Sap ladder question

[michiganfarmer2]

Which is better? The star fitting and 5/16 tubing type sap ladder, or the manifold and mainline type?

Anyone have experience with both?

[OGDENS SUGAR BUSH]

i started out with the stars and have switched all over to the 2 pipe system and i think this gives me better vac below the ladders

[michiganfarmer2]

thank you.

I have a few places that need sap ladders. Mainly because the mains are runing into the ground to get enugh slope. I didnt want to have to redo it later because I diidnt like whatevr I put in first.

[Smith's Maple]

I have four star sap ladders right now. My highest lifts the water 21 ft over the main road. It has 4 6-way stars on it. The last tap on that run holds between 16 and 19 hg. never tried the other system.

[Thompson's Tree Farm]

I use both and sap lifts as well. They all work and have their place. I find that star ladders keep a more stable vacuum above them than the 2 pipe system. For a lot of taps to be lifted, the 2 pipe system is fast and easy to install.

[Haynes Forest Products]

My star ladders were rocking and rolling all season and thawed as fast as the woods without. I have a video of the ladders jumping and swaying from sap running up them

[maple flats]

I haven't used the stars but I have both single and double ladders and both work well. I chose those because they were easier and cheaper to install. My 2 pipe ladders are 8 and 9' high, the 1 pipe one is only 3' high.

[michiganfarmer2]

thank you everyone. I dont have a lot of taps that will be behind the ladders. I think Ill try the star type

[3rdgen.maple]

If you dont have alot on the low end I would use the 6 star myself. That is what I did with 40 on the low end and it works very well as far as I can tell. JUst dont vent the line. Deceiving to the eye but the numbers with no vent tells the truth. Tried it both ways and releaser was dumping about twice as fast unvented.