The Best Water Pump - Purchasing Guide | AgriEuro Blog

A comprehensive guide to purchasing the best water pump, learning about its structure and operational purpose.

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The Complete Guide to help you choose the Best Water Pump
by the Real Experts of Equipment for Irrigation Treatments.

The purchase of the best water pump requires a good degree of knowledge and experience in the field, otherwise the risk is to get lost among the many different types on the market. Before moving forward with the purchase, it must be clear what the purpose of the machine is: there is the right tool for every job, and the water pump, although this term may seem rather generic, is a very specific tool. The purpose of this purchasing guide is to help you find your way around the many types of water pumps, by explaining their construction features and operational purposes.

    1. The uses

The choice of the best water pump, before being based on the brand and price of the product, should be made according to the actual use of the machine. The first major distinction in the field of water pumps is the type of water with which the machine comes into contact.
The uses for which water pumps are suitable include: “small” surface irrigation (e.g. for vegetable patches) and transfer (e.g. from one cistern to another).
ATTENTION. The suitability for the combined use with sprinklers of different typologies or various real irrigation systems is not guaranteed, (as they require planning by a qualified technician and a number of calculations in terms of flow rate, head lift, pressure, pipe diameters, valves, nozzles, and so on), which may require more specific types of pumps for water systems.

    1.1 Clean water or dirty waters

The water pump can therefore be used for different purposes which are divided into 2 main groups:

• clean water treatment
• dirty waters treatment

When we talk about clear or clean water, we are referring to irrigation treatments or filling operations of tanks and cisterns. Dark, dirty or waste waters, on the other hand, are typical of all those operations involving the drainage of muddy water or with dirt residues.

The 2/4-stroke water pump for dirty waters can efficiently work with liquids that may also contain solid parts, such as stones and sand, and it’s ideal for emptying sites excavations, ponds, cesspools and the like. It is usually equipped with a special filter that is resistant to the shocks and wear that dirty water debris inevitably exposes it to.

There are structural differences between a water pump for dirty waters and a standard one for clean water: the former are sturdier and more resistant, and they typically feature large-width fittings to avoid the accumulation of debris. Let’s see the technical details of both types.

    1.2 Types of water pumps

Depending on their use, water pumps can be divided into three main types, which also necessarily determine the structure of the machine:

• standard
• water pumps for dirty waters
• high head lift

• Standard water pumps are primarily suitable for irrigating or transferring clear, clean waters. They are ideal for pumping water from any kind of source and perform the function of flood irrigation for the vegetable patch or garden. In particular, they prove to be very useful in the absence of electricity, or in the countryside when you need to extract water from a well, from a cistern or from ponds and tanks that are difficult to reach, or even when you have to drain a cellar or a garage that has been flooded. These type of water pumps have a compact and low weight structure to facilitate transportation (and therefore they do not come with a protective frame), or they can be equipped with a wrap-around steel frame (with tubulars) . The water pump, supported by the frame, will be more stable as well as being significantly more resistant because it is protected from unwanted shocks.

• Water pumps for dirty waters, as already mentioned, allow to work with water characterised by solid parts such as stones or dirt residues. They can be used in construction site excavations or agricultural pits, but it is important to note that they are not suitable for treating real mud. A special metal filter is usually supplied with the machine to protect the pump from being hit by residues in the dirty water.

• High head water pumps differ from standard water pumps in that they are able to provide a higher head lift, and therefore reach greater “distances”, but with a lower flow rate. But what is the head lift? In the next section we will look at the relation between two of the most important technical parameters of a water pump, namely the flow rate and the head lift.

    2. Flow rate and head lift relation

When choosing the best water pump, the characteristics of the machine itself and those of the area to be irrigated or the work to be carried out must be taken into account. In accordance with this, it will be possible to decide on the size and structure of the water pump that best suit our needs: a fixed water pump can be taken into consideration in the case of lawn or garden irrigation, or a transportable or wheeled pump can be chosen if you need to irrigate areas that are far apart or that need to be reached.

Once the type of water to be treated and the size of the water pump have been assessed, it is time to look at the two basic technical parameters of a pump:

• flow rate
• head lift

• The flow rate is the amount of cubic meters of water per unit of time that can pass through the pump section. In other words, when we talk about flow rate, we mean the amount of water that the pump is able to displace over a given period of time (generally this value is calculated per hour or per minute). Therefore, depending on the user’s needs, it will be possible to figure out which pump to choose. For example, the larger and more capacious the basin from which the water is to be pumped, the more a high-capacity water pump is needed to carry out the job in the shortest possible time.

