Ok onto the next step, attempting to plan a line set up

[littleTapper]

So.....

What's a "CV"?

check valve spile https://us.h2oinnovation.net/us/chal...lair-4112.html

prevents backflow into the tree which results in less microbial activity and the tap has a longer duration of productivity.

[ProBoot]

Ok, I was planning on running the simple taps for my setup this year, they are like $25/100 so figure can't go wrong with that and a 500' roll of tubing.

Do I really need the special tool for installing the lines? or can I get away with basic hand tools? I have the special drill bit and will need to get the proper size one for the new taps as they will be smaller.

[DrTimPerkins]

I'm guessing with only about a 10' drop at the last tap to the collection point on the line the natural vacuum would be very very low and might stall everything?

https://mapleresearch.org/pub/slope2018-2/

[Sinoed09]

Ok, I was planning on running the simple taps for my setup this year, they are like $25/100 so figure can't go wrong with that and a 500' roll of tubing.

Do I really need the special tool for installing the lines? or can I get away with basic hand tools? I have the special drill bit and will need to get the proper size one for the new taps as they will be smaller.

You don’t *really* need the tools for pushing on the fittings but unless you have really strong hands it’s hard to do properly. You can’t pre-install the taps inside either so you have to do it outside when it’s cold which makes the tubing rigid and hard to use. I tried doing it without the fitting tool using a thermos of hot water to warm the tubing the first time I ran a couple taps and it was an exercise in frustration that had me cursing my syrup plans. It’s very hard to push those fittings on by hand. If you only had a couple taps i’d say give it a shot but if you’re planning on a 100 of them - just get the tool because it will pay for itself.

That said, if you take a look at the fitting tool it’s a tubing clamp welded onto a set of vice grips and a small u shaped bracket welded onto a pair of side cutters. To be honest, I paid for the tool and it’s low quality - I wasn’t super impressed with it at all but it works. If you don’t want to buy one you might be able to make something comparable for much less. There are a couple plans for DIY tools and you have a couple months before the sap runs.

[Pdiamond]

You can always check the mapletrader facebook page for used tools if you want to go that route but be quick they sell fast. Another option is Maple Tech Tools these would be new, and their prices are reasonable.

[ProBoot]

So I've moved ahead with lines plan,

I have a bit of slope in my property, not a lot, maybe about 20feet total drop from the first trees to the final spot for collection, total distance about 100-150'
I am hoping to run 3-4 lines in this span with about 25-30 taps on each with the final few run directly from the trees to the collection point which is some 55 gallon barrels(4)

My plan is to then transport the sap in more barrels to the main sugar shack for storage in the main tanks after RO-ing.

I'm hoping this increases my yield over 48 buckets last year.....

[4 Paws Sugar Shack]

ProBoot at 100' your slope is at 2% and at 150' you will go down to 1.33% all of which can be addressed in your tubing setup to create a strong gradient. My first question is are you purposively using 3/16 for this operation on natural gravity or will there be a shurflo with a manifold pulling on the lines? To say the least @ 1% water barely run and at 2% its a steady trickle. So with line friction added onto the equation you may only get 10-15In at max flow if you increase to 4% you could see 20in at the top tap. 5% is optimal for 3/16 in my opinion and everything I have read and tested myself

[ProBoot]

It will all be just gravity, no money for sureflow systems or other items now. My budget for Sugaring items is maxed this year.

3/16" since I found the new line cheap and there wasn't much of a benefit for what I wanted to do to go any larger. I had thought about doing 3/16" into 5"16" but was warned against it as the flow will create a natural vacuum with the grade.

Its my first year on line and I haven't even set anything up yet for the lines at all, like it's all just rolled up in my sugar shack.

[ScottT]

What type of spouts are you using? We set up a 3/16 mainline with 5/16 drop lines. All on a steep hill, hoping for natural vacuum, or gravity at least. We used check valve spouts (with the little ball). Now I'm second guessing, thinking I shouldn't have used them since we may not achieve natural vacuum.

[BAP]

What type of spouts are you using? We set up a 3/16 mainline with 5/16 drop lines. All on a steep hill, hoping for natural vacuum, or gravity at least. We used check valve spouts (with the little ball). Now I'm second guessing, thinking I shouldn't have used them since we may not achieve natural vacuum.

You will be fine with the check valve spouts. If you have a decent to steep slope and using 3/16” tubing, then you will get a lot of natural vacuum.