sap lift, ladder, or buckets?

[eagle lake sugar]

I have around 75 taps below my sugarhouse and wonder what would be my best option. It's about a 15' lift from the bottom of the valley to my extractor and about 100' of length. I'm leaning towards a reverse slope sap lift for around $500. Running a separate vacuum line and electric cord for a light bulb heater is no problem. I just wonder how much of a vacuum hog it would be, if I'd be better off with a ladder, or just use buckets. Any suggestions?

[mapleack]

I have around 75 taps below my sugarhouse and wonder what would be my best option. It's about a 15' lift from the bottom of the valley to my extractor and about 100' of length. I'm leaning towards a reverse slope sap lift for around $500. Running a separate vacuum line and electric cord for a light bulb heater is no problem. I just wonder how much of a vacuum hog it would be, if I'd be better off with a ladder, or just use buckets. Any suggestions?

If it's only ever going to be 75 taps or so put in a 5/16 star ladder with one tube per 10 taps or so. That'll be your cheapest option. You may need to make a small leak using a needle valve to get constant lift in the ladder. With that few taps a lifting tank is way way too expensive for not much benefit. I've got some that height / tap range and they work fine!

[Gary R]

I'm not too sure about the reverse slope lifts. If you look at catalog they may take 10CFM. That's a pretty expensive lift. I lift 136 taps through a 14', 3/4", two pipe ladder. I'm sure the 75 taps would be fine on a single 3/4" pipe. That is by far the least expensive option. In my two years of running the ladder I have averaged 26 gal. of sap per tap.

[spencer11]

I'm not too sure about the reverse slope lifts. If you look at catalog they may take 10CFM. That's a pretty expensive lift. I lift 136 taps through a 14', 3/4", two pipe ladder. I'm sure the 75 taps would be fine on a single 3/4" pipe. That is by far the least expensive option. In my two years of running the ladder I have averaged 26 gal. of sap per tap.
do you think you could post a pic of what you mean by the 2 pipe ladder? ive heard several people talking about it and not quite sure how it works

[eagle lake sugar]

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I've been convinced to go with a ladder. Steve

[Gary R]

Go to this link for more information on sap ladders.

http://www.ontariomaple.com/index.php?action=display&cat=38&doc=2004_summary_sap_ladder_project-Final_Rep_June_2304.pdf

[tuckermtn]

Spencer- I have one in my woods here in Andover if you care to see one "in person". Will also be building one for a buddy in New London in the next few weeks.

super simple to build and cheap.

[ennismaple]

do you think you could post a pic of what you mean by the 2 pipe ladder? ive heard several people talking about it and not quite sure how it works

Our 2 pipe ladder is found on this page: http://ennismaple.com/photo-gallery/

A double "spider" ladder we use is found here: http://s246.beta.photobucket.com/user/ennismaple/media/2009-03%20Mar%20Sugar%20Making/n507959638_1638840_35638651.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0#/user/ennismaple/media/2009-03%20Mar%20Sugar%20Making/n507959638_1638840_35638651.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0&_suid=135836144243406997742272580291

[spencer11]

Spencer- I have one in my woods here in Andover if you care to see one "in person". Will also be building one for a buddy in New London in the next few weeks.

super simple to build and cheap.

I might be up there at highland in the next couple weeks so if your around I would like to see one, I might need it for next year

[tuckermtn]

the bush it is on is about 3 minutes from highland off of Flaghole Road. I can give you easy directions if I am not around.