck?

You can unhook the FireBox just like a normal can. Slowly unload the FireBox off the truck. It is important that you do not “slam” the front of the roll-off, where the engine is located, onto the ground. This could cause a misalignment of the engine-to-air-fan coupler due to stress on the motor mounts.

What specification do the Air Burners Roll-Off FireBoxes meet?

Our Roll-Off units meet the ANSI spec Z245.60.

Can I drag the roll-off FireBox on the ground once I have it in the preferred location?

Yes. You can pull the machine with the proper equipment; just be mindful of the bottom rails.

When loading the FireBox on my truck, what do I need to be aware of?

Make sure no residual ash or leftover debris is in the FireBox before driving. Make sure the latch of the rear doors of the FireBox is locked down and the safety bolt secured. Make sure all safety mechanisms on your truck installed to secure the FireBox or can for transport are properly in place.

How do I clean the ash out of the roll-off?

It is best to use an ash rake to remove the ash out of the FireBox. When lifting the Roll-Off FireBox onto the truck, any residual will slide out. (WARNING – do not load and transport the FireBox with hot ashes and unburned debris inside)

Why do you have a floor on your Roll-Off's and not on your standard FireBox and what is the floor made of?

The floor is required to accommodate the rails in the Roll-Off version. The floor has two layers, an upper and a lower layer. Air circulates to cool the bottom of the FireBox. The upper steel layer is designed so it can be replaced after years of use, as the steel floor will eventually deteriorate from the intense heat.

I haul 20 foot cans with my truck. Will I be able to carry an S-119R?

Assuming your truck has three axles, it should be able to carry the S-119R.

With the Roll-Off version of your FireBox, can you use a hooklift truck to move the FireBox?

Yes. Before ordering the FireBox, specifications can be custom made to fit your hook-lift truck. The Roll-Off FireBox is designed for standard cable hoist trucks. If you are interested in a S-119R, you should use a tri-axle truck to move the FireBox around. Please review the specification sheet for size and weight of the Roll-Off FireBox.

How do I get the ash out of the BurnBoss?

After burning down your last load of the work shift, there is mostly ash left. Take these steps:

1. Connect the towing vehicle (pick-up truck) to the hitch.
2. Raise the FireBox and secure it.
3. Tow the BurnBoss away briskly to keep the tires from getting damaged by any hot ash. 

Can I hand load the wood waste into the BurnBoss?

Yes. When hand loading, make sure to wear the appropriate fire protective gear eye protection, etc. You should load over the manifold and position the machine such that the prevailing wind blows from the manifold side over the FireBox. Be aware of possible spot fires on the ground, and keep the area around the BurnBoss clean. (WARNING – if several persons are hand loading, everyone should load from the same side to avoid injuries).

What type of trailer connection does the BurnBoss have?

The BurnBoss has a standard 2 5/16" ball hitch connection and electric brakes. The ball hitch can be interchanged with an optional pintle (military) hitch. Order it with the BurnBoss.

How fast can you trailer the BurnBoss?

55 MPH. Please review the manual for trailering instructions. Before towing, always inspect the tires to insure they were not damaged by the radiant heat from the FireBox.

How long is an electric motor supposed to last?

10 years or more if it is used within the design criteria of the FireBox.

What is the “cool down” setting on the motor controller for?

The cool down is for the protection of the manifold on the FireBox. This allows the metal to cool slowly by blowing some air through it, so it does not warp from the intense heat in the burn chamber.

What type of service is needed on the electric motor?

Just a couple grease points to service from time to time.

What are the benefits of an electric motor vs. a diesel motor?

1. Lower operating costs (fuel vs. electric)
2. Virtually no maintenance
3. Lower noise
4. No warm up time needed
5. No refueling needed

Do I need to program the VFD?

No, the VFD is programmed at the factory.

What about other countries and different voltages?

Air Burners can supply any voltage or frequency required; just let us know when you order.

How is the speed of the fan with an electric motor adjusted?

The electric motor is controlled by a VFD (variable frequency drive) housed in a NEMA 4 control box.

