CDL INTENS-O-FIRE 2.0 User manual

Version 1.0
01/07/2020
OWNER’S
MANUAL
INTENS-O-FIRE 2.0
EVAPORATOR
© All rights reserved –CDL Maple Sugaring Equipment Inc.

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CDL Maple Sugaring Equipment Inc.
Thank you for purchasing the INTENS-O-FIRE 2.0 wood-fired evaporator from CDL. This
guide will help you install your product and make the most of it. It has all the
information you need.
INFORMATION
Write down these details for future reference
Size: ________________________________________________
Purchase date and invoice number: ______________________________
Serial number: _________________________________
Representative: _______________________________________________
Serial number location
The serial number can be found on the back of the evaporator.

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CDL Maple Sugaring Equipment Inc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INFORMATION.................................................................................................................................. 2
SAFETY .............................................................................................................................................. 4
INSTALLING THE ARCH ..................................................................................................................... 5
CLEANING BEFORE FIRST USE .......................................................................................................... 5
BRICKING .......................................................................................................................................... 6
ASSEMBLY......................................................................................................................................... 9
FUEL................................................................................................................................................ 11
OPERATING THE EVAPORATOR ...................................................................................................... 12
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................................................... 13
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS (CONTINUED) .................................................................................... 14
BOILING .......................................................................................................................................... 15
MAINTENANCE ............................................................................................................................... 17
WHEN TO CLEAN THE PANS ........................................................................................................... 18
NUMBER OF GALLONS (US) IN THE FLUE PAN ............................................................................... 18
STORAGE BETWEEN SEASONS ....................................................................................................... 18
WARRANTY..................................................................................................................................... 19
DIMENSIONS AND FEATURES OF INTENS-O-FIRE 2.0 EVAPORATORS ........................................... 21
DIMENSIONS OF INTENS-O-FIRE 2.0 EVAPORATORS ..................................................................... 22
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE............................................................................................................ 23
NOTES:............................................................................................................................................ 24

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CDL Maple Sugaring Equipment Inc.
SAFETY
Wood-burning evaporators are very powerful pieces of equipment. They can be
dangerous if the operator does not follow the recommendations in this guide. Always
wear heat-proof gloves and clothing when operating an evaporator. Visitors must also be
informed of potential hazards and should keep a reasonable distance from production
equipment at all times.
Wood-burning evaporators run on solid fuel and produce intense heat that could cause
serious burns, both when the door is open and when it is closed. Some metal components
can also be hot enough to create flash burns, mainly around the door, pans, and stacks.
Operators must also watch out for boiling syrup splashes and steam backflow, as they
may cause burns.
The evaporator should be installed on a fireproof surface that can bear the weight of the
equipment and its contents. It should have at least 24 inches of clearance on all sides. If
you need to place the evaporator closer to a wall, install a heat-resistant coating on that
wall. Make sure that the stacks are not blocked by roof trusses. Correctly sized jacks must
be installed for any stacks that run through the roof. We also recommend that the ceiling
of the cabin be high enough to allow you to safely lift the hoods (if applicable) with a cable
and pulley system.
IMPORTANT: We strongly recommend that you contact your insurance company to
make sure that the evaporator is installed according to their safety rules, as different
companies have different requirements.

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CDL Maple Sugaring Equipment Inc.
INSTALLING THE ARCH
You will have better combustion and steam will exit more easily if your building is not
insulated. If it is well insulated, you will need to make sure you have air inlets to improve
combustion and stack draft.
1. Place the evaporator in the chosen location, remove the delivery wheels, and install
the adjustable feet (included) in the indicated spots.
2. Remove the pans and accessories from the arch.
3. Using a level, adjust the legs so that the bottom of the arch is perfectly level along the
length and width. Tighten the nuts at the bottom of the legs.
4. Connect the evaporator to the tank(s), making sure that there is a valve to block the
water if necessary.
5. Have a certified electrician connect the blower and controls. (Note: the controls must
be powered according to the electrical diagram in the main control panel.)
CLEANING BEFORE FIRST USE
Before using your evaporator for the first time, prepare a hot soapy water solution and
add the equivalent of one cup of vinegar (250 ml) or ½ oz (15 ml) of acetic acid per gallon
(4 L).
Hand clean any components, such as stainless steel pipes, fittings, and valves, that may
come into contact with maple water or maple syrup. Rinse and dry the components with
a soft, clean cloth. This removes any residual manufacturing oil, polish, and/or packaging
debris.

