RO: CDL or Lapierre

[SugarHill]

In the market for a new RO. Have it narrowed down to a new CDL 600gph or Lapierre 600gph machine. I know there are others out there but these are the two I will be choosing one from at this point. I know there are many of each manufactures machines out there and I am sure I will get responses from each side which one is better. Trying to get a feeling on those who have run either of these units what you like about it, don't like about it? Or if you had one and switched to the other, why? Any positive insight you could provide would be appreciated.

[WMF]

Performance and ease of use will be the same for either of these machines. I would find out which brand has a spare high pressure pump and recirc pump ALWAYS IN STOCK at a store within driving distance of you and buy that one as these can / will fail when needed most and unless you are close to Vermont a couple of days waiting for parts to be shipped can be painful.

[adk1]

neither, go Leader :) I tend to purchase most things made with an American flag

[Thompson's Tree Farm]

I have both machines. I seem to get better flow rates with the CDL. The CDL can be a real bugger to get primed and flowing where the LaPierre just is running as soon as I push the button. Both good machines. Unlike ADK, I would not choose Leader.

[PerryFamily]

I'd look at MES. I think Clayton is building a 600 that's considerably less money than either CDL or Lapierre. Also you will not get better service anywhere, hands down the best in that department. I also agree with Thompsons, do not go leader.
Bascoms had a new leader, new double 16" MES, and their old Springtech machines 2 seasons ago. At one point that season the MES was the only machine running! And saving them $ in electricity costs. Needless to say they now have 2 MES units and are sending the leader back

[eagle lake sugar]

I have a H20 600 econox and am very happy with it. It's user friendly and the cleaning cycle is much faster than some others. I think CDL uses H20 membranes.

[WESTVIRGINIAMAPLER]

I would be surprised if anyone of the above mentioned can compete with CDL on price on a 600 machine now.

[markcasper]

I have a CDL 600 and its pretty idiot proof to run, however the turbine pump bearings went out this season for the 2nd time in 8 years. Normal wear? I don't know? I have to get it in for repair as it did make it to the end of the season but louder than a jet engine. Also the high pressure gauge started leaking and will have to replace that too.

[pdr]

Regardless of the make, I would consider the MES membrane. Replaced the 8" hydranautics with it and went from passing sugar (.1%) to taking 1.5% to 14%+ on single pass. 8" MES = approx $600.

[Maplewalnut]

another vote for cdl...plan to buy one hopefully before next season
another less vote for Leader...

[WESTVIRGINIAMAPLER]

If you do buy a CDL 600 buy the expandable. It is $ 750 more retail and comes ready for a second tower which just takes few minutes to hook up. It has second flow meters, electrical connection to plug in tower and second prefilter already plumbed in on the front with prefilter housing. It increases resell value and second tower will go from 600 to 1,000 gph.

[68bird]

If it's important to you to keep your money in the USA do us both a favor,and check out Maple Expert Soulutions. I have their two post dolly, and am very happy with it.

[Tmeeeh]

Another vote for MES.

[David in MI]

I bought a 600 gph RO prior to this past season and compared CDL, Lapierre and H2O; went with the H2O due to familiarity (I used their 300gph unit in previous seasons) and price. I don't think you could go wrong with any of those units though.

[AdirondackSap]

We have used a call 600 gph RO for the past 3 years and love it, everyone in awhile it will be a pain to start. Mostly due to being airbound. We are upgrading to 1000 gph next year.

[Shaun]

I ended up going with H2O 600 NON expandable. Price seemed good and by the time you pay for all the upgrades and add vessel/membrane it is approaching the half way point or more of another machine. Just food for thought if your large machine fails you are out of business. If you have 2 your still able to process a bunch of sap.

[adk1]

I have both machines. I seem to get better flow rates with the CDL. The CDL can be a real bugger to get primed and flowing where the LaPierre just is running as soon as I push the button. Both good machines. Unlike ADK, I would not choose Leader.ok I will bite, why not a leader ro?

[Homestead Maple]

Lapierre high pressure pump has plastic impellors vs CDL's stainless steel. This might be a factor for you.

[n8hutch]

Lapierre high pressure pump has plastic impellors vs CDL's stainless steel. This might be a factor for you.

Is this a fact for the full line? Comparing apples to apples?
I'm not debating you. That would be a significant factor for me.

It seems sometimes to be hard to compare these things side by side, they are all a little different.

I saw a New 600 GPH CDL unit all setup for a second tower and I think it was 12k. I thought that was pretty reasonable.

[doocat]

I put a vote in for H2O. Our machine was less expensive and does everything they said. Plus Kyle is great to deal with. The machine is very simple to use, clean, and store.

[maplwrks]

I love my Lapierre RO. But in 13 years, I have put 2 HP pumps on and 2 recirc pumps on. If I had to replace it today, I would probably go with an H2O. The service at Lapierre has gone downhill in the last few years, and all of the dealers in our area have jumped ship for CDL.

[Homestead Maple]

Is this a fact for the full line? Comparing apples to apples?
I'm not debating you. That would be a significant factor for me.

It seems sometimes to be hard to compare these things side by side, they are all a little different.

I saw a New 600 GPH CDL unit all setup for a second tower and I think it was 12k. I thought that was pretty reasonable.

For the 600gph it is. As far as the full line of RO's I would not know.