What electric connection is needed in the USA to power the electric motor on the FireBox?

480 Volt balanced 3 Phase, 60 Hz. Lower line voltages can be accommodated.

How much electricity is used on the electric motor?

75 horsepower motor is equivalent to approximately 56 kW (About 80 A at 480V 3-phase line voltage).

30 horsepower motor is equivalent to approximately 22 kW (About 32 A at 480V 3-phase line voltage).

What size is the electric motor used in the FireBox?

The S-327 has a 75 HP motor. The S-220 and smaller models will be equipped with a 30 HP electric motor.

How are the electrically driven FireBoxes controlled?

The electric FireBoxes use a variable frequency drive (VFD) to control the electric motors. The control panel is very simple and includes an on/off switch and a dial to select different fan speeds.

What is the delivery time for an air curtain burner?

Typically 2-3 weeks, if not in factory inventory for a trench burner. Delivery time for a FireBox or BurnBoss machine is typically 3-5 weeks after receipt of order.

Will Air Burners sell systems to overseas destinations?

Yes. We regularly ship overseas. Payment terms are typically cash by wire transfer or irrevocable L/C confirmed by a major U.S. bank. We also welcome inquiries from exporters. We can handle communication in English, German, Spanish, and French.

Our S-100 Series machines (S-119 & S-116) are shipped in a 40-foot high cube ocean shipping container. Container rates to most destinations around the world are quite reasonable. The larger models are shipped on a flat-rack (oversize) or break-bulk.

How much waste can I burn in an Air Burners air curtain burner?

Please refer to machine’s specification sheet.

How much does one of your machines cost?

For a price range overview, go here.

We would be happy to quote our prices to you, or refer you to an authorized reseller nearest to you.

Please contact our sales department Phone: 772-220-7303 or 888-566-3900; Fax: 772-220-7302 or complete our form.

Mail and Courier Deliveries:

AIR BURNERS, INC.
4390 SW Cargo Way
Palm City, Florida 34990, USA
Attn. Sales Department

I would like to have a reference so I can call someone who has an Air Burners system. Will you give me your customer list?

No. We respect the privacy and confidentiality of all our customers and we do not participate in the exchange of any customer lists whether generated by sales or through inquiries. We do have a list of customers who have agreed to serve as references, and we can arrange visits to their sites. This can be arranged by calling our sales department at 772-220-7303.

We maintain a list of our customers who are interested in mobilizing their equipment during natural disasters (hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, etc.) or bio-security contingencies (for example, Department of Homeland Security and FEMA programs). This list is only available to Government Agencies.

How do I hook up the electric brakes on the Trench Burner to my pickup truck?

Our trailer mounted trench burner (applies to all models) is equipped with electric brakes. A suitable brake controller on the towing vehicle, such as a NAPA Part Number 89241 or a Tekonsha Part Number 9055, must be used in the tow vehicle.

The proper electrical connector ("pig tail") must also be used to electrically connect the towing vehicle to the trailer, in order for the brakes (and lights) to operate properly. All late model trench burners are fitted with the new type "RV" style plug to match the receptacle factory installed on most US pickup trucks. Make sure that you follow all applicable laws and regulations regarding over-the-road trailer towing in your local area.

Do you have a hitch adapter for the trench burner from MIL (pintle) hitch to standard ball hitch on my pick-up truck?

Yes, on older models, the heavy-duty adapter bolts onto the trailer tongue and adapts it to a standard 2 5/16 inch (58.7mm) ball hitch. On newer models, the standard ball hitch insert can be replaced with a pintle hitch unit.

Can I substitute the standard Perkins or Kubota Diesel engine with an electric motor or a different brand of diesel engine?

No. Air Burners, Inc. only sells complete systems and spares for its systems. We do not support home-made machines. Air Burners machines are engineered and designed to meet or exceed applicable government regulations (such as U.S. EPA Regulations) for Air Curtain Burners. We have hundreds of hours of testing with regulatory authorities from around the world to ensure our machines are in compliance with prevailing rules and regulations.

Can I purchase components from Air Burners and build my own machine?

