Water is the most handled liquid on almost every farm. It is pumped into troughs, sprayers and tanks, out of pits and ditches, and around sheds for cleaning. The pumps that do this work rarely get much attention until one fails. A little planning when choosing them saves time, fuel and frustration through the year.

Know the Jobs First

Start by listing what the pump needs to do. Filling stock troughs and tanks needs steady flow over distance. Loading sprayers needs speed so you can get back in the paddock. Draining flooded areas needs a pump that can handle dirty water. One well-chosen pump can cover several of these jobs, but very different tasks may need different pumps.

Types of Farm Pumps

1. Transfer pumps for moving clean water quickly between tanks.
2. Trash pumps with open impellers for muddy or debris-filled water.
3. Portable 12V pumps that run from a vehicle battery.
4. Fixed pumps for permanent lines such as irrigation.
5. Washdown pumps for cleaning equipment and yards.

The Move to Electric

Many farms are replacing small gas pumps with 12V brushless electric models. Modern farm pumps of this type can move well over 100 gallons per minute while running from the battery already on the ute or tractor. They start instantly, need little servicing and produce no exhaust, which makes them safer in sheds and near animals.

Power and Wiring

High-output electric pumps draw a lot of current. Use heavy-gauge cable, a correctly rated breaker near the battery and sealed connectors. Keep the engine running during long transfers so the battery is not drained.

Hoses and Fittings

Hose size has a big effect on real-world flow. Narrow hoses and long runs choke even a strong pump. Match hose diameter to the pump ports, keep suction lines short and use a strainer to keep out stones and leaves.

Keeping Pumps Working

Flush pumps with clean water after dirty jobs, drain them before frosts and store hoses out of the sun. A quick check of seals, clamps and wiring at the start of each season catches most problems before they cause downtime.

Planning for Peak Season

Pumps work hardest during dry spells, spraying windows and storm clean-ups, which is exactly when a breakdown hurts most. Keep a spare set of seals, a strainer and a short length of hose on hand, and test every pump before the busy season starts so problems show up while there is still time to fix them.

Choosing the right pump for each job, and looking after it, keeps water moving on the farm with far less effort.