Automatic Draw off

[Ed K]

I'd like your thoughts on used automatic drawoff systems?

[Fred Henderson]

I know nothing about them but I am glad that you started this topic because I want one. :D

[Maple Hill Sugarhouse]

post edited.

[brookledge]

Ed
As far as used ones, I'd stay away from the older style (chollete) I think thats the correct spelling. Anyways they were not that reliable and where not very precise so they are not that accurate. If you want to use that style to get it close and then finish it in a finisher it might work ok.
If you look back in this section you will find other post about them.
I don't think you will find many used marclands on the market (newer style). There is also another brand out there also.
Keith

[maplehound]

I have a Marcland, and I wouldn't be without it. Although you are right I am right there watching it draw 90% of the time. It is the other 10% that scares me though 8O I have stepped out of the sugarhouse several times just to return and find a bucket of syrup waititng.
Ron

[Parker]

I have a Marcland and have boiled with my evaporator 3 seasons,,I still dont feel comfortabel to use the draw off feature,,I think it would me becomming complacant and not paying close enough attention to the rig,,I do use the temp sensor and the high temp alarm part,,,they are very helpful,,,alot easier for me to see the temp is 219deg when it digital than trying to count those littel marks on the thermomiter in the pan,,,,I think if I were oil fired I would run the draw part of it,,,,,,,for me boiling is a lot like how I have herd piolts discrib flying 99% bordem 1%sheer terror,,,,,,I want to be paying close attention to the rig

[HanginAround]

LOL Parker, sounds about right with the boredom/terror.

[maplehound]

Parker,
I know the feeling!!!!!!!!! HOwever my draw off has helped me (and my father)feel more comfortable with our rig. After setting the draw temp. I still keep a close eye on when it does draw, I als feel more comfotable checking the holding tanks, pumps and pan level. I also feel I can run the filter press and the warming pan (keeps syrup warm till I filter it) without having to keep a constant check on a thermometer that doesn't seem to move much and causes real boardom. I sure don't know how I would run my rig by myself for more than afew minutes without it.
Ron

[Ed K]

Thanks everyone, I'm running a raised flue and the floats don't work well. When I bought the syrup pan it came with the inlet holes wrong and no hanger to attach the float to. I drilled holes where I needed them and made my own float hangers. I'm at the point that it is easier to adjust the flow with the inlet valve and not use the float. but adjusting this all the time plus hauling in wood and keeping an eye on sap pretank leaves little time to keep my head straight :oops: . So I thought that running a auto draw would help.

[WESTVIRGINIAMAPLER]

Ed,

I don't have on but basically everyone that does says they would never boil without one again! Go for it! :D

[brookledge]

Ed
Another feature you can incorporate into an auto draw off is auto valves so that you don't need your float any more. Set the probe to the desired height and the feed valve will keep it at the same level. I don't have that on mine but I do have the low level alarm set up in my flue pan. With my 3X12 I boil at 140 GPH and if I run out of sap, the level in the pan goes down very fast. My flue pan has a hood so I can't see in side without opening it or looking at the site gauge on the side. Having that feature makes it a little more comforting to know that I won't have any problems.
Keith

[Ed K]

Another problem I have too, is steam hoods. The sap pan is fully covered so you can't just look in and the steam hood on the syrup pan is within 4" so I can't use a dipper to check the syrup.