No. Air Burners, Inc. only sells complete systems and spares for its systems. We do not support home-made machines. Air Burners machines are engineered and designed to meet or exceed applicable government regulations (such as U.S. EPA Regulations) for Air Curtain Burners. We have hundreds of hours of testing with regulatory authorities from around the world to insure our machines are in compliance with prevailing rules and regulations.

Are spares available for older models from Air Burners?

Air Burners, Inc. makes every effort to support all its systems and equipment with spares at reasonable costs and delivery times. Prices list for spares can be requested from our Customer Service department (Click here for the Contacts Page). For engine maintenance and repair, contact the factory or your nearest authorized service center for the respective engine manufacturer, or your authorized Air Burners dealer.

Will Air Burners help me to get my new air curtain machine permitted in my state or province and do you have test data?

Its machines meet applicable federal and state or local (county/municipal) regulations. Extensive emissions test compiled by independent and accredited engineering firms and various governmental agencies in recent years substantiate the superior performance of our patented designs, with levels of emissions and opacity significantly below required levels, especially particulate matter (PM).

Air Burners will make every effort to support its clients with the permitting process, but we do not obtain or apply for the permits directly. Permitting in many states is usually quite simple, especially in those states where our machines have already been permitted previously.

Is there any reason why I should not make my trench as deep as I can?

No, 8 to 10 feet is our recommendation, some additional depth will give you a little more volume. Consult the spec sheets for pit dimensions. A few jurisdictions have rules in place that limit the pit depth.

How long will the Trench Burner last?

Many Air Burners trench burners are still in service after more than 30 years. We have been manufacturing our traditional T-Series trench burners for more than 30 years.

How long does it take to set up a Trench Burner?

It takes one operator about 3-5 minutes to set up the T300 without the need to employ ancillary equipment. This does not include the time it takes to dig the trench.

How do I use a Trench Burner where the water table is high and it's difficult to maintain a pit?

It would be best to use a FireBox.

Can I burn chips or mulch that I have piled up and that now nobody wants? Taking them to the landfill will cost me a fortune, and the Fire Marshal wants me to get rid of them fast as they are a fire hazard or they may go septic and endanger the water table.

No. Chips and mulch are too dense to burn in the air curtain machines; they will smolder and create too much smoke for the air curtain to contain.

Will you train and certify our operators on the use of Air Burners' equipment, and if so, at what expense?

Yes, we have field technicians who specialize in training and operator certification. There is a per diem charge for this service, and, additionally, the client pays travel and related expenses for the technician. Usually, three days are scheduled for the training, including travel time.

Can I use my stretch RGN to transport an S327 FireBox?

Yes, the RGN is a good trailer, provided the well is long enough to accommodate the entire FireBox.

How do I determine the center of gravity of my FireBox?

The approximate center of gravity is marked on all FireBoxes manufactured from 2001 onward. What is the usual way to transport an Air Burners T-Series?

The T Series units are designed to be pulled around by a pickup truck. Customers sometimes pick up their mobile units by pick-up truck. Air Burners ships all its trench burners with an installed adapter from MIL hitch to ball hitch for that purpose.

Your towing vehicle must be equipped with an electric brake controller, the proper hitch and wiring, and it must be large enough to handle the T-Series gross weight. The dual-axle trailer is equipped with electric brakes on and is properly balanced to facilitate highway towing.

What is the usual way to transport an Air Burners S-Series or T-Series machine from your factory to my landfill or place of business?

You would contract with a common carrier to have the S-Series machine (Dimensions & Weight Table) picked up by a drop-deck, low-boy trailer or RGN trailer. The trucker will usually take care of all the loading, rigging, over-size load road permits, etc.

All our machines can be transported by any drop-deck trailer, "low-boy" or suitable dual sliding axle ("Landoll") trailer (the latter usually obviating the need for a crane). The S-200 and S-100 Series units are not over-size and a flatbed trailer will usually suffice to meet the definitions of a "legal" load.