• The head indicates the maximum lifting height that the water pump can cover when transporting water. The head basically indicates the ability of the pump to move water from one point to another and can be measured as the difference in metres between the point where the water is drawn and the point where the pump can transport it.

The head is therefore a value that takes into account the distance that must be reached + the height to which the water must be brought. Let’s take a practical example to understand how to calculate the head:

SIMPLIFIED METHOD FOR CALCULATING PUMP HEAD.

3 metres distance is equivalent to 1 metre in height
For a height of 20 m and a distance of 50 m, a water pump with a head of at least 40 m will be required.

THERE IS AN INVERSELY PROPORTIONAL RELATION BETWEEN HEAD AND FLOW RATE. At maximum head the flow rate is 0. The head and flow rate values are displayed in a graph: for each flow rate value, the resulting head value can be identified. The curve passing through the points is generally a straight line that can be more or less flat, or vice versa, more or less steep. Pumps with a “flatter” curve provide little head variation but large variations in flow rate value; pumps with a “steeper” straight line generate large head variations and a more constant flow rate.

The head is the height up to which the water pump can push the water. This value, generally measured in metres, should be considered in relation to the flow rate. There is essentially an inversely proportional relation between flow rate and head, as can be seen from the graph.

    3. Self-priming water pump

Water pumps are often associated with the adjective self-priming; self-priming water pumps form a separate category and represent a technologically more advanced type of water pump compared to classic centrifugal ones. The difference between a self-priming water pump and a centrifuge one lies in the starting up process.

    3.1 Centrifugal or self-priming

Centrifugal water pumps, as the name suggests, move the water through a centrifugal force. The water is fed into the machine via the suction hose, enters the pump impeller and is then pushed out via the water pump delivery.

A water pump lifts when the machine’s suction hose and pump are filled with water, then the air is removed from the suction hose and the water pump is activated.

• Centrifugal water pumps are manually primed and require both the suction hose and the pumping unit are filled with water in order to be activated; the suction hose is fitted with a foot valve. The impeller of the machine and the entire hose must then be filled (the hose is closed by the foot valve); when the water pump is activated, the foot valve cap will open.
• In self-priming water pumps, priming is automatic, which means that they fill up automatically. Only the pumping unit (and not the hoses) needs to be filled to activate the machine.

    3.2 Start-up and self-priming benefits

Self-priming is the ability of a pump to draw in air from the suction hose during start-up. How does it start up?

• when starting up for the first time, the water pump body must be filled via the pump’s upper filling cap;
• when activated, the pumping unit generates a vacuum which draws in the air in the suction hose;
• the air mixes with the water in the machine body and then escapes through the delivery (the water being heavier than the air does not escape, but continues to rotate in the pump)
• once all the air has been released, the water pump starts working.

What are the benefits of a self-priming water pump?

• greater practicality and ease of use;
• greater suction height, which is the distance between the water level and the suction inlet of the water pump (in centrifugal models, it is usually possible to have a maximum suction height of up to 5-6 meters, while self-priming types can reach up to 8 meters).

    4. 2/4-stroke or diesel engine

Water pumps with 2/4-stoke engines are the most common type on the market . The vast majority are now equipped with 4-stroke engines (2-stroke engines are slowly disappearing from the market due to their reduced durability and power) and, depending on their characteristics, can be suitable for different types of irrigation or drainage work of varying intensity.

The diesel engine, in general, is a suitable choice for those who need a machine that is expected to last despite fairly heavy use, and for those looking for a working tool that is always ready for use, even after long periods of non-use. One of the many advantages of the diesel engine is that it consumes less fuel than a 2/4-stroke one.

Every construction business needs to acquire equipment to help perform the job well. Their equipment selection is crucial because it has a strong impact on the quality and efficiency of the work they will be able to offer clients.

Given how important it is to source proper construction machinery, this guide will highlight the essential equipment to acquire, and the key factors to consider when making a purchasing decision. This will ensure businesses have the machinery they need to achieve their goals.

Table of Contents
Backhoes
Bulldozers
Concrete mixer trucks
Excavators
Motor graders
Scraper tractors
Skid steers
Wheel loaders
Truck crane
Concrete pump
Final thoughts

Backhoes

Factors to consider when purchasing a backhoe

Hydraulics for versatility

If the business wants the backhoe to operate thumbs down, then there is no need to add hydraulics. However, adding hydraulics to the backhoe improves the machine’s versatility. Some attachments require unidirectional hydraulics, such as breakers and compactors, while others require bidirectional attachments, such as augers and thumbs.

