Moving/lifting full fermenters?

[Rogermort]

How do forum members go about shifting a fermenter containing up to 50 litres?

I gravity fill through a counterflow wort chiller before pitching but then I need to get the resulting weight up into one of my fermentation chambers (larder fridges).

Up until now I've been doing 25 litre batches which are easy enough to lift but when going to 50 litres ish I'll be doubling the weight!

[robbym123]

I have a couple of 60 litre fermenters. I find that when full the best technique to move them is to make lots of grunting noises and swear at bit!. It isn't so bad when there are two of us brewing, but when it is just me it is tough. Stating the obvious, i know, but i do tend to restrict myself to 40-45l per fermenter when on my own.

I guess one other idea would be to liquor back once the fermenter is in situ?.

Good luck!.

[a-slayer]

I have a lifting aid for helping with my fermenter, it's called "The wife"

[vacant]

I've been fermenting in a Wilko's 80 ltr storage box which is upstairs in a bedroom. I drain 41 ltr from the boiler to two 25 ltr bins. When one bin has around 15 ltr I take it upstairs after starting to fill the empty one. Three trips does it.

[Wilfy]

Could you not fill the FV from the boiler while it's in place in the fridge?

[BenB]

Very very carefully.

Seriously- a knackered back isn't much fun.

[orlando]

How do forum members go about shifting a fermenter containing up to 50 litres?

I gravity fill through a counterflow wort chiller before pitching but then I need to get the resulting weight up into one of my fermentation chambers (larder fridges).

Up until now I've been doing 25 litre batches which are easy enough to lift but when going to 50 litres ish I'll be doubling the weight!

Could you make a platform the height of the floor of your chamber, fit some castors and then push it in from that?

[Rogermort]

Could you not fill the FV from the boiler while it's in place in the fridge?

I could but it would require pumping the wort through the counterflow rather than using gravity. It's already a balancing act controlling the taps on the kettle and the cold water flow. Adding a pump to the equation multiplies the chances of Mr Cockup coming by for a visit.

[Rogermort]

How do forum members go about shifting a fermenter containing up to 50 litres?

I gravity fill through a counterflow wort chiller before pitching but then I need to get the resulting weight up into one of my fermentation chambers (larder fridges).

Up until now I've been doing 25 litre batches which are easy enough to lift but when going to 50 litres ish I'll be doubling the weight!

Could you make a platform the height of the floor of your chamber, fit some castors and then push it in from that?

This is my current favourite and the one I've been heading towards. Aldi have some nice castors in at the moment but they're £9.99 EACH!!!

[orlando]

Could you not fill the FV from the boiler while it's in place in the fridge?

I could but it would require pumping the wort through the counterflow rather than using gravity. It's already a balancing act controlling the taps on the kettle and the cold water flow. Adding a pump to the equation multiplies the chances of Mr Cockup coming by for a visit.

True, but pumps are wonderful, be the way I'd go. Wouldn't go back to gravity and they have so many uses.

[aamcle]

I fill from the CFC with the FV on a wheeled trolley I made, I can then just slide the FV onto the shelf in the fridge.

When it's time to move the beer into a bottling bucket I'll slide the FV back onto the trolley and use a rope hoist to lift it up onto the freezer so I can siphon from it.

All easy-peasy with a bit of organisation and some wheels.


ATB. aamcle

[Fil]

Its the reason a 5 gallon brewlength is so popular, most folk can lump it up from floor to waist height for a gravity drain.

Larger volumes will need some aid, If you can maintain a pressure seal to contain upto 5psi in your FV you could employ co2 pressure from a regulated co2 supply?

Otherwise its probably a pump you will need, Though someone does use a scissor lift table..

[Rogermort]

Aamcle has arrived at the sort of solution I think I'm likely to employ first. Thanks all.


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[IPA]

This is what I use.

[chefgage]

This is what I use.

Nice lifting rig. I really must get out of the kitchen and get my permentent brewery set up.