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CDL Maple Sugaring Equipment Inc.
BRICKING
Here is the procedure for bricking your arch. You can also view a full bricking manual on
our website:
https://www.cdlinc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Bricking-instructions-1.1-EN_low.pdf
Please note that we offer a bricking service. Contact your CDL representative for more
information.
1. Place the ceramic wool against the inside walls of the arch from the bottom of the fire
box upwards. Leave an 8-inch overhang on top of the rail and cut with a retractable
knife. Tape down the excess if necessary. Dust masks must be worn when insulating
the evaporator.
2. Use heat-resistant bricks to brick the bottom of the arch, followed by the walls. Start
at the front bottom and gradually work upwards and backwards. High-temperature
mortar must be applied in a thin layer behind and between the bricks to keep the
bricking solid and seal any gaps.
3. The last row of bricks at the top should be cut at an angle so that the heat from the
fire covers as much of the area under the pans as possible. Do not force the bricks
under the top rail. The bricks will always move slightly when heated. If they are too
tight, the arch frame will warp. Leave approximately ¼ inch between the top of the last
row of bricks and the rail. (Diagram A)
4. Cut the excess ceramic wool at an angle, following the angle of the cut of the last brick.
(Diagram B)
Bricks
Ceramic wool
Wool cutting
mark
Rail
Diagram A
¼ inch gap
Bricks
Ceramic wool
Grates
Diagram B

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CDL Maple Sugaring Equipment Inc.
5. Build a wooden form for a Pyromix cement wall around the top, the bottom of the
door, and the upper rear sections of the fire box. The metal surfaces should not be
directly exposed to heat. IMPORTANT: You must tape over the air outlets to prevent
cement from getting inside.
6. Slowly fill the form with high temperature cement. Make sure there are no air pockets
in the form.
7. Let the cement stand for at least 24 hours between 60 °F and 70 °F to let it dry; you
can add a heat source if needed.
8. Remove the wooden form, break the cement opposite the air inlets (if necessary), and
remove the tape on the air outlets.
9. Check for cracks in the cement. If you find cracks, fill them with cement to create an
even surface.
IMPORTANT: Contact your insurance company to make sure that your installation
complies with its safety rules.
Air outlets above the front door
Air outlets above the rear of the fire box

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CDL Maple Sugaring Equipment Inc.
The row of bricks on each
side of the door must be cut
at a 45° angle
You can insert wooden 2x4s to
support the form
Cement must be poured in the bottom
of the front section between the bricks
and the evaporator frame
A wooden form must be made
for the cement
The last row must be placed
upright and at a 45° angle
You can insert wooden
2x4s opposite the forms
to support them as the
cement dries
A wooden form must be made
for the cement IMPORTANT:
Tape over the air outlets to
prevent clogging

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CDL Maple Sugaring Equipment Inc.
ASSEMBLY
Now that your arch has been bricked and insulated, you can assemble the pans, jacks, and
collars.
1. Install the pans on the base, starting with the rear spacer and the flue pan (the largest).
Do not forget to install the pan spacers. Next, install the syrup pans in the front. You must
have an insulating pan spacer at each joint; make sure to install them with the curved
edge facing up (see photos). Check that the pans are level and clamp them properly
together using the front pan clamp.
2. Install the jack(s) on the roof; each jack must be perfectly aligned with the stacks on
the evaporator. Make sure the joint is tightly sealed to prevent leakage. (In order to
avoid complications with potential claims, we suggest you check with your insurance
company to find out the required clearance for the smoke stack as each insurance
company has its own rules.)
4. Using rivets or self-piercing screws, install the entire provided smoke stack, starting
with the base and including the strip of insulating wool at the base of the stack. Install
all pipes supplied with the evaporator; the pipes must be at least twice as tall as the
length of the evaporator. The pipes must extend 2 feet beyond the pinion.
5. Install the steam stacks (if applicable) following the same procedure.
6. Place the collars, then install the China cap and/or stack covers on the outside of the
building. Hinged stack covers will require you to run a cable for opening and closing
the cap from inside the building. (Note: Hinged stack covers should always be installed
in a way that prevailing winds can close the cap.)
7. Attach steel cables to the pipes to keep them attached and in place. Do not tighten the
cables too much, as the stack expands as it heats up.
8. Remove the protective plastic film from the stainless steel finish on all evaporator
parts. (Note: The film can be very difficult to remove in cold weather.)