The size of the task

The size of the tasks the business will be involved in should determine the type of backhoe selected. A basic backhoe can easily handle small tasks, while heavy-duty tasks require stronger and sturdier backhoe machines. It is good to note that the most efficient backhoe machine should be able to work in tight spaces efficiently.  A good example is the JCB-4CX SUPER.

Easy serviceability

Businesses should select backhoes that are easy to maintain and operate, giving a big payoff in the long run. It should also give the best results. This makes the operator’s work easy as they have to inspect the equipment before and after work. Good brands to consider are CASE, Caterpillar, and JCB.

Fuel efficiency and horsepower

A machine that is fuel efficient will minimize the cost of operation. Fuel cost accounts for 60% of the cost of operating a backhoe machine. At the same time, backhoes that produce more horsepower consume more fuel. Backhoes 14 – 15 feet long offer 68 – 107 hp, while those over 15 feet long provide an output of 127 hp or more. Therefore, the business must balance out the horsepower they require with the fuel efficiency that will be manageable for them.

Bulldozers

Factors to consider when purchasing a bulldozer

Undercarriage

There are two undercarriages in a bulldozer: standard and heavy duty. The standard undercarriage is suitable for landscaping and construction works. To lengthen its durability, it’ll need the oil seals improved frequently. The heavy-duty undercarriage has all the features of the standard undercarriage. In addition, it has enhanced components such as steel plating to maximize strength.

Availability of spare parts

Businesses are advised to purchase bulldozers from verified vendors. It helps the business to benefit from the availability of genuine spare parts. Besides this, the vendors should provide professional maintenance, warranty checks, and staff training on how to use the bulldozer.

The size of the bulldozer

There are three sizes of bulldozers, namely, small, medium, and large bulldozers. Small bulldozers are suitable for moving piles of dirt with occasional tree stumps or rocks. These machines weigh less than 20,000 lbs. Medium bulldozers are ideal for projects with large pads of rocks and roots that need removal. These machines typically weigh between 20,000 – 60,000 lbs. Large bulldozers are for projects requiring a lot of power and demanding terrains such as a landfill or quarry, and they weigh between 60,000 – 150,000 lbs.

Concrete mixer trucks

Factors to consider when purchasing a concrete mixer truck

The drum material

Concrete mixers can be made of two materials, plastic, and steel. Plastic drums can be cleaned easily, and they’re light. This means that the tow vehicle can be used to pull a heavier payload of concrete. However, the output of plastic drums is lower. They are therefore not suitable for projects that require a lot of concrete. Drums made out of steel are ideal for projects with heavy-duty applications due to the strength that steel produces. They, however, require more maintenance due to corrosion. Businesses should therefore weigh their concrete requirements and select a suitable concrete mixer.

Source of power

Concrete mixers run on either natural gas or electricity. The models that use electricity are best for use in enclosed spaces. Those that run on natural gas work best in open spaces. A good consideration to make when selecting the electric model is the source of electricity. If a project cannot provide electricity on site, it’d be better to select the model that uses natural gas.

Portability

Businesses should select a stationary concrete mixer if they are in one location for a long time. However, if the project requires the use of concrete in different locations, it’s advisable to pick a portable concrete mixer.

Batch output

The output of the concrete mixer can optimize the cost of operating it. Purchasing a small mixer may be cheap, but it could result in having to prepare many batches to suit a project. A large mixer could result in a waste of resources in preparing concrete that isn’t needed immediately. Businesses are therefore advised to select a concrete mixer slightly above their current requirements. It provides them with flexibility for their current and future projects.

Excavators

Factors to consider when purchasing an excavator

Smart efficiencies

As technology keeps improving, excavators are getting smarter. Purchasing an excavator with electronic intelligence allows businesses to manage them better. Excavators come with features, such as telematics, which refers to the transmission of data over long distances, and remote monitoring equipment, all of which are handy. These innovations can also help improve the performance efficiency of the excavator. For example, communication between the engine and the hydraulics could improve fuel efficiency. Businesses could take advantage of these technologies by acquiring such machines.

