Our sun-baked land relies on a massive national road tanker fleet to keep country towns and rural properties supplied with water during dry times. These tankers require efficient, high-quality self-priming pumps for both fast loading and unloading water.
One Australian company, Australian Pump Industries, understands the vital role these tankers play in keeping livestock alive and communities healthy. When a pump under performs or worse still completely seizes, it leads to delays and missed opportunities.
A specialist in engine and hydraulic drive self-priming tanker pumps, the company has developed designs which are both innovative and have real benefits in terms of reducing maintenance costs!
A classic example is their range of cast iron, semi trash tanker pumps. These feature huge, non-clog style impellers that will easily handle solids of up to 39mm. This means that when filling the tanker from a creek or dam, small stones will pass through the pump without clogging. The robust pumps feature high sg cast iron impellers and silicon carbide seals for durability. For abrasive water applications the pumps can even be supplied with stainless steel impellers.
Aussie cast iron self priming pumps have the ability to draft water from dams, creeks and rivers. Image: Aussie PumpsEssential preventative maintenance
Even big trash pumps can clog, which is why Aussie incorporates a front opening port, located below the suction inlet flange. That easily accessible clean-out port enables the operator to promptly clean out the inside of the pump bowl in the event of a clog without dismantling the pipework.
“We design our self-priming pumps to be robust and simple to maintain,” said Aussie Pumps’ John Hales.
“We recommend a few visual checks to make sure that the pumps are running well and should an issue even look like it might be developing, these ‘no fuss’ pumps are simple to service too.”
Aussie Pumps recommends simple, visual inspections on the pumps be carried out on a weekly basis or, more frequently if it is operating continuously.
For engine drive pumps, the engine will require regular oil changes and replacement air and fuel filters. Both Honda and Yanmar have extensive national service networks to assist.
Simple pump checks
In addition, Aussie Pumps recommends checking for leaks at the back seal of the pump, where it meets the engine shaft. If the pump has been left to run dry the mechanical seal will overheat and burn out. Water leaking here may eventually seep into the engine causing further damage.
While the pump is running, carry out a traditional vibration check. Put your hand on the pump to feel for any excessive movements and to listen for any unusual noises coming from the unit. Extensive vibration on engine drive pumps can be an indication that the engine mounts need replacing. Fuel spilt during refuelling can result in premature deterioration of these rubber mounts.
Routine checks like these can prevent major catastrophic failures before pumps are allowed to “run themselves to death”.
Aussie Pumps has also introduced simple rejuvenation kits for all their self-priming pumps. The kits include all the elastomers and seals needed to service the pumps, making pump maintenance straightforward and fast.
They recommend that kits are held on hand for critical pumps to minimise downtime. Simply quote the CAT number of your pump and your Aussie Pump Distributor can supply the right rejuvenation kit for a value-packed price.
For more information contact Australian Pump Industries or Authorised Distributors throughout Australia.
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