an automatic coal stoker is disclosed having at the base of its hopper an enclosed reciprocating pusher assembly rectangular box shaped which delivers compressingly a defined but variable quantity of coal into a restricted passageway . successive quantities form a compressed strip of coal to be burned between side rails of a fire grate situate and over an air box fed with a forced air supply . as the strip works its way across the substantially horizontal grate , it burns without forming clinkers , discharges ashes at the bottom of the incline , and effects a minimal degree of uncombusted coal in the ashes . the fire grate of the present invention is substantially horizontal throughout its functional length .