Surge Milker Vacuum Pump Question

[bigredfeather]

I have found an old school 30 or 40 lb Surge milker for sale at a good price. I am wanting to use it to milk our goats. The milker doesn't come with a vacuum pump. I can't seem to get a clear answer as to what would be the smallest pump that would make it work effectively. The person selling it had a large pump on wheels that could run several milkers at once, so he is unable to tell me what the minimum size should be.

Here is a pic of it. It appears to be in great condition and well maintained.

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Does anybody have any reccomendations as to what size would be sufficient?

Would a Oil equipped, 6 CFM, 1/2 HP, Single Phase work?

Thanks.

 

[cassie]

You are better off to go larger than smaller. I can't tell you what the minimum would be. We just used cow equipment on our goats. By the way, the surge milker is going to need a little modification to work on goats. Easy to do. PM me if you like.

 

[bigredfeather]

Quote:
Any idea what would be the minimum? I am trying to get up and running as cheap as possible and vacuum pumps can get expensive fast I have discovered.

 

[Mac in Wisco]

I've heard of people using those 1/4 hp portable pump with the handle on top, or just hook it up to the intake manifold of your truck...

I use to hang out at this forum:

http://familycow.proboards.com/index.cgi

They have a whole Milking Equipment section where people will be able to help you out.