The T-Series units are transported by 102" wide flatbed trailer. Two units can be carried on one truck. The load is not over-size. Customers sometimes pick up their mobile units by pick-up truck. Air Burners ships all its trench burners with an installed adapter from MIL hitch to ball hitch for that purpose.

Your towing vehicle must be equipped with an electric brake controller, the proper hitch and wiring, and it must be large enough to handle the trench burners gross weight. The dual-axle trailer is equipped with electric brakes on and is properly balanced to facilitate highway towing.

We will be pleased to recommend or book for you a Common Carrier that has experience with transporting both our S-Series and T-Series air curtain burners.

Overseas (international) shipments are preferably handled by Kühne & Nagel, Inc., unless requested otherwise by the customer. They provide all logistics support, including door-to-door deliveries to most countries, as well as local customs clearance and they also handle our letters of credit.

What is the best way to load and unload a FireBox? What kind of trailer should be used?

We recommend the use of a properly rated crane to lift the units on and off the trailer. A "Landoll"-type sliding axle trailer may be used without the need for a crane for the S200 and S100 units.

But there are many other ways to unload the FireBox from a flatbed or RGN trailer in the field. If you have an RGN, you could simply pull it off upon disconnecting the goose neck. If you use a flatbed as is most common, you could lift the FireBox with a couple of excavators from each side and pull the trailer away from underneath. This is also a simple way to load the FireBox again.

You could also build a ramp from dirt and back the trailer up against it and drag it off the trailer. Make sure the ramp is level with the trailer deck, so the unit does not tilt down and dig into the dirt of the ramp while it is being dragged. Some customers have dug a trench long enough for the trailer to be backed into and the deck level and even with the ground in the back for simply pulling the FireBox straight off.

Can I use my stretch RGN to transport an S-327 FireBox?

Yes, the RGN is a good trailer, provided the well is long enough to accommodate the entire FireBox.

How do I prepare my FireBox for transport? Is there anything to disassemble?

The rear door handle should be secured with the provided locking bolt and nut, and the panels should be checked for proper positioning in their brackets. They are tack welded to the frame to prevent their popping up on bumpy roads. There is nothing to disassemble.

How do I drag my FireBox without causing any damage to it?

Attach a properly rated steel cable or chain to the eye pad in the front of the machine and drag it with a bulldozer or excavator sufficiently powered to handle the weight of your S-Series unit. The 300 Series units weigh approximately 54,600 lbs.; the 200 series 36,000 lbs., and the 100 series 26,000 lbs. Make sure there are no major obstacles in the way, such as large stumps or rocks.

It is imperative that you open both rear doors before dragging the unit, so that no soil will push up against the doors and any ashes inside the FireBox will fall out.

What is the best way to transport my S-Series FireBox?

You would contract with a common carrier to have the S-Series machine (Dimensions & Weight Table) picked up by a drop-deck, low-boy trailer or RGN trailer. The trucker will usually take care of all the loading, rigging, over-size load road permits, etc.

All our machines can be transported by any drop-deck trailer, "low-boy" or suitable dual sliding axle ("Landoll") trailer (the latter usually obviating the need for a crane). The S200 and S100 Series units are not over-size and a flatbed trailer will usually suffice to meet the definitions of a "legal" load. The S300 Series Firebox is an oversized/overweight load that will require road permits.

How are Air Burners machines used in post-wildfire cleanup operations?

Air Burners machines, specifically air curtain burners, are instrumental in post-wildfire cleanup operations, providing efficient and environmentally responsible disposal of vegetative debris. These machines have been effectively utilized in various real-world scenarios:

Cobb Mountain, California: In December 2022, Lake County and Cal Fire funded the pilot use of an air curtain burner in the Cobb Mountain area. This initiative aimed to reduce forest fuel loading by allowing brush and slash piles to be cleared and burned as cleanly as possible, thereby facilitating safer and more efficient post-wildfire cleanup.

Sierra Nevada, California: In response to a massive die-off of trees in the Sierra Nevada, Cal Fire implemented air curtain burners to incinerate dead trees and prevent further wildfires. This method was preferred over other disposal means due to its efficiency and environmental benefits, such as eliminating soot, a major contributor to climate change.

