Steep mountain vac or stay gravity

[StephensMountainVermont]

I have about 1000 taps on a mountain type slope just wondering if its even worth getting a vac pump up there .. Or just stay gravity ??

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[CharlieVT]

Have you looked into 3/16th tubing?

I've been impressed with the vacuum generated by 3/16th tubing on a slope.
I would no longer consider mechanical vacuum where there is a good slope; I get better vacuum with 3/16th than I do with my oil flooded rotary vane dairy pump.

[maple flats]

3/16 laterals with 20-25 taps per lateral and 3/16 x 3/16 x 5/16 tees for a 5/16 drop will be your best bet, even better than having to use a pump. Gravity vacuum on a good slope runs without ever breaking down, uses no fuel and you don't need to "lug" it anyplace, it is already there waiting for you and eager to work. Another benefit using 3/16 is that you put more taps on a lateral and laterals can be long, even over 1000' long (I have one that is 1200'+ long. With 3/16 you don't need as many saddles, maybe about 1/5 the number (25/line vs. 5/line is common).
Being on vacuum requires you to check for and fix leaks. Then the payback is usually double the sap, so be ready to process more.
These all assume you have 30' or more of elevation drop, taps with less than 30' will not yield double but they will still yield more than non vacuum. If you are on Red maples you will get more than double because reds need vacuum to flow well. With 3/16 vacuum the steepness of the slope is not a factor just the feet of elevation drop in the tubing below the tap.

[blissville maples]

Vacuum pump will help beat out the end of season non freezing nights I believe....also the 3/16 great when new but when leaks arise it's a whole different ball game.....when you lose a lateral line from a leak you lose 15-20 taps not 5-7, this is my newest take on it from my experience

[StephensMountainVermont]

Thank you very helpful I will be looking into this 3/16 tubing for sure ! Less I have to maintain the better for me !

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