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menschmaschine · 04-06-2009, 05:33 PM

I'm pretty happy with my current 3-tier brewstand. But at some point I'll want stay off the ladder and build a single-tier. So, one day at work as I watched a siding crew using pump-jacks, the idea came across my mind to have the best of both worlds... a single-tier where the HLT and MLT sections can be raised with hydraulic or mechanical jacks (hand or pedal-pumped), so that it becomes a 3-tier stand. That way one can have the benefit of a gravity system with the height convenience of a single-tier system and without the cost/maintenance of March pumps.

Good idea? Bad idea? Someone already think of this? Anyone know of cost-effective jacks that would be fit to serve this purpose?

**WortMonger** · 04-06-2009, 05:37 PM

I think it is a great idea, now for a scissor jack pallet in the floor of my chest freezer.

menschmaschine · 04-06-2009, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WortMonger

now for a scissor jack pallet in the floor of my chest freezer.

I hear you there! My back can only take lowering/lifting so many carboys in and out of my chest freezers.

**Cape Brewing** · 04-06-2009, 05:44 PM

I think it's a great idea but I would think for the money and effort, you could just buy a pump... no?

menschmaschine · 04-06-2009, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cape Brewing

I think it's a great idea but I would think for the money and effort, you could just buy a pump... no?

You may be right, but I would want 2 pumps for my system... and then the maintenance of the pumps. I figure if I could find some suitable jacks for like $50 ea., it might start to look like an effective alternative.

**IrregularPulse** · 04-06-2009, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cape Brewing

I think it's a great idea but I would think for the money and effort, you could just buy a pump... no?

I think the idea is being flexible for brewing. If you travel to do group brews, you can't rely on the location having electrical hookup available. Gives you versatility of brewing in comfort at your home, but being able to adapt brewing with nothing but gravity and Propane. I think It's a neat idea.

**IrregularPulse** · 04-06-2009, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by menschmaschine

You may be right, but I would want 2 pumps for my system... and then the maintenance of the pumps. I figure if I could find some suitable jacks for like $50 ea., it might start to look like an effective alternative.

I don't think the maintenance of a pump is arguable vs the maintenance of a hydraulic jack. March Pumps from what I understand are VERY little maintenance.

Catt22 · 04-06-2009, 05:58 PM

I would go with pumps. I pump my sparge water up to the elevated HLT cooler and sparge with gravity flow. As said above, mag drive pumps require very little maintenance other than keeping them clean and an occasional drop or two of lubricant. Why the need for two pumps? I get by using a single pump no problem.

menschmaschine · 04-06-2009, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IrregularPulse

I don't think the maintenance of a pump is arguable vs the maintenance of a hydraulic jack. March Pumps from what I understand are VERY little maintenance.

Fine, then I'll use mechanical jacks!

Seriously, though, these are all great points and is exactly the kind of discussion I was hoping for.

menschmaschine · 04-06-2009, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catt22

Why the need for two pumps? I get by using a single pump no problem.

Single-tier with fly-sparging capability.