2020 Tapping Season

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Just added a shurflo 4048 this afternoon to my set up what a night and day difference it makes!!

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This is my first year with a 4008 and SS3 Controller... Wow!
My advice is to plumb in a small recirc line if possible. Yesterday afternoon I checked on my system and sap flow was drastically slowing down for the day. I opened the recirc line a bit, vac increased greatly, and sap was again flowing heavily for a few extra hours. I probably gained an extra 0.5 gallon/tap after opening the recirc. These Shurflo's like to pump fluid a lot better than air...
Enjoy the 4048!

I was going to add one this afternoon!! I want to also get the s3 controller for next year right now I’m just keeping an eye on it, I do have a bypass set up so I can just turn 2 valves manually to keep it going on gravity.

I'm going to tap a new section of maples on my property. When is it best to do so; today, before the deep freeze to single digits, or after when it warms up on Sunday?
Thanks

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Originally Posted by bryankloos

This is my first year with a 4008 and SS3 Controller... Wow!
My advice is to plumb in a small recirc line if possible. Yesterday afternoon I checked on my system and sap flow was drastically slowing down for the day. I opened the recirc line a bit, vac increased greatly, and sap was again flowing heavily for a few extra hours. I probably gained an extra 0.5 gallon/tap after opening the recirc. These Shurflo's like to pump fluid a lot better than air...
Enjoy the 4048!

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Glad the controller is working well for you!

Dave

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Originally Posted by Gord

I'm going to tap a new section of maples on my property. When is it best to do so; today, before the deep freeze to single digits, or after when it warms up on Sunday?
Thanks

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I don't think it matters Gord - The day I tapped 80 some of mine, there wasn't a drop of sap all day - just too cold. I did the last 60 on a warmer day, sap was just starting. Right now i'm into my best year ever, 850 gal/sap so far. My back is happy for 2 days off right now. Don't drive the taps in too hard when their frozen, it'll crack the bark and they'll leak for a few days.

Thanks Mike. My first batch of taps didn't run the first day either.
Still a newbie.

Finally, dug out and dusted off my stuff and tapped 20 trees last night - started at 8p and finished at 10p ....wife & neighbors think I am crazy ... but give me some time and I will show them what crazy is!

700 gallons to boil tomorrow. The local Cub Scout Pack (of which my son is a member) is coming over to see how maple syrup is made. Fun stuff!

I drained mine this AM for the big freeze tonight - Got vinegar in the front 2 pans to get rid of the sand before next batch - looking like Monday right now.

Update.
Brrrr....
Lines are frozen!