Ways to feed sap without a float box.

[billyinvt]

I will not have a float box this year. Can I run a line with a ball valve (carefully monitored) directly into the opening on the side of the pan? Is there a better option?

[Amber Gold]

I'd use a gate valve...more easily fine-tuned to match the flow rate with your evaporation rate. Rigs were ran like this for years. I know of guys that never trusted a syrup pan float (claimed it would stick and burn their pan when drawing off) and always used a valve instead. You need to pay more attention, but it can be done.