sap transfer pumps

[GramaCindy]

I have been researching transfer pumps for transferring my sap from behind sugar house to inside sugar house to supply sap to preheater. How does one go about finding a pump that is not full of oil and will pump sap aprox 10'? MAN this is a toughie!!!

[sk8heaven]

http://www.homebrewing.com/transfer-pumps.php
Just a thought - beer makers need food grade pumps to transfer their "wort", not sure how fast you need to transfer, but the second one on this link would do about 3 to 4 gpm (180-240 gph) at 10 feet of head. There are probably more on other brew sites. I am probably going to start with something like this that can pump to my elevated tank from my hauling tank as I get a few more taps.

[GramaCindy]

http://www.homebrewing.com/transfer-pumps.php
Just a thought - beer makers need food grade pumps to transfer their "wort", not sure how fast you need to transfer, but the second one on this link would do about 3 to 4 gpm (180-240 gph) at 10 feet of head. There are probably more on other brew sites. I am probably going to start with something like this that can pump to my elevated tank from my hauling tank as I get a few more taps.

Thanks sk8heaven, I looked into the pump you mentioned and the one after that…both look great. I checked and the one I want is on backorder, will look further.

[red maples]

beware though as long as your not moving too much sap 1/25 hp is a little small (I would recomment 1/4 HP). so put in a switch fairly high in the head tank. you can pick them up in the hardware store for pretty cheap $30 and rig them upside down to fill. I rigged mine up with a light so when the pump comes on the the light goes on so I know when it is in use. Check out walrus potable water pumps they are pretty solid very insulated. and I think mine was a little cheaper around $305 ($350 I think with shipping).

[lastwoodsman]

Cindy
I use one similar to this from Northern tool. It is blue 1/8th hp and they evidently do not carry it on line. Although it is in their stores.
I say similar as the one I have been using was about 40.00, 110 volt. No problems with it for my small operation. I keep a spare on hand..
Takes about 7 minutes to pump out a 30 gallon tank
Woodsman
No problems with it and it pump 25 feet with no problem using a rv food safe hose.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...67182&Ntt=sump pump&D=sump pump&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Dx=mode+matc hallpartial

[Goggleeye]

I've narrowed my sap transfer pump choices down to these two, a Tanaka 2-stroke http://www.amazon.com/Tanaka-TCP-210...HM/ref=lh_ni_t or the Honda Powermate 4-stroke http://www.amazon.com/Powermate-PP01...sbs_01_02_t_lh. We've always used and liked Honda engines for other purposes - does anyone know how these perform? Also, I was wondering if a 2-stroke would be better because it would be hard to keep a 4-stroke level enough while doing this type of work. Any thoughts? Thanks, Mark

[allgreenmaple]

I have the Honda wx-15. Great little pump, easy to carry, & runs good.

[Littlesap]

I have that same Honda pump, new last year. Worked like a champ for me, have a look around ebay just in case you can find one that is new-in-box

[Littlesap]

Definitely go with the four stroke, no mixing and you won't have to deal with the two stroke fumes