Pump Ideas for Mash Transfer

[Grancru]

Does anyone have any creative and inexpensive ideas for pumping grape mash from 5 gallon buckets int 55 plastic barrels and than back again after fermentation for pressing? The barrels have to 1" or so openings.

Any suggestions appreciated.

 

[Twerp129]

With skins? Not really any cost effective pumps which will pump solids on a small scale. If it's a white any cheap pump will work (or a 1/2" vinyl tube). Also it's a grape juice "must."

 

[Grancru]

Yes, skins & seeds. Direct from the crusher/destemmer into the fermentation barrels. Getting to old to hand carry and transfer everything.

 

[Twerp129]

How did you get skins and seeds out a one inch opening in the first place?

 

[Grancru]

Sorry, just measured. The holes are 2 1/4" wide.

I currently ferment in a 55 gal barrel with the top cut off. I just bought two more sealed barrels with the lids still on. I would rather not have to cut the lids off and get a pump to put the juice/skins/seeds in after crushing and pump out into the press.

Sure would make life easier but as I now think about it punching the cap may be a bit more difficult.