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CDL Maple Sugaring Equipment Inc.
9. Install the float boxes, fittings, and water level(s). Connect the evaporator’s water inlet
to your tank. The lowest level of your tank should be at least 12 inches above the
evaporator’s maximum water level. Place Teflon tape on all threads to prevent
leakage.
Once the bricking is finished, we recommend curing the cement to maximize the lifespan
of the brickwork. Here’s how:
1. Air cure at room temperature (stack temperature must be between 40 °F and 100 °F)
for 24 hours, keeping the surface of the cement moist by lightly spraying it with water
or covering it with plastic.
2. Fill the pans with water as you would when boiling.
3. Raise the stack temperature to 400 °F and maintain it for 3 hours.
4. Gradually lower to room temperature and let it rest for 24 hours. This will prevent
thermal shock and help limit cement cracking.
Flue pan
Rear float box
Rear hood
Front hood
Front hood
Syrup pans
Pan clamp
Door
Control panel
Fitting
Flow valve
Levels
Overflow
protection
Front float box
Arch

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CDL Maple Sugaring Equipment Inc.
FUEL
Use only wood that is free of paint, staining, and other products as fuel. Some chemicals
can eat through stainless steel. Use of unauthorized fuel will void the warranty.
Note: The quality of the wood is an important factor in the performance of your
evaporator. Low-quality wood will cause less evaporation, requiring more frequent wood
loading and leading to darker syrup. For example: oak gives 29 million BTU per cord
compared to 16 million BTU for fir.
PREFABRICATED STACK
If you decide to purchase a prefabricated stack for use with your evaporator, please refer
to the manufacturer’s instructions. The temperature in the smoke stack can rise up to
1,000 °F. Before installing a prefabricated stack, make sure that it can withstand these
conditions and check whether it meets your insurance company’s safety standards.
SPARK ARRESTERS
We strongly recommend using a spark arrester cap on the smoke stack. Any forced-air
evaporator can send sparks and embers up the stack. A spark arrester will help reduce
the risk of fire. That’s why proper air adjustment is important to minimize the amount of
particles coming from the evaporator. It is also important to inspect the spark arrester
daily, because it may become clogged over time. If ashes clog the spark arrester, air will
not be able to flow out. This will hinder performance and may even damage the
evaporator.
Finally, burning wood always comes with risks. Always make sure no flammable material
is left around the cabin.

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CDL Maple Sugaring Equipment Inc.
OPERATING THE EVAPORATOR
Checking the furnace (before first use only)
1. Make sure that the air inlets to the fire box are not obstructed (front, door, grates,
rear).
2. Completely close the 4 gate valves under the evaporator (access through the panels
on each side).
3. Start the blower.
4. Open the door and check that some air is flowing through the duct under the door,
even when the gate valves are fully closed. This is a safety measure to prevent the door
from overheating. If you do not detect any airflow, contact your CDL representative.
5. Stop the blower.
Before starting the evaporator
1. Open the stack covers.
2. Check that all water supply valves are functional and make sure that the outlets are
not blocked.
3. Make sure the outlet on the evaporator feed tank is at least 12 inches higher than
the water level in the rear pan. Connect the tank to the rear float box.
4. We recommend installing a thermometer on each syrup pan. Calibrate the
thermometers by placing them in boiling water and adjusting the temperature to
0 degrees.
5. Open the valve of the maple water tank that leads to the flue pan. Fill the pan to
1 inch over the flues.
6. Open the valve on the front float box and raise the water level in the syrup pans to
at least 2 inches.
7. Using a tape measure, compare the actual reading with the scale reading on the
water levels and adjust if necessary. (Note: In the rear pan, level “0” is equivalent to
a level above the terminals.)
8. After the evaporator has been switched on, use the float boxes to stabilize the level
in the pans. We recommend 1 inch above the flues in the flue pan and 1½–2 inches
in the syrup pans.
9. To check whether the arch is level, measure from the bottom of the pans to above
the water level in each corner of the pans; the measurement will be the same in all
corners if the arch is level.
10. Make sure the valve on the water tank output is always open. If it is closed, you may
burn the pan.

