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Maple River Sugar
09-04-2018, 07:03 PM
I will be getting a 2x8 evaporator which I would like to place casters on to allow me to move the unit into storage once the season is over. I plan on building a sugar shack in the next few years but until then I need mobility.
What I was thinking was to place casters in the 4 corners but should I also plan just behind the fire box for a total of 6? What is the best installation, attach a plate then bolt on? I know with bricks installed and sap in the pans this will be quite heavy, suggestions on what weight capacity the casters should be? Finally what would the heat be near the front casters during operation?
This for a Lapierre classic.

Thank you for your advice

Haynes Forest Products
09-04-2018, 07:52 PM
I have wheels on everything in my shack and like the locking ones and even better if they also lock the entire caster from spinning. Four wheels should do it But it will roll with 6 even better.....BUT it will also be harder to get it level on uneven cement. Simple sheets of tin will helpp once you have a favorite place picked out. Steel is easier for heavy loads unless you his a microscopic stone and it will stop you dead in your tracks.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/4Pcs-3-5-Combo-Stainless-Steel-Swivel-Plate-Casters-Wheels-w-Brake-Lock/253741228589?epid=767638492&hash=item3b1427e22d:g:UM0AAOSwVMtbQ34u

Potters3
09-05-2018, 07:29 AM
I would build a angle iron frame to go under the arch with the casters on it, kind of like a subframe. Wish I had done this to mine if nothing else to be able to move it and clean under it. Go over kill on the casters, come up with a best guess on the weight then double it. For a few bucks would hate to see a caster blow out.

Zucker Lager
09-05-2018, 09:06 AM
Just an add to Potter's post get caster wheels with the hardest material you can get, metal if you can. I had hard plastic on my frame / that I keep my arch on in storage and the wheels got flat spots and picked up small pieces of rocks that made it hard to roll. steel doesn't do that. Jay

johnallin
09-05-2018, 12:55 PM
Get the best caster you can buy. A good source is Caster Connection in Columbus OH.
A failure here could be catastrophic should boiling sap/syrup start dumping out of the pans.
Once in place, you can jack the rig up and level with blocking. Just enough to clear the wheels off the floor.

Haynes Forest Products
09-05-2018, 01:49 PM
Because this is a twice a year move and place you might consider this.

https://source4industries.com/leveling-plate-caster-600-lv0300v4?language=en&currency=USD&matchtype=&network=g&device=c&adposition=1o1&keyword=&campaign=792391179&adgroup=pla-327071595981&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsO6R-sGk3QIVBwppCh2a5QG_EAQYASABEgI-r_D_BwE

Moving into a corner on small rubber wheels is not that big a deal. Keeping the rig in place and level is worth the time and money for a good caster. Plus bhaving bit sit on the leveling device is a plus.

regor0
09-05-2018, 01:57 PM
I have a set on my sheet metal brake, work great.
Got them on Amazon, set of 4 for $64.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180905/1707cc372b286df0b2235f761dfad980.jpg

Maple River Sugar
12-30-2018, 07:10 PM
I wanted to pass on how my caster project worked out. 190801908119080190801908019080

I used four 600 lb. casters bolted to 1/4 inch angle. I made a couple cuts to allow operating the draft door and to mount the blower.

The arch moves with relative ease.

Thanks for all of the input.