We could not find a hanging scale large enough to determine the resistant load on a 4″ pump cylinder with an 80′ column of water in a 2″ drop pipe. So we decided to use the old-fashioned method, a 6-to-1 block and tackle and a set of weights. Our test shows the WaterBuck Pump  is easily lifting a load resistance of 840 pounds when set on the long stroke. These results are based on cylinder leathers that have been broken in. New leathers will have more resistance.

The test is also based on a balanced load. The load will be much greater in operation considering the pump rod is pulled up 16” in less than 2 seconds. Pulling the rod up that fast requires more effort and creates more friction on the cylinder walls.  Therefore, the peak load of the WaterBuck at the current application is not known.  We would need a 1,200 to 1,500 pound hanging scale to determine the peak load performance at current application.

A video demonstration of the load test can be viewed here.

The WaterBuck Pump and a Pressure Tank

With the non-electric shallow and deep well WaterBuck Pump and a pressure tank, anyone can have water in their home as they do with an electric water pump. Yes, our pump can pressurize indoor plumbing systems for household use and can be also used for irrigation.

At a static water level of 80′ with a 4″ cylinder, I pressurized the tank to 23 psi by pumping 2.5 minutes. I did not want to go any further because the current sucker rod is not strong enough for this application, yet it was enough for 20 minutes of watering with a garden hose and sprayer. View the video here.

In addition to pumping from a static of 80’ the 23 psi created is equivalent to a vertical lift of 52.9 feet from the surface.  A new sucker rod is on the way.

The WaterBuck Pump is a perfect water supply system for off-grid living and a reliable backup for homesteads, farms and ranches during long-term power outages.

08/30/13- We’ve improved the WaterBuck Pump again — this time with new 3/4″ fiberglass sucker rod, 2″ brass stuffing box with stainless steel rod, 110′ of 2″ galvanized drop pipe, 1/4″ gate valve, new 4″ windmill cylinder and the pump levers. The gate valve is installed below the frost line to prevent freezing. It can be opened and closed at the wellhead.

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We can’t wait to see what the maximum gallons per minute will be with the improvements, but have to wait until we get the cup leathers broken in. Stay tuned.

Update- 09/7/13

I would never have thought the friction created against the inside of the cylinder wall (when pumping from a deep well with a large cylinder) was so intense that a 500-pound pump system would slip up through a tightened well seal under operation.  But it is true! As you can see from the pictures, I had to anchor down the wellhead with chain to keep the drop pipe in place. The mechanical advantage of this pump is incredible!

While we are breaking in the new cylinder and cup leathers, we have, so far, pressurized the tank to 50 psi, not by an air compressor, but by pumping water into a conventional pressure tank. Each pound of pressure is equal to 2.3 feet of vertical lift (50 psi. x 2.3′ = 115 feet). We are pumping from a static water level of 80′ with a 4″ cylinder and pressurizing a tank (80′ + 115′ = 195 feet of lift).

© 2013 Well WaterBoy Products LLC ♦ WaterBuck Pump™