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CDL Maple Sugaring Equipment Inc.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
INTENS-O-FIRE 2.0 pre-heating
1. Open the stack cover.
2. Feed water to the evaporator and wait until the water reaches the desired level in all
pans.
3. Prepare the fire using wood cut to 2 to 3 inches in diameter and 20 to 30 inches in
length for small evaporators (use larger wood for larger units). Load the fire box with
paper, cardboard and wood; place the wood 6 inches from the door.
4. Adjust the gate valves on the vent pipes inside the arch (accessible through the panels
on each side). Here are the recommended settings for starting your evaporator; you
can refer to the troubleshooting guide if you want to modify them. (Photo 1)
a. Gate valves on the grates: fully open
b. Gate valves on the door of the front block: +/-50% open
c. Rear block valve fully open
5. Set the potentiometer to 25%. (Photo 2)
6. Adjust the stack temperature using the temperature controller; we recommend a
stack temperature between 600 °F and 800 °F. (Note that above 750 °F, the base
may start to yellow.)
7. Start the fire and close the door.
8. Start the blower. (Photo 2)
9. Let the wood burn for about 10 minutes or until the fire is burning well.
10. Gradually increase the potentiometer to 100%.
a
b
c
Photo 1
Photo 2
Potentiometer
Blower
start/stop

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CDL Maple Sugaring Equipment Inc.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS (CONTINUED)
INTENS-O-FIRE 2.0 standard heating procedure
1. To reload wood into the fire box, wait until only 8 inches of charcoal remain, turn off
the blower only, open the door and rake 4 inches of charcoal towards the back of the
fire box. It is important to keep some embers above the grates to allow the fire to start
quickly.
2. Add tightly corded wood over the grates until it sits within 4 to 6 inches of the syrup
pans.
3. Close the door.
4. Start the blower.
5. Repeat from step 1.
THE HOTTER THE STACK GETS, THE STRONGER THE DRAFT WILL GET. THE
POTENTIOMETER ON THE CONTROL PANEL ACCELERATES COMBUSTION AND REDUCES
STACK DRAFT. THE AIR MUST BE ADJUSTED CAREFULLY TO PREVENT ASH FROM
COMING OUT BETWEEN THE PANS. THIS WILL ALLOW THE EVAPORATOR TO
ACCELERATE FULLY WHILE AVOIDING TOO MUCH COMPRESSION.
Adjusting the draft
Frequently clear the ash from under the grates. If there is not enough air space under the
grates, they will warp.
Make sure the pipe runs at least 3 feet above the top of the roof and at least twice the
length of the evaporator. If you still aren’t getting enough draft, add an extra section of
pipe.

