syrup pan(s) questions

[jasonl6]

Gonna order some new pans next month for my 3X10 that i'm building. The rear pan is a 3X6 raised flue and the front will be 3X4 or possibly 2-3X2's. I'm looking for benifiets and nagatives on having the two pans verses the one larger pan. If anyone has gone from a single pan to two pans please post your comments.

Thanks
Jason

[Haynes Forest Products]

Jason There are more benefits to having 3 pans. My 3x10 has 7' raised flues and (2) 18 X 36 syrup pans. One is being able to control the flow of sap and syrup between the pans during cooking. Second is cleaning the niter out of the last pan (finish) pan. If the whole 3x10 is one peice its a chore to remove and clean. I have to block off and clean my syrup pan every 10 hrs or I risk warping them from over heating due to niter. I working at getting another pan for quick change during the all day boils. Plus I think its easier to build 3 smaller pans than just one.

[Thompson's Tree Farm]

Jason,
I switched from a 4x4 reverse flow to 2, 2x4 cross flow pans this year. I bought an extra pan (2x4) and switch and clean the front pan daily. I would highly reccomend this system! A bit more expensive to begin with but a nice clean front pan every day made for better boiling and I think a better quality product.

[TapME]

Jason, just the ease of handling the smaller pans would make it worth having them. I have a 3x3 and have to have help to change it. It just means another fitting to connect the pans.