Vacuum Pumps?

[Cricket]

I have a Surge belly milker, but no vacuum pump. From what I've gathered, I will need a 6cfm with a regulator. I want it to be 110v. Do I need a 2 stage? (It is for 1 cow). If you're 'shopping', what would a 6cfm pump be used for other than milking?

I've been offered pumps for free, but I don't want to get into something where I have to spend $400, fixing something when a new one would be not much more. And also, it almost looks as though it's cheaper to buy a whole new milking set up than just a pump, so I'm apparently not looking for the right thing?

 

[kstaven]

portablemilkers.com has them.

 

[Cricket]

Thank you. While I don't need it to be portable, it does point out some of the considerations I was wondering about. Need a consistent and accurate pressure and have read that the oil ones last longer. But then it can't be left where it will freeze. So definitely want an air tank, but not oil.

 

[kstaven]

Air tanks build moisture and will freeze.

 

[PattySh]

http://www.backyardherds.com/forum/uploads/1685_sparklemilkingmachine.jpg. I got my pump from portable milkers. It's a dairyland I believe (it's in the barn). It was a great deal unfortunately the guy who operated portable milkers.com died last year and the business is closed. The pump is excellent tho and I can hand carry it. You can see it to the left of this pic if the link worked. If you find someone who carries dairyland pumps let me know.

 

[kstaven]

Dairyland was his trade name on the pumps. They are actually produced by Ghast(will have to check spelling) and imported.

 

[Cricket]

Patty, does yours have an air tank? I'm thinkiing I'm just going to have to move the tractor out of the shop when I milk. My husband keeps enough of a wood fire going over night that he doesn't have to use his glow plugs. I guess I've got until Dec. or so to figure this part out. I can convert another shed to a little milk house while it's reasonably warm.