How do I judge a maple evaporator, pans and reverse osmosis unit before buying?

The evaporator is the heart of the operation, so give it time. Look closely at the pans for leaks, patched seams, warping and heavy scale. Check the arch and firebox for cracks, and the draft and controls for how smoothly they respond. Ask how the pans are cleaned between runs and at season end. If you can attend a boil, watch how steadily the sap flows and how much attention the operator gives it.

The reverse osmosis unit needs its own questions. Ask the age of the membranes, how they are cleaned and stored, and what the seller does when output drops. Check the pump, pressure gauges and any fittings. A unit that is well kept usually comes with clean records and a seller who can describe what each part does.

Ask for repair invoices, replacement dates and a list of parts kept on hand. Ask what the seller would replace before next season. Then have an equipment person or an experienced producer look at the setup with you. Your accountant can help you see what these repairs have cost in past years. Ask also how much sap the setup handles in an hour, and whether the seller ever ran short of capacity on a heavy day.

Key takeaways

• Watch the evaporator and reverse osmosis unit run during a real boil.
• Ask how pans are cleaned and how often membranes are changed.
• Get repair invoices and the seller’s list of what to replace next.