Looking for Recomendations

[mhoven157]

I am looking for a pump that I can take with me out into the sugarbush to pump sap out of collection totes into tanks to transport back to the sugarhouse. Wondering what everyone recommends? I don't need anything huge, just something I can pick up and throw into the truck while I am out collecting. Thanks!

[Mille705]

Wow I just asked almost the same question.

[Z/MAN]

12 volt bilge pump for a boat. Plug into your trailer wiring receptacle on your truck or wire it into your ATV. Works beautiful.

[Russell Lampron]

I use a Honda WX10 1" gas powered pump. It's fast compared to a bilge pump. Mine is almost 20 years old and still runs good.

[maineboiler]

I use a Honda gas powered pump too. Very reliable. Make sure your flush it out with water after using

[SeanD]

Ditto on the WX10. For a couple of seasons I used a Rule bilge pump and it was good. Still have it as a backup. The Honda is a lot faster and it's very easy to move around. Obviously, not as light as the bilge, but still a one-handed task.

[wnybassman]

Another one for the Honda WX10.......

[Z/MAN]

Can't argue with the performance of the Honda but the bilge is a really cheap way to do it. Wish I could afford the Honda. Difference of hundreds of dollars.

[maple flats]

It depends on the quantity you will be pumping, what size will you be pumping from and to (gallons of sap) For small quantities, up to about 40-50 gal, a bilge pump is fine. Next will be a 1" gas powered pump, then is needed a 1.5" or 2" pump. I never used the bilge pump method, but many have. My earliest pumping was with a Briggs & Stratten 1" pump, ok for up to maybe 100-125 gal. Then I got a Honda WX15, a 1.5" gas pump, I still use it, pumping up to 560 gal in a trip. If I regularly had more sap, my next step would be the same pump but add another 280 gal IBC on my trailer. My trailer can haul 3 such tanks and a 4th to haul clean wash water (permeate) to wash the woods tank when emptied, using the same pump. I collect 2x a day, and that proves good for me.
Unless you are unusual, most often new producers start small and then grow. If you are small, like 50-75taps max, a bilge pump will be fine, Once you grow to 100+taps, unless time is not important, you will likely want a 1" gas powered pump.

[buckeye gold]

I use a bilge pump. I wired a receptacle right from my tractor and I have an extension cord with alligator clips. You can get them from 250 -2000 GPH. Mine is a 1" discharge and I think 750 GPH. I can pump 100 gallons up 8 feet in a few minutes. Just check that the model you get is ok for potable water.

[Sugarmaker]

We like the RULE brand bilge pumps 2700 to 3000 GPH for pumping into the truck tank from 40 gallon containers. They plug into the truck power plugs, are quite, light weight, pretty much bullet proof, and almost any gatherer can operate it safely too!
Regards,
Chris
Regards,

[needmoremaples]

I use a bilge pump. I wired a receptacle right from my tractor and I have an extension cord with alligator clips. You can get them from 250 -2000 GPH. Mine is a 1" discharge and I think 750 GPH. I can pump 100 gallons up 8 feet in a few minutes. Just check that the model you get is ok for potable water.

got a link to one for potable water? id love a sump pump style but i dont think im going to find one that will fit in the top of a 4" tank opening. does the bilge just drop a hose in and sucks it up a few feet? i have outlets on the bottom of them but don't really care to use them if i can just drop a hose in.

[buckeye gold]

I have 250 Gallon tank made for a pick up. I don't know what size the opening is, but my bilge pump goes down into the tank like a sump. I have to turn it a bit side ways but it goes. Bilge pumps all are submersibles. If you want a suction hose you'll have to go with centrifugal pumps. You can get some pretty compact bilges.