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CDL Maple Sugaring Equipment Inc.
BOILING
1. Defoamers are needed to keep the evaporator running smoothly. If the syrup
generates too much foam, the float boxes will be unable to operate properly. This may
lead to unstable water levels and a possible water shortage. The defoamer also
prevents syrup from overflowing.
2. Pay special attention to the front and rear water levels; adjust as needed using the
crank on each float.
3. The maple syrup is ready when it reaches 7 degrees above the boiling point of water.
Open the valve when the syrup temperature reaches this level and close the valve once
the temperature drops below 7 again. Do not heat the furnace if the syrup is almost
ready. The temperature beneath the syrup pans will be too high and the syrup may
burn. Heat after you have drawn off the syrup.
4. Repeat the previous step every time the temperature reaches 7 degrees above boiling.
Your draw may vary over a single day of boiling. This is caused by a change in
atmospheric pressure. Be careful and calibrate your syrup regularly using a
hydrometer, densitometer or refractometer, all available at your local CDL store.
5. Once you have more experience, you can decrease the sap level in your pans. The ideal
level is 1 inch above the flues in the flue pan and 1½–2 inches in the syrup pans. The
lower the level, the faster the boil. However, lower levels also increase the risk of
burning the pans.
IMPORTANT: Check the door temperature by placing your hand on the door. The door
may be hot to the touch, but NEVER burning hot. If it gets too hot, you will need to add
some air. The goal is to keep the door hot, but not burning.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE
IF A POWER FAILURE OCCURS, TURN THE BLOWER OFF AND LEAVE THE EVAPORATOR
DOOR AJAR BY ½ INCH. THIS WILL SUPPLY ENOUGH AIR TO SAFELY FINISH BURNING THE
REMAINING WOOD IN THE EVAPORATOR.
If you have any problems, you can reach one of our technicians by calling 800-883-5158
or your CDL representative.

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CDL Maple Sugaring Equipment Inc.
STOPPING THE EVAPORATOR
1. We recommend changing the dead water in the front and rear float boxes, as well as
the water level, every evening.
2. When you are almost finished boiling, make sure you have enough maple water to
raise the level in the pans to at least 2 inches above the normal level. This will
compensate for the evaporation caused by the residual heat in the evaporator.
3. Rake the embers at the bottom of the fire box back to the grates so that they can be
burnt more quickly.
4. Make sure that there is no longer any live fire in the fire box and set the potentiometer
to 100%.
5. When the embers are completely burnt off, turn off the blower.
6. Close the cap on the steam stack.
7. Don’t forget to leave the door ajar when the evaporator is stopped to cool the fire box
as quickly as possible. The fire box can stay hot for up to 24 hours.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE
THE AREA IN FRONT OF THE EVAPORATOR DOOR IS VERY HOT WHEN THE DOOR IS
OPEN. ALWAYS WEAR HEAT-RESISTANT GLOVES, PROTECTIVE CLOTHING, AND SAFETY
GOGGLES. INSUFFICIENT PROTECTION MAY LEAD TO SEVERE BURNS.

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CDL Maple Sugaring Equipment Inc.
MAINTENANCE
Pan cleaning
1. Fill the pans with filtrate or clean water to the top of the dividers.
2. Add CDL-recommended pan cleaner (read the label to determine how much to add).
Heat the water to approximately 194 °F, extinguish the fire, and let sit overnight.
3. Drain and rinse pans thoroughly with water to ensure that no traces of cleaning product
remain.
4. Fill the pans again and add baking soda to neutralize any cleaning product residue. Let
sit for 15 minutes. Drain and rinse one last time.
5. Never use abrasive products, wire brushes, steel wool, or products containing chlorine
or hydrochloric acid.
6. If there is burnt syrup on the outsides of the pans, use a commercial oven cleaner (cold
oven) to remove it. Only do this if there is no more syrup in the pans. The cleaner will
dissolve the syrup without damaging the pans. To make the pans shiny again, use an
industrial foaming glass cleaner.
7. Clean the soot from underneath the pans with a brush; we recommend doing this in
the middle and at the end of the season.
8. Remove excess embers in the fire box and under the grates; this maintenance is also
recommended in the middle and at the end of the season.
IMPORTANT: If even the slightest amount of acid is left in the pans between seasons, it
will have damaged the pans by the next season.

