The RO Bucket!!

[In da bush]

I resisted an RO for a number of years and finally pulled the trigger last year, best money I’ve ever spent. I’m a 1 man operation, and this helps me considerably all around.

I purchased the largest RO Bucket for my 150 taps, and it’s the bee’s knees for the little guy. With that being said,I’ve had nothing but a 100% positive experience from the word GO. I did my first collection of the season today and I cranked up the RO and had a few minor issues. I fired off an email to Carl and within 4 minutes, literally 4 minutes, I had a response and I resolved my issues under 10 minutes and it’s buzzing along 100%.

These guys know their products front to back, top to bottom, and if you’re on the fence about a small RO, just do it!!

[ChrisMFF]

Same here! Bought an RO10 this year after looking and looking at jumping in to the RO scene for years. I think I was nervous about the flushing process for some odd reason. It has cut my boiling time in half.....best part is Carl (the owner) is great with getting back to you no matter how small the question. His customer service is top notch!!! I cannot thank him enough for all the great help he has given a newbie like me......he is such a great guy!!!! I agree friends - just take the plunge and get an RO Bucket - they rock

Chris


Disclaimer - I have no financial ties to RO Bucket, I’m only a greatly satisfied customer

[In da bush]

Same here! Bought an RO10 this year after looking and looking at jumping in to the RO scene for years. I think I was nervous about the flushing process for some odd reason. It has cut my boiling time in half.....best part is Carl (the owner) is great with getting back to you no matter how small the question. His customer service is top notch!!! I cannot thank him enough for all the great help he has given a newbie like me......he is such a great guy!!!! I agree friends - just take the plunge and get an RO Bucket - they rock

Chris


Disclaimer - I have no financial ties to RO Bucket, I’m only a greatly satisfied customer


I ditto that disclaimer 💯

[beninboston]

I purchased the RO15 kit last year and it was a total game changer, so much saved time and wood. Just started processing this years sap (I was a little concerned if I put the unit away correctly last year) and its off and running bringing my 1.9 - 2.2% sap up to 8%. Same disclaimer as the above posters, no affiliation with Carl but I'm super impressed with the product and the value added to a hobby operation. I usually make about 10 - 15 gallons of syrup annually and this and a PAW electric wheelbarrow with a 35 gallon tank for gathering are the two most meaningful improvements I've made since purchasing a 2x4 arch with a divided pan. Awesome product.

[OCHTO]

How does the electric wheelbarrow work in the snow. I collect into 5 gal jugs on a sled. Works fine until now when the snow turns to slush. Just thinking cuz it would definitely anger my sweetie.

[Z/MAN]

I purchased an RO20 this year and some days it takes me longer to collect sap and get everything set to boil then it takes to boil. If anyone is on the fence you won't be disappointed when you jump in.

[Gord]

+1
I bought the RO10 Couldn't be happier. Ran 68 gallons through it yesterday. I'll admit I was a little skeptical, thinking there must be sugar in that permeate barrel the first time I used it. I didn't have enough sap collected in time to use it on my second boil, but going by my average ratio from the same trees, my ratio was exactly the same with and without using the RO Bucket. The difference using the RO Bucket was, I was done boiling in half the time and used half as much wood. Start to finish and the sun was still out!!

[Gord]

One thing I'd like to have is a switch to turn it on and off. I know pool pumps don't have a switch either. Neither does my transfer pump to move sap out of barrels. Is there a reason why water pumps don't have switches? Sure would make it more convenient than having to plug it in to start, and unplug it to stop. Also, less water and sap on the floor moving lines around from barrel to buckets.

[ecolbeck]

One thing I'd like to have is a switch to turn it on and off. I know pool pumps don't have a switch either. Neither does my transfer pump to move sap out of barrels. Is there a reason why water pumps don't have switches? Sure would make it more convenient than having to plug it in to start, and unplug it to stop. Also, less water and sap on the floor moving lines around from barrel to buckets.

I had the same issues so I hard wired a outlet and switch to the board my RO is attached to. Works great!

[In da bush]

One thing I'd like to have is a switch to turn it on and off. I know pool pumps don't have a switch either. Neither does my transfer pump to move sap out of barrels. Is there a reason why water pumps don't have switches? Sure would make it more convenient than having to plug it in to start, and unplug it to stop. Also, less water and sap on the floor moving lines around from barrel to buckets.