Memorial and Pescadero Creek Parks, California: In October 2023, San Mateo County Parks, in coordination with Cal Fire and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, employed an air curtain burner to dispose of approximately 130 tons of logs and woody debris. This approach provided environmental and logistical benefits, including reduced smoke and particulate emissions, and efficient processing of material.

These examples demonstrate the practical application of Air Burners machines in post-wildfire cleanup, highlighting their role in enhancing environmental safety and operational efficiency.

How are air curtain burners used for the disposal of trees killed by beetles or other pests?

Imported pests, such as the Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) in Chicago and New York and many other states, the Brown Spruce Longhorn Beetle (Tetropium fuscum) in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada), or the Spruce Bark Beetle in Alaska, California and Canada, and other beetles, such as the Black Turpentine Beetle in Florida and the Ashbore in Michigan and Ohio pose a serious threat to our trees and other vegetation.

The USDA had stated that there are currently no known treatments to fight the Asian Longhorned Beetle or certain similar beetles, such as the pine beetle. The only sure way of control it is to remove affected trees and burn the refuse. The patented Air Burners S-Series air curtain burners are the most suitable devices used to help combat the spread of devastating beetles at the locations of infestation.

An Air Burners S-327 (formerly S-127) system was used for approximately seven months through January, 2001 at the Point Pleasant Park, Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada) location, where thousands of Brown Spruce Beetle infested trees were burned in order to assure that all healthy trees were saved from devastation, and the spread of the beetle across the Canadian forests halted.

The Air Burners system attains very high temperatures that assure complete destruction of all organisms, pathogenic and otherwise, yielding a sterile ash. Studies to support this conclusion were carried out first by Fountainhead Engineering in 2001 in Chicago, and by several government entities since, including the UK and Australian Governments.

Reports indicate that the method of converting beetle infested trees, including trees dying from "Sudden Oak Death Syndrome" in California, to fire wood or mulch, or just chopping them up for land filling has had rather devastating results: entire areas of previously healthy trees or vegetation became infested, counteracting what little apparent economic gain may have been achieved with tremendous additional costs to the tax payer.

There are several advantages of using Air Burners S-Series to help combat beetle infestations:

- The Air Burners units' mobility allows quick deployment and re-deployment to troubled sites. Their operation is very cost-effective, and the capital cost relatively modest.

- Large sections of tree trunks can be introduced in one piece, obviating the need for costly chipping and handling and the related danger of releasing and spreading undesirable organisms.

- No gas or electric power is needed, as the units feed for combustion on the very waste that is to be burned.

- Operation as close to 100 yards to occupied dwellings is possible with very little smoke menace, and emissions fall well within applicable EPA limits.

- Transportation costs are very low and limited to ash removal once the unit is in place.

- The residual product, the ash, is sterile and is a beneficial byproduct, a soil enhancer for clay-like soils or potting soil. Landfill tipping fees are eliminated. This puts the entire procedure in the category of recycling, yielding a residual product for beneficial re-use.

Go HERE for more details on the burning of beetle infested trees.

What role do your air curtain burners play in wildfire mitigation efforts in the Western States and elsewhere?

Air Burners Systems are being employed for forest fuels reduction in an effort to mitigate the dangers of wildfires, especially in the urban-wildland interface areas, often replacing expensive chippers and masticators, or working in conjunction with them. Also, using a FireBox is more environmentally friendly.

What experience does Air Burners have with urban-interface slash clean-up and disposal?

Our FireBoxes are used very successfully for that purpose. Several fire boxes were actually funded by the USDA's Western States Urban Wildland Interface Grant Program.

Federal grant money continues to be available for a variety of such programs.

Can the FireBoxes be operated within a forest environment?

Yes. It is more desirable and practical to use our air curtain burners for slash or fuels reduction than any other method of disposal. The S200 Series was specifically designed for use in the deep forest.

How long should the cleared brush dry out before it is burned in a Trench Burner or FireBox?

Fresh cut wood waste can be burned as soon as it is cut. There is no requirement for drying. This also applies to waterborne debris collected from waterways or coastal beaches.

