Small gas-powered water pumps

[Boondox]

I need something small, light and hand-portable that I can carry in the forest to jump start 1 inch water lines in early spring (blast out the critters and crud that partially plug them), and would allow me to take suction from my ponds to either water the area around it or hose off the muck from my excavator without bringing it all home where the dogs will track it into the house.

I was considering one of the little Tanaka or Mitsubishi units because they're 2-stroke and as simple as they come, but Honda has a couple of 4-strokes on the market as well. The 4 stroke seems like a no-brainer for reliability, but the two reviews on Epinions.com completely pan the Hondas.

In the world of mini pumps coming in at less than 20 pounds, what's a good pick? (Electric pumps are not an option as the pump would be used up to half a mile from the nearest power source.)

Pete

 

[Dozernut]

Pete

I have had the little four stroke Honda for about five years, the WX 15 I believe. It has been trouble free and very dependable. I water the garden and new grass with it. I throw the suction line in the pond and go do something else, in about an hour it runs out of gas. Then I switch the sprinklers to a new location and check the oil, refuel and let it run another hour. It can handle two sprinklers with ease, three alright but four pushes the limit of that little pump. I don't know who was panning it but I suspect that they had no experience with it.

 

[Pilot]

I have a Robin Subaru pump. It's 4 cycle, like the Honda and about half the cost. See Subaru Robin | Pump Details | PKV101 for pump info. Starts easily, runs well. Need some PVC fittings to be able to hook it up to a garden hose. Need a corrugated suction hose to draw with; if you try to use a garden hose it will collapse the hose. Places like Northern sell the suction hoses at high prices; I got mine at a pump supply place for about $10.

The pump portion on most of these small pumps are pretty similar in design and construction and it is the engine that is different.

 

[Mike120]

I've got a little 2 cycle Mitsubishi that I got at Northern Tool. I've had it for a couple of years and use it every couple of weeks. It's been very reliable.

 

[_RaT_]

I need something small, light and hand-portable that I can carry in the forest to jump start 1 inch water lines in early spring (blast out the critters and crud that partially plug them), and would allow me to take suction from my ponds to either water the area around it or hose off the muck from my excavator without bringing it all home where the dogs will track it into the house.

I was considering one of the little Tanaka or Mitsubishi units because they're 2-stroke and as simple as they come, but Honda has a couple of 4-strokes on the market as well. The 4 stroke seems like a no-brainer for reliability, but the two reviews on Epinions.com completely pan the Hondas.

In the world of mini pumps coming in at less than 20 pounds, what's a good pick? (Electric pumps are not an option as the pump would be used up to half a mile from the nearest power source.)

Pete

You want simple, reliable, easy, go with the little Honda.

 

[ulbhunter]

I have three of the small 4 stroke honda's and have not had a single problem with any of them. I use them for fire suppression at the farm. (burn pile got a little out of control a few years ago). When I am burning I have two portable tanks (275 gallon each) and each tank uses one of these pumps ( kind of a redneck firetruck). I put the third at the pond just in case I need to refill either of my homemade firetrucks.

Hope this helps

Greg Bynum

 

[thcri]

It is pretty tough to beat a Honda. No matter who I know that has one has had good luck with them.


murph

 

[schmism]

you talking about one of these little gems?

 

[fishman]

I've been using a Honda WX-10 now for over 5 years to spray chemicals from mix tanks, water my garden, and wash my tractor. It is super reliable and I wouldn't trade it for any other. The pump seal is finally starting to leak, but I would estimate I have close to 200 hours on the little guy. That's a long time to run a small gas pump.

I have used a small Homelite 2-stroke, and it was o.k., but not great.
The honda has the ability to adjust the throttle, which is a nice feature to control output. Whatever you get, make sure it has a throttle.

 

[penokee]

My vote is for Honda. Also have a Honda Generator, 4-Wheeler and SUV (Pilot). I like their quality, performance and reliability.

penokee