Newbie to vacuum with questions

[archerybs]

After a few years of helping family with their maple operation I have decided to set up my own camp. I was planning on just having a gravity system but, while doing some work at an old dairy farm, I came across a Surge Alamo vac pump(I didn't look at the size) that the owner says he will let me have.
My first questions is what should I look at to see if the pump is worthwhile?
Next is how far can I set up the pump from the releaser and tank? I have power available around 300' from where my tank needs to sit. Any help would be appreciated.

[Haynes Forest Products]

First thing to look at is your wallet. If its full of cash then pass on the free pump. NOW if your funds are like mine you will get your butt over and get the pump and start polishing it. I would say with a 1 1/2" a mile would be fine as far as distance. With that much vacuum line you wont need a BOOSTER:lol::rolleyes::lol:

[Typical8]

That will work. Keep the vac. pump where the power is. A 300' vac. run I would go with a 1 1/4" vac. line to the releaser. The key is with an old dairy pump is to be happy with 16 - 20 inches of vac. They are not made for high vac. when you try to push them too hard you will burn them up.

[archerybs]

Here are some pics that I took of the vac pump as it sits in the milk house. Can anyone tell me how old it might be and if it is even worth messing with?