Ordering a new 2x6 soon...came across this ad...

[Couchsachraga]

Looks too good to be true to me (75gph with no blower, sap raider, etc...?). Not trying to start anything, just get a realistic idea (especially after their statement of "as equipped for...".)
https://vermont.craigslist.org/grd/d/hilbert-summer-sale-high-performance/6931564323.html

I'm in upstate NY and may go Sunrise Extreme - anyone have any experience and if their suggested GPH are somewhat accurate?

I'm using an old Lightening 2x6 now (from the 80's or earlier), and would like to go with an airtight door, blower, hood, and preheater to up efficiency. Only 200 taps on gravity (though with the small lines and 200' of drop it may as well be vacuum!), but lots of room to expand, and not enough time to boil (day job). I"m off the grid at the sugarbush, so I"ll run the blower with a small generator I have. Without grid power and separate heat source I'm not ready to go for a RO yet (that will be for when I expand tap wise further, perhaps retirement:) ).

Thank you for any thoughts, even just confirming that 75gph isn't realistic despite their claims.

[maple flats]

The only experience I have with a Sunrise Extreme is that I have a friend who has one in 2.5x10' with a sap raider. He boils 130 gph on that.

[Couchsachraga]

Interesting - that seems in line with their non-Extreme pans, but way low for the what they list for the deeper pans (184 with Sap Raider):

http://sunriseevaporator.com/boiling-rates/

[Wise Maple]

We have been able to get 130 + gph with sunrise extreme 2.5x8 forced air with sap raider ,dry wood, clean flues you know the drill !

[n8hutch]

The Add clearly Says that it comes with Forced Draft in the what's included section. That being said, 75 sounds a bit generous. I have a friend that has a silver plate and it does boil really hard it's a 2x6 and I wouldn't be surprised if it gets close to 70, but a realistic average start to finish Is more like 60.

[Pdiamond]

Couchsachraga,
You talk about Sunrise Extreme, but the ad is for a SL high output 2x6. I have the SL HO 2x4 raised flue and my longest boil last year was 5 hours, that was just under 200 gallons of raw sap. If you are considering this evaporator I would get the options of the sight glasses, auto draw and the ssr. If I ever get to the point of having enough taps to justify a 2x6 this would be my choice.

[Couchsachraga]

I'm leaning towards Sunrise (thought he dealer who was close has moved), but saw the Smoky Lake ad (and price!) and had second thoughts, so figured I'd post up here to see what experience folks have had.

Thank you for correcting on the Force Draft - missed that. I noted the preheater, etc... isn't included.

If I can average 50 or 60gph with a 2x6 I'll be very happy, especially if my wood usage stays about the same!

[Pdiamond]

Call and talk with the different companies and ask if they have any video of customers using what you are looking for or may contact. that will also give you some additional information.

[Super Sapper]

I have the 2x6 SL drop flue pan set on a homemade arch and averaging in the mid 50's with startup and shutdown is not hard to get. I have personally seen over 40 on his 2x4 evaporator but he runs it very hard. The rate you get is dependent on how you run your rig as with any arch. Research different makes and choose the one you are most comfortable with. Some companies have long lead times so keep that in mind.

[BAP]

My experience with many things is if something that is advertised seems to good to be true, then it probably is. Not saying that under extremely perfect situations, the SL evaporator couldn’t do it because I don’t know, but in real world use, it probably won’t happen. I would keep gathering information from other brands to be able to make a good decision that you will be happy with in the long run.

[johnallin]

Looks too good to be true to me (75gph with no blower, sap raider, etc...?). Not trying to start anything, just get a realistic idea (especially after their statement of "as equipped for...".)
https://vermont.craigslist.org/grd/d/hilbert-summer-sale-high-performance/6931564323.html....Thank you for any thoughts, even just confirming that 75gph isn't realistic despite their claims.

My thoughts are that 75 gph without a pre-heater is a bit of a stretch.

[Pdiamond]

Let us know what you decide to get and what size you end up with. Good luck with your shopping and have fun. Make sure you get what you want don't get pressured into something or settle for an evaporator with less function than you would like. It's your hard earned money, get what you want.

[maple flats]

That friend I referred to in reply #2 in this thread, is a Sunrise dealer. He is Mike Weaver, Heritage Maple in Canastota, NY. He is Amish, thus no website, but he does have a business phone. If you get The Maple News, he is listed there. His phone number is 315-697-3904. You will not get an answer there on a Sunday, but he works 6 days a week.
I sold him one lease that as I got older and cut back on my taps, he bought the lease. When I say he is a "friend", back when I had cancer in Jan-April 2018, he called me every few days to see if I needed help and to wish me well. I had met him 3-4 years earlier, as I was working my lines, getting ready for a season, he drove by on his tractor and firewood wagon, he pulled over, walked across a field and introduced himself. Since then I have bought some parts and supplies from him. He even loaned me his drop maker to help me make 800 drops faster this past Jan, free of charge. Oh, and I drove him, his wife and infant son to Saratoga Springs last fall to go to the maple tour. Great guy! If you call and no answer, leave a message, he does return calls. He also builds sheds, I've bought 3 of them, a 12x16, a 10x14 and a 14x28.

[Couchsachraga]

I ended up getting a Sunrise from Mike - thank you for mentioning him maple flats! Wonderful fellow to work with.

I tapped last weekend and am still getting used to the new setup and tweaking things. So far overall it is better than expected and the quality is outstanding.