Newbie question re: divided pans

[Murphy's Law]

Hi Too Tall, I'm at about the same level of experience as you (I'm also too tall )and I have plans to build a concrete block arch next month. I have drawn sketches for the arch and a 22"x39"x8" pan w/4 divider partitions @ 4.4" wide. I have 18 trees selected now and I have access to about 50+ more in the future. After reading many posts here I'm questioning my need for the 5 troughs in my pan design. Overkill?

I still do not fully understand the difference between sap pans and syrup pans.

FYI; Be very careful what you use for defoamer. Some people are very allergic to dairy and or other products. If you will be using for other than immediate family it is better not to use butter.

If butter is not the choice to use, what kind of oil do you recommend?