SS milk tank stand

[poulin]

hi all,

this year will be our first one with a 2x6 evaporator and around 75-100 taps. i have a very clean rectangular old milk tank . i think it is a 200 gallon. it is 48x68. i was expecting to use it as my head tank to feed the evaporator. the problem is the more i think about the stand it would need the more uncertain i become. it is so heavy. i have a tractor to lift it but i am about to give up about the stand.

i saw recent posts about milk tanks so i'm asking myself if someone went thru the same logistic and has good idea about an easy built strong stand ?

alternatively, i consider to keep the milk tank in a shade area because i can't boil everyday as a kind of sap frig and buy a lighter plastic new one ?

thanks for your ideas

[maple flats]

Originally I lifted a 415 gal tank onto my elevated platform using my old 25 hp tractor/loader. I had to use a heavy impliment on the rear to lift. My next one I set using my excavator, that tank is now only 200 gal, the 415 and a 550 gal set on the ground to supply the RO, concentrate goes into the head tank now. For a 2x6 you don't need a 200 gal, but if that's all you have and can't lift it, ask a farmer near you and pay him or barter for syrup.

[cncaboose]

I would use it as your on the ground insulated storage. It's perfect for your size operation. Get a plastic head tank, maybe in the 30 gallon range. Easy to put up and take down for cleaning. I use a 700 gallon bulk tank outside for storage, and a 65 gallon Snyder plastic head tank inside the sugarhouse and am very happy with them. The Snyder tanks are translucent so you can monitor sap supply easily while boiling too.

[wishlist]

I agree, put the milk tank in the shade and find a smaller head tank. I use a 40 gallon food grade barrel with the screw on top which makes it easy to clean, bought it for $10 . I have a float switch in the head tank that will turn on the pump to fill the head tank when needed.

As far as a sight gauge , get some clear schedule 40 pvc and plumb it into your feed line vertical. This tube also works as a " calibration meter" and with a few calculations you will be able to tell instantly your gph .

[poulin]

thanks for your input, it is much appreciated. i was leaning more and more toward having it on the ground and you are confirming. Now i have to find another tank, not so easy around if i don't want to buy new.

[wishlist]

Check craigslist poulin .

[Joust7.1]

What do you use for a pump to fill your head tanK?


I agree, put the milk tank in the shade and find a smaller head tank. I use a 40 gallon food grade barrel with the screw on top which makes it easy to clean, bought it for $10 . I have a float switch in the head tank that will turn on the pump to fill the head tank when needed.

As far as a sight gauge , get some clear schedule 40 pvc and plumb it into your feed line vertical. This tube also works as a " calibration meter" and with a few calculations you will be able to tell instantly your gph .

[adk1]

I am using a 55 gal barrel as a head tank for my 2x6. I cut off the entire top so that I could install the bulkhead fitting in the bottom and for easier cleaning. I have a 275 gal cage tank for my main tank. I use a Wayne electric pump to transfer the sap.