Mason 2x3 or 2x3XL

[wkies]

I think I'm going to pull the trigger on a little hobby evaporator for next season. Plenty familiar with an evaporator having run a 2x6 rig for 10+ years. After many hours of researching, I really like WF Mason's 2x3. I reached out to Bill to understand the difference between 2x3 and 2x3 XL. Here are the differences: "The standard evaporator has a 3 section pan,the XL evaporator has a 4 section pan. The standard preheater sits on top of the pan is heat by the steam,the XL preheater sits behind the pan on the arch with fire on the preheater. The XL arch is 6" longer to accommodate the preheater. The XL pan being 4 sections is Reversible to keep the pan cleaner."

Leaning towards the XL. Does anyone have a 2x3 XL that is willing to share photos? How much sap does it boil per hour? Additional insight or thoughts?

Thanks all.

[eustis22]

I bought my XL a year ago last May and have nothing but high praise for it. Were you planning on getting a blower? I have a blower and would say that I'm doing 10 GPH with the blower on low.

I will add a pic tonight as yesterdays pic is all Steamy

[wkies]

Yes, I was thinking about purchasing the blower.

Eustis22: I know its somewhat of a loaded question but what's your thought on the number of taps the 2x3 XL can handle, considering no RO and boiling during the evening/weekends? Looking forward to seeing your rig.

[tombaisley]

I have a new this season 2x4 XL with a blower, I have 75 taps on tubing and buckets. I run the blower about 1/2 speed and get 10-12 GPH with out even trying. It is early and everything is still froze up, but right now I wish I had more taps.

[eustis22]

I have 50 taps on 3/16 gravity and I feel that would be about the maximum sap processed as I also boil nights/weekends. I am messing with a small RO system but its not a regular thing with my sap. Yesterday I did 50 gallons in about 5 hours, no RO (didn't get sugar % before boiling) and blower on low.

[wkies]

That’s super helpful, thanks. Any additional hints or thoughts is always appreciated.

[RedMapleCreek]

I have a Mason 2x3XL with no blower and can get 8 GPH. Last season I collected 730 gallons of sap from 48 taps and used a RO Bucket to reduce that in half to feed the evaporator. Was very pleased with how it all worked Would have been a lot more boiling without that RO. I definitely recommend the XL because it is nice to be able to reverse the flow every other boil to manage the niter. Also not having the preheater directly over the pan prevents condensation from dripping back into the pan. I have 50 taps this season but yet to get any sap due to all the deep snow and cold we have had, probably will be at least another week before I see any sap.

[eustis22]

I would like to see your bricking, red maple.

[eustis22]

hopefully those aren't upside down

[dannyac500]

i have a new 2x4XL for this season. Id go XL if i were you as well! That preheater directly on the fire really makes a huge difference