What do I do with the ashes?

You will have a mix of biochar and ash from your standard FireBoxes. Most of the time the biochar and ashes are land applied onsite. Some customers will screen the material and sell the biochar separately for $140 a cubic yard.  Wood ash can be useful as an additive to potting soil, or it can improve the condition of loamy soil. As it is alkaline in nature, it is often mixed into landfill ground cover material as a de-acidifier.

Must the fire be totally out at night?

Yes and no. Local regulations sometimes, but not always, require that the fire be out at the end of the burn day. When handling ashes, it must be assured that possible hot embers, etc. in the ashes do not start a fire outside the pit or firebox.

Our optional ember screen for our FireBoxes was designed for use in the deep forest to help prevent embers from escaping after hours, should any hot coals be left in the bottom of the fire box and should weather conditions change unexpectedly. It is placed over the top of the fire box at the end of the work day.

How do I burn stumps?

You can throw whole stumps in the FireBox or trench, but it is best to split larger stumps. This will provide more surface area and will result in a hotter and faster burn.

How many acres can I clear with a T-300 in a day?

In the southern part of the U.S., you can clear about 1-5 acres in a ten-hour day, depending on how many trees there are per acre.

How much money do I save if I replace my grinder with one of your air curtain burners?

The economics are quite straight forward. The air curtain burner will reduce the wood waste mass by about 98-99%; the chipper does NOT reduce the mass, it just repackages it to make it more transportable. Ten tons (20,000 lbs.) of wood waste in the air curtain burner end up as approximately 400 pounds of ash. Ten tons of wood waste in a grinder ends up as ten tons of chips. The purchase price of a grinder is much higher than that of an air curtain burner, and it costs much more to operate a grinder.

Is continuous operation feasible?

Yes, for a period of about 20-22 hours, or until the ash level reaches about 3 feet. It is best to clean out the fire box or pit every morning, however. Florida usually allows around-the-clock burning, but only in FireBoxes, for hurricane disaster clean-up. The Los Alamos National Laboratory operated our air curtain burners for many months continuously, Mondays through Thursdays, 24 hours a day, as part of its wildfire rehabilitation project after the Cerro Grand Fire in New Mexico.

The U.S. EPA has developed special regulations for the use of air curtain FireBox burners used for clean-up of a declared disaster. Operators can commence with using the air curtain burner immediately without the need to file for any permits.

Can I burn mulch and chips in a FireBox or earthen pit?

No. Ground or chipped wood waste is too dense to burn. It will smolder and the air curtain will not be able to contain the resulting smoke (particulate matter or PM).

It is important to understand that there is no need to grind or chip the wood waste before combusting it in an air curtain burner. The FireBox is a whole log burner; the waste is loaded without any preprocessing.

Can I get a FireBox at short notice for disaster recovery work if I pay a premium? What would the shortest delivery time be? Do you keep units in factory inventory?

We often have the S300 series and S200 series in stock. If not in inventory, we are able to deliver any FireBox in a few weeks’ time. Overtime premium may be charged for emergency rush orders.

Can I burn sawdust?

No. It is too light and will be blown around by the air curtain. Like chips and mulch grindings, sawdust is too dense to support combustion, as proper air circulation cannot be achieved. The material will only smolder, and the process would also release excessive smoke.

We manufacture and refurbish wooden pallets and generate a lot of wood waste. Presently, we grind the waste and take it to our local landfill. Tipping fees and fuel cost make this method very expensive and we spend thousands of dollars every month to get rid of the wood waste. There must be a better way. Can you help?

Many pallet manufacturers use our air curtain FireBox systems to eliminate grinding and hauling of wood waste altogether.

Using the FireBox will save on removal of wood waste costs compared to grinding and hauling. This will also be the more environmentally cleaner way to provide an end solution for the wood waste.

NOTE: Pallets burn extremely hot. When burning pallets, do not load the FireBox more than about 3/4 of its height; otherwise the excessive heat may cause damage to the manifold and other structures which may not be covered under your warranty.