Modern Maple 5/16" Vacuum Tubing Systems

The components of a maple sap collection system focusing on 5/16" vacuum systems.

[@andregrondin1204]

very informative

indeed

[@oldtimerf7602]

Seems very time, labor, and capital intensive. Looks like a man could have 20g wrapped up in a small operation

[@ryanbrowne4374]

It really depends on scale. It is much cheaper per tap to set up 5,000 taps than 500. I've heard guys talk about $10-20/tap for a traditional 5/16 tubing installation. I have been using a 3/16 hybrid system for 5 years now, and I'll say one thing for sure: I'll never go back to hanging buckets. The weather has been so challenging during the last decade of syrup seasons and using vacuum and good sanitation practices really helps the producer remain viable and sleep well knowing that we're doing our best to bring in a crop. By the way, my 3/16 and diaphragm pump setup doesn't work for tons of taps, but it only cost $4/tap and has worked extremely well for me.

[@UVMProctorMapleResearchCenter]

It largely depends upon the size of your operation and whether you do the installation yourself or hire a professional installer. A high yield maple tubing system using vacuum is not cheap, but the production gains typically pay for the added costs fairly quickly. In general, maple operations at about 5,000 taps start to generate decent profits, but much depends upon whether you sell your syrup retail, wholesale, or in bulk.

[@ElmhorstJ]

Looks like a lot of trash in the woods

[@GAYRURALGUY]

Meanwhile were running 50 taps on a lateral line with a height of 1000ft

[@UVMProctorMapleResearchCenter]

Have fun with that!