The pressure switch Carl sells is what you want. If the switch detects a drop in pressure,IE the sap tank is drawn down/you spring a leak somehow. I think it’s 20$,again, it’s a no brainer imho.

I get mine running, dial in the flow and check it again before bed. After breakfast I verify it completed the cycle and go on about my business.

[Gord]

Good idea ecolbeck! I did the same on my cooler.
In da bush, I don't have to turn it on and off while it's running. Plus I only run 75 gallons or less through it. It's set up at my shop, so I'm there the whole time while it's running. It's the getting going, transfering sap, and shutting down cycles where the switch would come in handy.

[marlmucker]

Did you just start it up to start the season, or is there a flush you have to do? I just went through the manual and I don’t see anything. I cleaned mine at the end of last season, but I’m not sure about what to do to start this year.

[Gord]

Here are the instructions for flushing an "improperly" maintained RO Bucket.
Since you stored yours properly, I would think you can't go wrong following these. Maybe even eliminating some of the steps.

https://www.therobucket.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Instructions-for-flushing-an-improperly-maintained-RO-Bucket.pdf

[tapdrinker]

What brix do you get with ro bucket?

[ecolbeck]

I believe that you can expect to get up to 8% with two passes through the membranes.

[therealtreehugger]

One thing I'd like to have is a switch to turn it on and off.

I plugged mine into a power strip, then just turn the strip on and off.

This is my second year with my RO10 kit. It significantly reduced the amount of wood and time needed!! I ran clean (store bought spring) water through it at the beginning of the season, did a chemical wash at the end of the season (I know, the word "chemical" sounds harsh) but followed the instructions, and rinsed very well after every use, and it was fine. Carl has the proper "RO soap" to use, with good instructions, so you don't have to worry about what the pH is and how to adjust it. And you can use the RO-ed permeate water as rinse water at the end of the day, or drinking water! I fill up all my drinking water bottles!

[Gord]

Another good idea! Thanks treehugger!

[beninboston]

How does the electric wheelbarrow work in the snow. I collect into 5 gal jugs on a sled. Works fine until now when the snow turns to slush. Just thinking cuz it would definitely anger my sweetie.

Works pretty well in the snow, I purchased some aggressive tires and chains if needed. Very light snowpack in southern Maine this season so not much of an issue. I have a 35 gallon tank on it so if snow is deep I can only fill 75% to avoid the full 300# payload.

[BAP]

For everyone that has the RO Bucket, are you still pleased with your purchase? Those that have had it more than 1 season, is it still performing well? Does anyone have the the RO25?

[ecolbeck]

I have had the RB15 for 4 years now and it has performed flawlessly on the original membranes. I tune it to keep up with my evaporator so I am not pushing it hard. If you are using a 2x8 (as your signature states), I would guess that RO Buckets would only be useful for crunching sap ahead of time.

[In da bush]

For everyone that has the RO Bucket, are you still pleased with your purchase? Those that have had it more than 1 season, is it still performing well? Does anyone have the the RO25?

2nd year and it worked flawlessly this season, replacing membranes for next season and upgrading to an RB25 by adding a membrane. I wouldn’t hesitate and get on the waitlist 👍🏻👍🏻

[Z/MAN]

One season on mine (RB20)and I love it. Wish I had it years ago!

[dvnwvt]

I also have the RB20 kit. Someone called it a “game changer” and I agree. I love removing water from sap while I do other things. And the wood pile seems to go down a LOT slower! Easy to assemble and Carl is very responsive to questions. I do highly recommend adding flow meters ... you adjust flow on every use and measuring a sap stream into a cup gets old quick, and always seems to make a mess. I also added a bypass switch to the low pressure switch option for startup when there’s no pressure. Finally, some recommend matching the flow rate of the RO to your evaporator because RO’d sap spoils quickly. After one season of use, I’m not sure I agree. First, RO flow varies with temperature and sugar content. Second, even in this ridiculously warm season, I didn’t notice RO’d sap spoiling any faster than raw sap, just treat it like milk, as always. I accidentally bought more RO than I needed and it worked out great because I can process more quickky and stay well ahead of my evaporator. Overall, a great little unit, highly recommended.