Attachment versatility

Investing in a quality attachment connection system could help businesses save operation time. For example, a quality automated coupler saves 25% of the operating time compared to direct mounting attachments. This is of significance given that couplers make it easy to swap attachments, such as changing buckets to match trench width or a breaker to break down hard rocks.

Transportation logistics

Businesses should consider logistics if the excavator will frequently be moving. The frequent movement will impact factors like getting permits and determining whether the business has the appropriate trailer.

Costs

Projects can be as short as a few months and as long as years or even decades. This affects the cost of an excavator. The cost of an excavator includes the purchase price and the cost of operating it during its lifetime. In addition, there is the cost of replacement parts and the downtime lost when the machine is under repair. Businesses should therefore consider how efficient a certain brand’s excavators are before purchasing one. Besides this, one should also consider the availability of spare parts and personnel to operate and repair it. The needs of a project are also important to consider. Some projects may be deemed dangerous to use personnel, and remote-controlled excavators may be a better selection.

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User experience

The climate: Businesses should consider the weather conditions of the project. If the excavator will be used during the summer or in hot regions, choosing one with a cab that features air conditioning would provide better comfort to the user.

Personnel: It is also advisable to pick an excavator built around the user. For example, having an opening cab that makes It easy for tall people to enter and use may be necessary for Europeans and Americans who are taller.

Position of the oil cylinder: When it is positioned on the boom, there’s no need to worry about damage to the cylinder when it’s loading materials.

Brand name

Businesses are advised to select reputable excavators from reputable brands with a proven track record. A few things to consider are popularity with many users, environmental protection, stable operation, no black smoke, and strong engines.

Engine power and operation weight

The engine power and the operating weight of an excavator are related. Excavators weighing under 20 tons will produce 95 – 120 HP. Those weighing 20 – 40 tons will have between 150 – 275 HP, while excavators above 40 tons can produce 367 – 532 HP.

Motor graders

Factors to consider when purchasing a motor grader

Engine horsepower

The engine power will determine the suitability of a motor grader for a particular job. However, acquiring a machine that produces between 100 – 200 hp would be recommended because it would cover most of the standard motor grading requirements.

Reputable manufacturer

Businesses are advised to purchase motor graders from reputable manufacturers. This is important because they will benefit by getting after-sales service and a warranty. Besides this, offers such as personnel training and availability of genuine spare parts are guaranteed, and it ensures the longevity of the motor grader purchased.

The business applications

Motor graders can be used for a variety of applications by a business. They’re used for leveling soil, shifting small amounts of dirt, and fine grade, making smoother surfaces, preparing the top layer for laying asphalt, and removing snow and debris. Businesses should therefore know the exact application of the motor grader they want to purchase before making a purchase.

Telematics

Businesses can also select a motor grader that incorporates a remote monitoring system. Such a system improves the machine’s productivity, safety, and performance. At the same time, it minimizes the office work that would have been done analyzing the data.

Scraper tractors

Factors to consider when purchasing a scraper tractor

Versatility and utilization

A scraper tractor is suitable when the cost per yard of scraping is low. However, it may be cheaper to top load a truck in specific scenarios instead of using a scraper tractor. Before purchasing the scraper tractor, the business should consider its utilization in the long run.

Flexibility

Businesses should select equipment that is flexible to operate. Some scraper tractors can increase their capacities by adding or subtracting the number of scrapers to use. Knowing the type of work the business will engage in can help determine the kind of scraper to acquire. Scraper tractors range in capacity between 25 to 54 cubic yards.

Type of scraper

There are two types of scrapers: dump scrapers and ejector scrapers. Dump scrapers are less costly. They also unload faster compared to ejector scrapers. Ejector scrapers, on the other hand, unload evenly. One disadvantage of dump scrapers is that unloading wet or sticky material is challenging. The ejector scraper can unload all kinds of materials with no issues. Knowing the type of project a business will engage in will help them determine the type of scraper to acquire.

Skid steers

Factors to consider when purchasing a skid steer

Application

Skid steers are used in many industries, including landscaping, forestry and logging, construction, farming, and agriculture, to name a few. They can be used to move pallets, break rocks, demolition, and snow removal. Some skid steers are better suited for lot clearing, especially in the preparation of construction sites. Others can be used in digging holes or backfilling to compact ground, making them suitable for the agricultural sector. Therefore, businesses must determine where they’ll apply the skid steer before acquiring one.

Size, capacity, and horsepower

Skid steers have three major sizes, small, medium, and large, all of which have different horsepower and capacity.

