Hobby Sized Tubing System Guidance / Suggestions

[lyford]

I'm in a similar situation right now, mostly reds and for near future tap count wont exceed 50-65 taps. If I were to set my self up with one of the guzzlers what am i looking at in terms or start up costs. Do I just need the guzzler and tubing w/taps or is there more. Probbaly gonna go with buckets at least for the 2014 season but would definitely like to get as much from my reds as possible and it seems like vacuum is the best route for that. One other question, with these guzzlers just how far can the furthest tap be from the pump.

[Drew Pond Maple]

I'm in a similar situation right now, mostly reds and for near future tap count wont exceed 50-65 taps. If I were to set my self up with one of the guzzlers what am i looking at in terms or start up costs. Do I just need the guzzler and tubing w/taps or is there more. Probbaly gonna go with buckets at least for the 2014 season but would definitely like to get as much from my reds as possible and it seems like vacuum is the best route for that. One other question, with these guzzlers just how far can the furthest tap be from the pump.

You will need pump, mainline, wire, 5/16" tube, all the fittings and 120v. As far as length, a couple thousand feet, but not 100% sure. Mine will be 1200' with 3 branch mainlines and 120-160 taps

[Cindee]

Hello, hopefully you can help us with this gravity situation. We have a small ridge with beautiful maples a mix of the reds and sugars. I would estimate approximately 8 trees. Because of the slope we only tap the 2 at the top because of the deep snow after trying it once on that slope we stopped. So, we thought of natural gravity. After reading your article I am assuming we pick a tree in the middle of the slope and put a plastic T and tie in 2 other trees or can we hook all on one line? Thanks for any help and advice. We plan on running the tubing down to a plastic drum positioned off the ground so when we pull up with the sap buggy we can just transfer it over.

[steve J]

Another consideration is the new 3/16th line that Proctor research has been experimenting with. If the slope is steep it will create a natural vaccume that will rival sophisticated systems. I have just set up such a system and will not know how well it works until this March. All the info for this is in another thread here on Maple Trader.

[morningstarfarm]

How much slope does the 3/16 require? And how many taps can you run into it?

[bowhunter]

Here's link to the research on 3/16 inch tubing. http://www.uvm.edu/~pmrc/highvacuum.pdf

[farmall h]

Cindee. Yes. Get yourself a roll of 5/16 maple tubing. Lets see now. 8 trees..depending on the size of the tree...get 16 plastic spouts (2 for each tree). Purchase two "end loop" connectors in order to anchor your tubing to the top and bottom tree(where your collection drum will be). You should buy at least 24 "T's" in order to connect into your 5/16" "mainline". Your now ready to set up your lines. Take a look at a YouTube vid that shows how to set your taps and connect into the main line.

[Ryan August]

Farmall H

You suggest checking youtube. I have player around there and have found nothing great. Do you have any suggestions of videos you have seen that you felt highly off. Yes, there are plenty, but again i have not found anything great for the first timer. Hey theres a weekend project for some one. Shoot a video for the rookie tubing runner and post it.

[farmall h]

Maybe I will get something done this weekend and have my son post it on you tube ...he's the 13 yr old techy..I'' just do the grunt work.

[Ryan August]

farmall h

Hey that would be great! i was just throwing out a wise *** comment but I am sure many would appreciate a well detialed totorial. I hope you production and editing man is up to the job