735 Gallon Bulk Tank

[briansickler]

I just bought a 735 gallon Sunset bulk tank yesterday from a retired dairy farmer. It is in excellent condition and still in his milkhouse. I offered him $500. He came back with $600 and I took it. How did I do?

The pipeline is still in the barn. He said he thought the vacuum pump was set up though. Can these pumps be freed up or is it toast? I'm going to see if the glass releaser is still there when I go pick up the tank.

Also, he offered to let me tap his bush next year. But, it's about 20 miles away. I'm going to see how many taps and if it is easy access. It may be worth the trip. He said they had tubing before.

Brian

[markcasper]

Brian, Does the bulk tank work? My dad has the same thing in the milkhouse and uses for milk. It fits in there wonderfully and dad has been on the lookout for one just like it for a spare. Ours was put in back in 1977 so it has a few years on it. He has always told me to keep my eyes open for a working one. As far as $600 and it works, that was a steal.

I will tell my dad about this and see what he says. Course you can certainly keep it and use it for sap. If it is in good shape and has cooling capabiltity then it has more value than just using it for sap storage. Dad does not like round tanks. When you said 735, I knew exactly what you were talking about.

[3rdgen.maple]

Brian more info on the vac pump and you might get a better reply but heres what I think. Since I turn wrenches for a living and deal with vac pumps on a regular basis all I can say is yes it can be repaired, the key is how much it will cost you to buy it and rebuild it. It could cost you more than its worth yet could save you alot of money.