Semi-trash Water Pump. Which one?

[LightningBG]

So, I'm looking for a water pump. I've got 2 that I'm seriously considering. One has a honda engine, the other is some knockoff. I really like honda, but there is a BIG price difference. This will be an occasional use item, but when its needed, I really need it.

Here are the specs for the 2. Any thoughts or ideas of other pumps? Is it really worth over twice the price for a honda?

Quote:

DuroMax Portable 3'' Water Pump 7.0 Hp. Gasoline Engine

$199

The XP650WP Features:

• Durable DuroMax 7.0 Hp. Air cooled gasoline engine w low oil shutoff and idle control.

• 3'' ID intake & outlet w back flow check valve.

• Pump overhead lift: 91 ft.

• Suction height: 26 ft.

• Gallons per minute: 220 gpm (13,200 gph).

• .6 gallon fuel

• EPA & Carb approved.

Includes:

• Intake hose end strainer

• Threaded hose ends connectors & clamps

• Tool kit w/ plug wrench

Quote:

NorthStar Semi-Trash Pump — 3in. Ports, 15,850 GPH, 3/4in. Solids Capacity

$549

GPH

15,850

Port Size (in.)

3

Max. Total Head (ft.)

98

Manufacturer Warranty

24 months parts / 24 months labor

NorthStar's semi-trash pump has a quiet and dependable 160cc Honda GX160 engine and silicon carbide mechanical seals that resist corrosion, wear and heat better than a standard seal. The long-lasting, high-end silicon carbide seals that are specially suited for heavy-duty applications such as pumping contaminated and abrasive fluids. FCD45 cast iron impeller and volute reduce vibration and wear on the mechanical seal and engine, allowing them to last longer for semi-trash operations.

Features + Benefits

• Multi-directional discharge

• 23-ft. max. suction lift

• FCD45 cast iron impeller and volute last longer for semi-trash operations

• Silicon carbide seals are 2 times harder, 15% tougher, and 50% stronger than common aluminum oxide seals

• Uses standard NPT threads for attachment flexibility

• Utilizes a check valve to hold a prime while the pump is not running

• Fully welded industrial 1in. steel roll cage with durable DuPont® Black Wrinkle TGIC Polyester electrostatic finish holds up to jobsite abuse

• Full frame protection

• 1in. steel roll cage

• All sheet metal parts are cut using a state of the art CO2 laser

• Includes FREE strainer

• Replacement parts available from Northern or a Northern retail store

[delcecchi]

When you really need it, how long do you really need it for?

[Tom7227]

I see that the second one gives you a stat on the max size of solids where the other doesn't. Is that important? Also the second one says parts are available fairly easily. What about parts on the cheaper one?

In my mind the issue is what it would cost if the thing took a dump on you in the middle of something. If a failure has no or little cost go with the cheap one. If your going to earn money with it or could cause some damage if it doesn't work then I'd go with the better on. Frankly $200 doesn't sound like it can be much of a rig and I bet if you go and look the difference will jump out at you.

[TooTallTom]

I really don't know anything about water pumps. But I do know that Honda small engines are extremely reliable. My folks had a Honda lawnmower that ran like a champ for something like 25 years. As far as I know the engine still runs fine, but the wheels started to come apart, and they decided it was time for a rider so it's retired now.

As was hinted at, the cost of downtime/ repair is something to consider carefully.

[LightningBG]

If and when the pump would be used. It would probably be in use for about a week. There would be a cost to it failing. I have about $10K worth of equipment (boilers and water heaters) in a low area of a building that could flood if the waters get real high. The pump would be used to keep the water at bay.

Here are the pics of the rigs.(not that it really makes a difference what they look like)

[FishLocker]

A little levity...buy 2 of the cheaper ones, run both on the same job at the same time getting done in half the time and you are out on the lake twice as fast, AND you have about a HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS for buying bait for the summer. And if one fails, just keep the other one running while you fix the broken one.

That is a HUGE price difference. So here is something to look at. There are 3 basic parts in a trash pump. Motor, Gear box, Pump. It is hard to tell but those photo's look like they are using the same pump assemblyh, so if the gear box looks like the same manufacturer then you are looking at paying $350 to get a Honda rather than Briggs motor. IF it has a quality motor and the rest looks like they use the same parts, then get the less expensive one and upgrade your ice house with satelite tv. Have fun.

[TooTallTom]

Just to make things even more complicated: You could buy two of the cheap one for the price of the expensive one, then you'd always have one on standby.

I'm not pushing this as the best solution, (I don't really have a dog in the fight.) it's just something else to think about.

I guess great minds think alike, right FishLocker?

[MJ1657]

I would go with the Honda. Cheap insurance when you look at the amount of risk involved.

[FishLocker]

I guess great minds think alike, right FishLocker?

.

Ya' got that right! =)

[marine_man]

I would go with the Honda. Cheap insurance when you look at the amount of risk involved.

Agreed... especially if the pumps aren't going to be monitored on a regular basis. If someones going to be there and you've got time to switch the pumps should the first one fail before causing damage then there's a case for the buying two of the cheaper ones.

marine_man