Modifying IBC tote for collecting sap
Just picked up an IBC tote for collecting sap.
I will put this on my trailer and tow it with my tractor. It’s going to be a bit of a reach to dump the buckets into the tote so I’m looking to modify it so that I can get the sap in more easily without wasting any.
Any suggestions?
Chris
30ish taps, all buckets
StarCat evaporator with divided pan
Some people cut out the top to fit a 5-gallon bucket in the hole and it seals ok.
I have some I wanted to get more access to this year, so I grabbed gamma seal lids for 5-galon bucket. Stuck the ring of the lid on with SS screws, then sealed around it with silicone. Then just unthread the sealing cap. Tons more room than the normal opening.
Can see them a bit here.
I also have a big "funnel" for IBC totes. Cut a 15-gallon drum lengthwise, and a 90 degree pipe fitting on one end; and a board or whatever to level the back of it. Laid on its side, you can then get (depending on how you cut it) about 10 gallons in that which will run nicely into the tote's opening.
42.82N
http://www.wsmaple.com
20gal tote and a boat bilge pump works wonders.
Thanks for the pictures, that helps a lot.
I was definitely thinking the big funnel route. The cut barrel brings my dumping point closer to the edge of the trailer which will make things much easier.
30ish taps, all buckets
StarCat evaporator with divided pan
I second the bilge pump plan. I used one for years with a cut-down/shortened plastic barrel. I also cut out the small, round opening to a 16' or so square. It was easier to clean with the more user-friendly opening.
Steve
2014 Upgrades!: 24x40 sugarhouse & 30"x10' Lapierre welded pans, wood fired w/ forced draft, homemade hood & preheater
400 taps- half on gravity 5/16, half on gravity 3/16
Airablo R.O. machine - in the house basement!
Ford F-350 4x4 sap gatherer
An assortment of barrels, cage tanks & bulk tanks- with one operational for cooling/holding concentrate
And a few puzzled neighbors...
http://s606.photobucket.com/albums/t...uckethead1920/
Woah, how on earth did you get those pictures on here?
Are marine (boat) bilge pumps considered “food safe” enough?Originally Posted by AlRock
2017 - 20ish taps on buckets, boiling outside in two baking pans
2018-19 - 70+ taps, 14-buckets, 50+ on tubing, homemade arch from oil tank in my barn
2020 - less taps, short season, but RO kit was fantastic! Gained a maple cat!
2021-24 - expanded into the neighbors yards! 50 taps on buckets and 40 taps on tubing
That I don't know, but used them for 12yrs.
Modified my totes with one of the covers they use on bob houses. Work great and cover snaps in place.
Bill
https://catchcover.com/categories/Hole-Covers/
2017 - 2019 - Getting my feet wet. 3-80 taps
2020 - Barn / Sugarhouse finished. 125 taps. NextGen 1x40 RO
2021 - 157 taps, 100 on 3/16 tubing w/two Shurflo set-ups, the rest on buckets
2022 - 225 taps. 175 on 3/16 tubing, rest on buckets.
2023 - 300 taps. 261 on tubing, 39 on 5 gal. buckets. Four Shurflo 12V set-ups.
2024 - 340 taps. New SL 2x4 hybrid pan. Added second 1x40 membrane to RO
2025 - 340 taps. 301 on tubing, 39 on 5 gal. buckets. Four Shurflo 12V set-ups.
Get a pump rated for RV water use. They are bilge pumps but usually have stainless steel parts.. They are 12 volt, but you can get a 115 to 12v transformer for very reasonable. I have one and I can even wire a line and plug straight off my tractor battery to run it. This is the one I use. https://www.amazon.com/Amarine-Made-...%2C154&sr=8-27 I bought it in 2017 and it still runs fine. Get Stainless steel shaft.
125-150 taps
Smokey Lakes Full pint Hybrid pan
Modified half pint arch
Air over fire
All 3/16 tubing
Southern Ohio
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