Small frame skid steers have a capacity of lbs and 50 hp. They can be used for landscaping and construction in small spaces.

Medium frame skid steers have a capacity of between and lbs and a horsepower of between 50 and 70. They can conduct demolition where there are no space constraints and commercial construction.

Large frame skid steers have a capacity of over lbs. They produce a horsepower of more than 70 and are suitable for dealing with heavy items or items that need a high speed.

Lift style

Skid steers haul materials by either of two lift styles, vertical lift, and radial lift. The radial lift extends outside, achieving maximum reach closer to the ground. It makes them better suited for digging, backfilling, and mowing. Skid steers with vertical lifts allow access to high and hard-to-reach places. Because of this, they’re used in warehouses and building supply yards.

Tracks or wheels

The terrain that a business works in could determine whether to select a tracked or wheeled skid steer. The tracked skid steer is suitable for rough terrain. However, it can spread its weight over a large surface area and glide over the ground. They’re best applied when working on a farm to protect the soil. Wheeled skid steers are suitable when quick movement is required.  They require less maintenance and part replacement compared to tracks.

Wheel loaders

Factors to consider when purchasing a wheel loader

Material density

The density of the material being hauled by a wheel loader is more important than the capacity of the bucket. The bucket should be matched properly with the material to increase productivity. When the material matches the correct lift and dump height, it could reduce the number of passes to fill a truck. It is important to note that since businesses could be working with different materials with different densities, the bucket used should be the one with the heaviest density.

Dealer support

Businesses are advised to find dealers willing to support the business in terms of the availability of spare parts and equipment maintenance. Besides this, businesses can also take advantage of staff training and warranties to improve productivity. Following manufacturers guidelines is also important, especially in conserving the environment. A reputable dealer will provide the most recent information from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emission standards.

Durable designs

Wheel loaders will often encounter rough terrains that require the equipment to be engineered to protect it against damage. The use of under guards and shields for glass lights are a good example. Businesses could also improve productivity by matching tires with rugged terrain.

Loading capacity

The bucket is the most critical part of a wheel loader. Loaders have various volumes and weights that they can lift. These range from 0.65 cubic yards to 32 cubic yards. The largest wheel loader can uproot 160,000 pounds of landmarks.

Truck cranes

Factors to consider when buying a truck crane

The working area

Businesses should consider the working area before purchasing a truck crane. They should consider whether the work will be in an open or more confined space to plan accordingly. Other considerations include a lot of dirt or particles, which can affect the oil lubrication and, therefore, the machine’s performance.

The type of controls

Truck crane operators may prefer a particular type of control set. Knowing which type will help the controller to work better. The fixed control station may appear suitable though visibility may be obscured. Using remote controls may appear better as it can allow the operator to get close to the actual lift area. It, however, can be affected by radio interference. It’s therefore essential to determine the type of controls the operators prefer.

Maintenance

Businesses should consider how easy it is to repair and maintain the truck crane and acquire genuine spare parts from the dealer. They should also consider the performance record of the manufacturer they want to purchase the crane from. A truck crane should be serviced every 1 – 12 months and inspected by an officer with a minimum of hours of experience.

Weight and size of material being lifted

There are many types of cranes available. Each has a weight it can be comfortable to lift. Truck cranes have a maximum weight beyond which they cannot lift loads. There are 5- 10 ton truck cranes, 10 – 15 and 20-ton truck cranes. Businesses should therefore determine the average weight of loads they’ll move and then acquire the truck crane that suits them. It’s also recommended to get the load capacity chart that outlines the load to be lifted against the length of the truck boom.

Concrete pump

Factors to consider when buying a concrete pump

Type of concrete pump

There are two types of concrete pumps, trailer concrete pump, and boom concrete pump. The trailer concrete pump is suitable for void fills, mud jacking, and residential pours. The boom concrete pump is ideal for tall construction sites. It also delivers a large volume of concrete within a short time.

Output/capacity of the pump

Businesses are recommended to select pumps that exceed the requirement of their tasks. If a lower speed of concrete delivery is required, the rate can be lowered. Concrete pumps have an output rate between 7 and 80 m3/hour.

Maintenance and repair

It would be helpful to choose a concrete pump from a reputable brand. It provides spare parts and qualified personnel to repair the pump. In addition to this, businesses benefit from warranties, free expert training, and upgrades whenever the product manufacturer produces them.

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Final thoughts