+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 10 of 10

Thread: Shurflo using electric?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Middlesex Vermont
    Posts
    655

    Default Shurflo using electric?

    I have read a lot of threads of using shurflo pumps. I still have about 50 trees on buckets in flat area behind sugar house. And as I am getting older the buckets are getting to be more of a pain in the keister. But as I read these postings I see where most are using a 12 volt battery set up. I have bad knees and both need to be replaced so I cant imagine having to lug a battery thru the snow in order to recharge it and than having to lug it back.

    So my question is anyone having success using electric with a shurflo pump or a similar pump? I loved to put 20 trees on a line and try this.
    110 taps W.F Mason 2x3 and two turkey friers for finishing

    2011 expanding to a Mason 2x4 with a blower increasing taps to about 200
    2011 Hurricane Irene rips thru my small sugar bush cost me to lose 20% of taps
    2014 I have reworked my lines for 2014
    32 taps on 5/16 line with check valves
    57 taps on 3/16 line with check valves
    55 buckets with total tapped trees of 144

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Fayston, Vt
    Posts
    122

    Default

    What do you use to haul sap back to shed? Dc volt pump out
    2020 same
    2019 RB10 26 taps
    2018 RO Bucket RB5 taps 20, leg tank in shed w/2 5/16
    2017 18 taps
    2016 20 taps
    2015 21 taps
    2014 30 2 gravity line, 2 hotel pan concrete arch 35 g leg tank
    2013 LP hook up in shack buckets 12 taps
    2 burner cook top 2012 finisher on a bbq tanks
    2011 rookie 2+ gal
    8 taps w/ milk jugs
    turkey cooker
    50-60 up back maybe

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Location
    Ontario
    Posts
    49

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by steve J View Post
    I have read a lot of threads of using shurflo pumps. I still have about 50 trees on buckets in flat area behind sugar house. And as I am getting older the buckets are getting to be more of a pain in the keister. But as I read these postings I see where most are using a 12 volt battery set up. I have bad knees and both need to be replaced so I cant imagine having to lug a battery thru the snow in order to recharge it and than having to lug it back.

    So my question is anyone having success using electric with a shurflo pump or a similar pump? I loved to put 20 trees on a line and try this.
    Sure you can . It will work . I have several hundred trees on a surflo . You will need to put a circulating line on it to get the best vacuum .
    https://www.facebook.com/Hollow-Poin...3009137645393/

    4th year 2018
    new sugar house 21x36 fully insulated and heated
    600 on 3/16 pipe
    new r/o
    new filter press
    new auto draw off

    3rd year 2017
    150 on 3/16 pipe
    300 on buckets

    second year 2016
    325 taps on buckets
    new 900 polaris sap hauler on tracks

    first year 2015
    400 acres
    150 taps on buckets
    new CDL Hobby special
    12 x 20 sugar sack
    Argo Sap hauler
    looking to have fun!

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Rockford, IL
    Posts
    175

    Default

    If you can get an electric cord to it it will work. If you have a 12 volt pump then get a computer power supply to convert 120v to 12v. Depending on how far you are running your cord you may want a bigger gauge wire.
    2020
    8th year making sugar
    120 taps second year on vac

    2x4 Divided pan.
    Homemade RO 4x42XLE
    Shurflo 4048 pump

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    Princeton, MA
    Posts
    495

    Default

    You might want to look at using a 12 volt Shurflo with battery and charger always connected up. Battery can be something from an unused vehicle or equipment. This gives protection against short term power outages, and the 12V pump is cheaper thn the AC pump, if you already have a battery and charger that you can use.

    If you are going to the Brattleboro Maple conference on Jan 19th, I will have a talk on diaphragm pumps including power source options, stop in and say hi.

    Dave
    Mountain Maple farm
    2022 NAMSC award winning dark amber syrup
    2023: 320 taps, 70% red maples. Mountain Maple S4 diaphragm pump controller with automated sap transfer and text messaging
    Website:
    https://www.mountainmaplefarm.com
    https://www.facebook.com/MountainMapleFarm/

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Eden Prairie, MN
    Posts
    1,636

    Default

    I find the brushes in 12v pumps last longer than the 120vac ones. I use a battery charger to get the 12V dc and keep an old ( nearly useless) car battery in the circuit to smooth the noisy voltage out of the charger.
    John
    2x8 Smokylake drop flue with AOF/ AUF
    180 taps on sacks
    75 on 3/16 tubing with shurflo
    Eden Prairie, Minnesota

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    NH
    Posts
    254

    Default

    I have used a 12v shurflo for 3 years with no problems (well, problems from the pump that is). I run a 100ft extension cord from my garage to a plywood box that contains the pump. I power the pump using a 12v power adapter (thank you comcast.) I also have an incandescent bulb in the box which I plug in when it will be below freezing, which heats it just enough to keep the pump from freezing.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Cuba, NY
    Posts
    379

    Default

    This was my thoughts exactly to use AC over DC. But my first season, the AC pump didn't last the season before the brushes burned up. They are only designed to last up to 1000 hrs. Where as the DC brushes last 5000 hrs. So that was a no brainer to switch to DC.

    Good luck.
    220 Taps
    2x6 Home made
    Sap Shack 20x20
    5 Shurflo diaphragm pumps
    250 GPH Deer run RO

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    N 42° 7' 22.3109" Mendon, MA
    Posts
    89

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Biz View Post

    If you are going to the Brattleboro Maple conference on Jan 19th, I will have a talk on diaphragm pumps including power source options, stop in and say hi.

    Dave
    I'll see you there Dave. Looking forward to your presentation.
    Miscoe Hill Maple
    2015 PJ Evaporator (Phaneuf) 2x6 drop flue
    2x6 WF Mason Arch
    ~250 taps on a Guzzler & Shurflo
    12x20 WF Mason Filter/Canner
    12x16 Sugarhouse

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    N 42° 7' 22.3109" Mendon, MA
    Posts
    89

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by TreeTapper2 View Post
    If you can get an electric cord to it it will work. If you have a 12 volt pump then get a computer power supply to convert 120v to 12v. Depending on how far you are running your cord you may want a bigger gauge wire.
    This is how I set up my Shruflo. Also added a temp controller for shut down/start ups. One season behind me and happy so far.
    Miscoe Hill Maple
    2015 PJ Evaporator (Phaneuf) 2x6 drop flue
    2x6 WF Mason Arch
    ~250 taps on a Guzzler & Shurflo
    12x20 WF Mason Filter/Canner
    12x16 Sugarhouse

+ Reply to Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts