Sap sucker

[Talcott Family Maple]

Anyone using sapsucker? i have 2 small remot pipelines one with 100 taps and one with 160 taps. Im thinking of trying a sapsucker is this the only option for the small producer? I could connect the 2 lines and add a few more taps if i could use a sap ladder but the most would be 325 is it worth it to go with bigger vacuum and cost?

Thanks Talcott Family Maple
750 taps (450 buckets)
30x8 inferno using MAX flue pan
1950 Ford 8N

[Randy Brutkoski]

There was was on display and running at the maple school in middlebury this weekend and I was impressed. $1000 and no releaser. Great for a small bush.

[Monster Maples]

This question probably depends on who you ask. Two options, sap sucker for a grand, or hobby releaser and a vac pump. Now that they have the hobby releasers figured out better than in the past, it isn't a bad option now. I am unsure of the pricing of them now. I thought they were around $550.00. Good for 500 taps. I have found the old surge pumps for $100 to $200 on craigs list. So, $650 to $1000 depending on what you feel comfortable with. Unless you can find an old glass releaser, then it gets even cheaper.

[maple connection]

I found the old surge pumps work well also, $150.00 for the pump $500.00 for a 500 gallon zero tank and let the sap flow.:)

[jtbucket]

If it is remote I would use the sap sucker because it can run of a 12 volt battery. The expense of power has to be added to pump,releaser,shed etc.

[collinsmapleman2012]

we use one at school, it is a nice pump. only 200 taps on that line, would work well with more. make sure you have a bypass, water isnt supposed to freeze inside the pumps

[tuckermtn]

as Collins said the no freeze inside the pump was the turn-off for me. Have to disconnect and drain pump housing ever time its going to freeze. if that is right at your sugarhouse, no problem- if its a remote site, then I'd be a little more worried. but it sure is simple...