is this a viable vacuum pump?

[raptorfan85]

Would a pump like this

https://www.grainger.com/product/GAST-1-4-HP-Compressor-Vacuum-Pump-4F740

Be a viable option for around a max of 300 taps? I would be using 3/4 main, about 1500 feet max. I know everyone seems to find smoking deals on used 1550 gast pumps and old milking vac pumps but I havent had any luck. The fact that its ready to roll appealed to me as well, so I dont have to source a motor and figure out pulleys and such. Just looking for options, thanks in advance.

[n8hutch]

I'm going to say no, its only .5cfm at 20"hg, that's really not enough. You would want a minimum of 3cfm, but 5 would be better.

[raptorfan85]

Ok. I was under the impression that it was 1cfm per 100 taps at zero pressure. So I want 1 cfm per 100 taps at full vacuum?

[n8hutch]

No, you need the CFMs at max vacuum for what your pump puts out, otherwise when you have hard runs and your getting Sap and Tree Gas your not going to be pulling much vacuum.

[BAP]

Bascoms’s have a couple used vacuum pumps in that price range on their website that would do 300 taps. Also if you are on Facebook and on any maple groups, the Vermont Maple Equipment Group has someone in Windsor Vermont has a couple of pumps listed for $500 each.

[raptorfan85]

I refuse to be on Facebook lol. The pumps you are talking about on bascoms site I assume are the universal masport pumps? If so what size electric motor would I need to run them?

[BAP]

They have a DeLaval #73 with 1hp motor.

[johnallin]

I refuse to be on Facebook

That makes two of us.

[Shaun]

They have a DeLaval #73 with 1hp motor.

I used this pump on ~300 taps at ~20"Hg and it worked great. Without any type of oil reclaimer I added about a half cup of oil a day. It would run higher (25"), my extractor pump would not work at that level.

[raptorfan85]

Good to know, thanks shaun.