Originally Posted by my83300cd

Back in what day? I'm using a Jensen coal furnace right now, installed by a PO-burning anthracite. Its shovel fed.
When the burn goes for a long time you have to go at it with a poker and rake to break up the pile.
The grates seem to do ok, as all the air to feed the fire comes from underneath, and with enough draft they stay cool enough.
Biggest issue is chunks of coal/clinkers (ok, once it was a rock) getting jammed in the shaker grate, preventing shake down; unless you can get it free the ashes build up, the draft gets choked off and the fire dies.