looking at used harman advance stoves

What exActly am I looking for. How is that parts availability and price for this unit. The last thing I want to run into is a situation like I am in with my us stove. Expendable parts at outrageous prices. I figured start, run and shutdown cycles. Anything else come to mind on this particular model

 

Just curious, why are you looking at the advance specifically?

 

Only stove that looks right In my home

 

Followed by the p43 but only slightly

 

Harman...parts...whhhaaaatt?

They don't break, will burn gravel and heat a 5,000 sq/ft house and satisfy all you sexual desires!! At least that is what I've been told!


Sorry to unHormone your post!

 

What you are really saying is it's the one She thinks looks right

 

Chit I didn't know that , I might have to replace the board keeps telling me it's not in the mood

 

Somebody needs to get out of the house more.

 

I hear you. OK, well it's still a model of stove they sell new and looks like parts availability is not an issue. Many of the parts in these stoves are common across multiple models. This place sells parts for all Hormoans, here is the page for the Advance: Harman Advance Pellet Stove Parts - Free shipping on orders over $99

 

You forgot to mention it makes even the worst pellets produce the best heat and lowest ash too. Those harmoans are like magic machines!

 

Not sure looks should be the determining factor. Wanted you to know that a reputable stove technician was helping me pick out a stove and when I asked if Harman's were as strong and reliable as most folks say, he replied that the only model he would stay away from in the Harman line was the Advance based on his service call history. I didn't ask what specifically failed on the Harman Advance or what issue(s) were prevalent with that model of Harman.

 

Cant stick something In the house that dosent look right. My g/fs father has had a harman advance for 16 years and the only thing that went bad was the auger motor a week after they installed it

 

Fixed it for you Will!!

 

I don't know specifically about the Advance - only the P series. but just about everyone online sells parts so you can price shop. I've only replaced gaskets on my stoves (and have a spare igniter because I'm an idiot - but even that was <$60). The only thing I would caution about is that if you think you need a hopper extension, then I don't think you can get one for the Advance (maybe aftermarket?). And if you get the P43 instead (I love mine) the hopper extension is a bit pricy unless you can find a used one on CL. Just be aware the P43 needs bigger side clearances than the Advance, even if it has side shields.

Just make sure there isn't excess rust in the firebox or ash bin. Check behind and see how the motors look (gunky? fairly clean?). Check the plate/label to see how old it is (I've heard some people will claim a "couple years" old, then find out it is really 10+ with an updated board and recent polish). Really about the only other things are the fines box and the igniter area - but those are just cleaning issues. I do see in the manual that it has an extra compared to other Harmans, a brick panel. Might make sure that is in good shape and the locking mechanism for it works correctly. If I remember correctly, those can be pricey (at least it was for my St. Croix Hastings).

Last, but not least, negotiate the price.

 

To try and answer the original question...you can't go wrong with anything Harman. The advance has been around for years. The older ones have a chain drive auger that was somewhat problematic (minor). Other than that and as stated above, repair parts are still readily available. As to price, let us know what you are looking at and maybe we can offer advice...

 

Just looked up the brick panel ( 3-00-06641) and first place I clicked on has them for $65 and another for $43, so even that isn't too bad if the stove should need one.

 

So all my used stove deals fell thru so we went shopping for new harmans and to grab an advance that is still in stock is going to run 4100$ before tax. Same really goes for the xxv and the p61 after upgrades.

 

Man that's a lot. If you are serious about considering a P43 there's one still for sale on CL in Worcester for $2000, also a P68 for $2800. May be worth checking them out?

 

At the rate people aren't buying pellet this season, one would think stove prices would come down somewhat (yeah, I know, cost to make stove didn't go down, but if they want to move stock and have cash flow, they will need to). I would wait at least until spring has truly arrived and see if there are sales on new stoves. In the meantime, there are plenty of Harman's on CL - both from individuals and used stove dealers - keep a lookout.

After looking on CL for your area - I'm amazed there is nothing. There is a P43 for $2200 in Alton, NH, including what looks to be a good amount of double walled pipe. Says only used for 2 years (that can mean several things, but the exterior of the stove looks nice) - and that is just the first listing of 27. Another P43 used only 4 months that looks in excellent shape fro $3k. Looks like there are several Advances and XXV's also.

Might be time to rent a U-Haul van and start looking outside your area.