How It All Began
It all began in 1979 when “Ballario & Forestello” started building its first log splitter, soon followed by circular saws, band saws…

1979
The two Mario’s started to construct the first machinery under the supervision of their grandfather Chiaffredo’s porch. The orders for log splitters began to arrive immediately. Farmers and woodcutters began to have neither the time nor the inclination to chop wood with an axe. The first truck used to deliver the equipment was an old Bedford, and the adventure began!

1980
Handcrafted with sturdy construction, brown paint but with a triple-layer, Ballario & Forestello log splitters are all tested directly on the wood.
As early as 1980, customer satisfaction came first.

1982
At an international trade fair in Verona, Ballario & Forestello made itself known to customers. The first agricultural machinery dealers began to express their interest and place orders.

1985
Transfer to Switzerland (souvenir photo on the Rhine River). Foreign dealers were immediately a success for Ballario & Forestello, which had to satisfy numerous requests. The dealers, who came forward, made some requests for customisations and new models, and the two Mario’s accepted the challenge.

1996
Ballario & Forestello moved to a larger, more modern factory in Verzuolo. There they began to think about extending the range of models.
Circular saws were born, as well as the first systems for firewood processors.

1999
The world’s largest log splitter is commissioned. A large French company had unique requirements, and Ballario & Forestello did not back down. The will is there, and the skills are there to construct such models to this day.

The A100 amazes everyone at the Savigliano trade fair and beyond.

2008
Due to great success Ballario & Forestello , had to overcome the problem of running out of space. Hence, construction of the Manta plant began. This larger, modern building would allow more efficient production. The name was shortened to Balfor to make Ballario & Forestello more international.

2010
A new working method, in-house design and optimised series production lines began to be developed in Manta immediately. The new models are liked and appreciated for their quality and innovative design.

TODAY
Balfor products are now appreciated all over the world. The enthusiastic and willing distributors of Balfor products continue to place their trust in us after more than 40 years. End-users of our products are the force that allows us to go on and improve all the time!

Samurai - Model 700 Expert -Pull-Style Saw