Brew Boss for a brewer in a wheelchair

[NDBrewHound]

Hey guys, I am in a wheelchair from a spinal cord injury and while I do still have use of my arms and can lift a fair bit, lifting and pouring hot water is a massive safety issue for me. I am looking a getting the 15 gall with the cofi basket. This seem to me like it would be the best way for me to brew on my own with minimal lifting. I am wondering how much the the basket weighs when you are lifting it out of the kettle, what kind of tables you are setting the system up on, and what if any extras should I get if I order. Also any tips and tricks would be great. I am currently brewing 10 gallon all grain batches with a pot and cooler set up on a 3 tier rack, so my brew partner or wife end up doing most of the work. Just looking for a way to brew on my terms as much as I can. As far as the grain basket goes I am figuring I will need to build a rolling lift with either a crank or a small electric winch to safely lift the basket. Thanks for your input and thoughts.

 

[muhteeus]

You could always use pumps to move liquid. You could also use a pneumatic/hyraulic arm to "tip" the mash tun for easy cleanup.

Mechanically you could use a come along winch or a block and pulley system to pull the grain out, or lift it up.

Also, I don't see any reason you could not create a brew stand that is only 6-18" tall for easy access.

 

[Menhir]

I'm thinking of using a ratcheting pulley on a swing arm. They make electric models that might make things easier for you.

 

[MX1]

I think you could make that work.

on the website it says that the elbow fitting is removed and replaced with a lifting ring, I think it would be better to add a T and keep the fluid fitting and the ring installed all the time.

Finding a chain hoist should not be that hard, and as long as you keep the pot at working height, but also high enough to prime a pump, you should be good.

I have been thinking of a way to start a brew-club for the Wounded Warriors / Warrior Transition Unit here at Ft Carson, and I think this would be the best way to go.

 

[Snicklefritz]

Check out the stand this guy made:

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f253/biab-brew-stand-hoist-pump-310459/

 

[NDBrewHound]

Yeah a short brew stand is a must, and I will be shopping around for a hand winch/come-along to use. That set up is amazing in that link Snicklefritz... wow! Definitely shooting for something like that! MX1, that is a great idea. I can say that the guys would really enjoy having a laid back club to come together, and complete a task. I will be bringing this up with the Paralyzed Veterans Asso at the next meeting I attend and see if they are down with also doing a Vets brew club. The wife has given me the green light to get what ever I need to brew on my own so if you have any other tips or ideas let me know.

 

[MX1]

The more more I look at the Brew Boss system the more I am willing to sell my 3 vessel eHERMS and start over with the 20 gallon brew boss

 

[SeeMont]

As an older retired brewer, I also an looking at the Brew Boss. I am looking at the HF electric winch mounted on a rail system to move my basket / grain. The lifting is hard on the old body. I have also thought of using a hydraulic work tables that are used for working on ATV's / lawn mowers. Lower the kettle to ground level, then raise to table height for draining etc.

 

[DU99]

these are due to be released in the states.you could use a winch to do the lifting
http://www.grainfather.com/

 

[NDBrewHound]

That grainfather looks cool but a bit to small. Doing an experimental brew day tomorrow so I will be able to talk to my brewing buddy about this. The main thing that is holding me back from just buying this is the 220v requirement. Totally kills portability so doing large brew days at my buddies house would not work so well. Oh well more to come on this, for now a my mind needs to switch to the witbier, and hard cidre we will be doing. Cheers!