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CDL Maple Sugaring Equipment Inc.
WHEN TO CLEAN THE PANS
How often your pans will need to be cleaned depends on the time of the season and the
amount of deposit left at the bottom of the pans. Check the syrup pans every hour. When
there is too much deposit at the bottom, clean the pan or replace it with a clean one. For
flue pans, cleaning frequency depends on the size of the evaporator and the amount of
minerals in the maple water. Generally, one cleaning in mid-season is enough. If there is
too much of a mineral deposit in the flue pan, it could burn or crack at the bottom of the
flues. It must be checked every day. It is a good idea to clean the pan surfaces that are in
contact with the flames in mid-season. Run a brush between the flues underneath the
pans to remove as much soot as possible.
STORAGE BETWEEN SEASONS
1. Lift the pans and place a block between the frame and the pans so that air can circulate
around the pans. Too much moisture could damage them.
2. Make sure the pans are clean. Remove mineral deposits with a cleaning product. If
necessary, clean the flues inside and outside of the flue pan with the appropriate
brushes and a pressure washer.
3. Never leave cleaners in the pans. They will be damaged quickly and this damage will
not be covered by the warranty.
NUMBER OF GALLONS (US) IN THE FLUE PAN
Dimension in
feet
Flue height in
inches
Gallons (equal flues)
Gallons (for every inch
above the flues)
2.5x5
7
15.6
7.5
2.5x7
7
21.8
10.5
3x7
7
30.9
13.2
3x8
7
35.1
15
3.5x8
7
53.5
17.4
3.5x10
7
66.8
21.8
4x8
7
45.9
19.8
4x10
7
56.1
24.9
5x10
7
70.3
30.9
6x10
7
84.3
37.2
6x12
7
99.6
44.7

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CDL Maple Sugaring Equipment Inc.
WARRANTY
Your evaporator is covered by a two-year limited warranty. For two years from the date
of original purchase, CDL Maple Sugaring Equipment Inc. will repair or replace parts of
this evaporator that are defective in material or workmanship provided that the
evaporator is installed, operated, and maintained according to the instructions provided.
Exclusions
This warranty does not cover:
1. Products from which the serial number has been removed or altered, or whose number
is not easily readable.
2. Evaporators that have changed owners or are located outside of North America.
3. Production losses caused by problems with the evaporator.
4. Loss of income caused by the quality of the syrup.
5. Service calls that do not involve malfunctions, manufacturing or material defects, or
products that were not used according to the instructions provided.
6. Service calls to verify installation or receive instruction on using the equipment.
7. Travel expenses and costs incurred to make the equipment accessible for repair.
8. Service calls to repair evaporator insulation or brickwork.
9. Service calls after two years.
10. Damage caused by repairs made by unauthorized technicians; use of parts other than
original CDL parts or parts that were not obtained from an authorized technician; or
external causes like abuse, misuse, accidents, fires, or natural disasters.
11. Consumable products (wood) and accessories.
12. Damage caused by misuse, negligence, modifications made by the customer, or
electrical problems.
13. Damage caused by the use of products not intended for use in an evaporator, misuse
of acid or cleaning products.
14. Damage caused by the use of painted wood or wood containing chemicals, glue, or
any other additives.
15. Damage caused by the use of any fuel other than wood.

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CDL Maple Sugaring Equipment Inc.
Disclaimer of Implied Warranties; Limitation of Remedies
The customer’s sole remedy under this limited warranty is the repair or replacement of
the product as described above. Claims based on warranties, including warranties of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to two years or the shortest
period permitted by law, which shall not be less than two years.
CDL Maple Sugaring Equipment Inc. shall not be held responsible for incidental or indirect
damages or for material and implicit damages. Some states and provinces do not allow
limitations or exemptions on incidental or indirect damages or limitations on warranties.
In this case, these restrictions or exemptions may not be applicable. This written warranty
gives you specific legal rights. Depending on the state or province, you may have other
rights.
If you need to call the repair service
Keep your receipt, delivery note, or other valid proof of payment to establish the warranty
period in case you need to call for repairs. If a repair is made, it is in your best interest to
obtain and keep all receipts. The service to which you are entitled under this warranty
must be obtained by contacting CDL at the address or telephone number below.
Your evaporator will be serviced by CDL in Canada. Any features and specifications
described or illustrated are subject to change without notice.
CDL Maple Sugaring Equipment Inc.
257 Route 279
Saint-Lazare-de-Bellechasse
Quebec, Canada G0R 3J0
800-883-5158 | cdlinc.ca