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We all hope for lots of things ;)

If you want a high temperature food grade pump that you can control the flow rate, you're going to find it's damned tough to beat the prices you're seeing for March and Chugger...

Cheers!
 
Dr_Jeff said:
Where is a good place to get inexpensive pumps?
I see chuggar pumps for ~$120 and march pumps for ~$130-150.

I was hoping for a lot less
Click to expand...

I had to get over that hump myself.
Some brew gear just costs what it costs.
I wanted a Chugger but apparently there are sold out everywhere.
I broke down and bought a March from AHS.
 
Dr_Jeff said:
Where is a good place to get inexpensive pumps?
I see chuggar pumps for ~$120 and march pumps for ~$130-150.

I was hoping for a lot less
Click to expand...


You don't unless you find something used. Those are what you'll want for brewing.
 
Depending on your level of DIY, you could *maybe* build a peristaltic pump for less, but it would take significant amount of time to build, and although they have some nice features (no prime needed, and high lift), a March or Chugger does what a brewer needs and you can almost install off the shelf.
 
got a march pump with a stainless chugger head from a guy on here - it works very well - about 40 dollars in fittings in addition to the original cost and I have something to use with my herms
 
I paid $80 for my first chugger, and got the second (SS head) free in the giveaway a while back.

If you want cheaper pumps, you gotta be LUCKY!

;)
 
I've been using an Iwaki pump for about a year and a half now. Got it for $40 on ebay. (Much) more power than a March, (much) easier to prime, handles boiling wort like a champ. I know lots of people here will probably start flaming - you tend to hear a lot of "If you don't use a March or Chugger your beer will be ruined and you'll die!" round here - but I love it.
 
Speaking of pumps....

Anyone have an idea when Chugger is going to have pumps back in stock?
 
day_trippr said:
Don't know about all that drama, but the Iwaki MD series is only rated for 80°C/176°F...

Cheers!
Click to expand...

Yes, there's a thread on here where someone called Iwaki to ask them about this. The company replied that they'd only tested the pumps up to that temp because they couldn't imagine a use that would require higher temps. What did that mean for uses like ours? They didn't know.

Either way, just noting that I and a fair amount of other brewers have opted to "roll the dice" on this one and that it's turned out great. I've made about 15 batches with my pump, have recirculated the mash and whirlpooled at the end with no discernible detriment to either my beer or my pump.

You're right - I probably should have noted the temp rating! (And I wasn't trying to start a fight; it's just that I've been flamed in the past for even suggesting that there might be other options available!) But given that what that temp rating means for our uses isn't really clear, the OP might be able to save a bunch of money if he/she desires.

Just my $0.02. :mug:
 
The little giants are only rated for 200F and we use those for brewing too. The materials of the iwaki, LG, march, chugger are the same plastic. They should all work fine. My LG has no problem Pumping boiling wort.
 
Palefire said:
Yes, there's a thread on here where someone called Iwaki to ask them about this. The company replied that they'd only tested the pumps up to that temp because they couldn't imagine a use that would require higher temps. What did that mean for uses like ours? They didn't know.

Either way, just noting that I and a fair amount of other brewers have opted to "roll the dice" on this one and that it's turned out great. I've made about 15 batches with my pump, have recirculated the mash and whirlpooled at the end with no discernible detriment to either my beer or my pump.

You're right - I probably should have noted the temp rating! (And I wasn't trying to start a fight; it's just that I've been flamed in the past for even suggesting that there might be other options available!) But given that what that temp rating means for our uses isn't really clear, the OP might be able to save a bunch of money if he/she desires.

Just my $0.02. :mug:
Click to expand...

Welcome to HBT, where if you don't follow along, you're doing it wrong. :)
 
you sure probably won't like this.
I have a set of these pumps which I intend to use on my poor-boy system.
It is only 12 volts dc but I do all my brewing outside and sometimes not where elect is available. I can always use an inverter to run it anyway. They are centrifigual pumps, but a vane pump is also available, but it has a plastic head. These are brass fluid heads and are used for heater booster pumps on longer vehicles such as buses. They are normally operating with 192-200*F water. I have no doubt they will operate at 212 or above. They have a load rating of 6amps and we use them on all of our buses. I have not seen an official flo rating but I do know they will empty a 5 gallon bucket in less than 15 seconds using a 1" inlet hose and a 1" outlet without any head restriction. I tested it today. I am gonna try it an see how it works.
New ones are priced comparable to the standard March pumps so there is no savings there.:(
I have several, usually they just need a new seal which is 4.95.
BTW-the plastic ones are not worth a darn. h-50.jpg
 
Mb2658 said:
Speaking of pumps....

Anyone have an idea when Chugger is going to have pumps back in stock?
Click to expand...

Last time I spoke to Mike he said mid March.

I actually have one Chugger I bought in November that I may not be using after all (possibly sticking with just one pump), if I decide to sell it I'll post it in the classifieds.
 
kincade said:
Last time I spoke to Mike he said mid March.

I actually have one Chugger I bought in November that I may not be using after all (possibly sticking with just one pump), if I decide to sell it I'll post it in the classifieds.
Click to expand...

Let me know. I am in the market.
 
Palefire said:
I've been using an Iwaki pump for about a year and a half now. Got it for $40 on ebay. (Much) more power than a March, (much) easier to prime, handles boiling wort like a champ. I know lots of people here will probably start flaming - you tend to hear a lot of "If you don't use a March or Chugger your beer will be ruined and you'll die!" round here - but I love it.
Click to expand...

JRems said:
The little giants are only rated for 200F and we use those for brewing too. The materials of the iwaki, LG, march, chugger are the same plastic. They should all work fine. My LG has no problem Pumping boiling wort.
Click to expand...

Yep. The LG and Iwaki pumps are much easier to find used than a march 809 or chugger, which means they can often be found cheaper, even though they list for more money new. I picked up my LG on craigslist for $25. With the ease of priming, super flow rate, and near silent operation, you'd have to pay me to switch to a chugger or march 809. Yes the temp rating is lower, but that is a rating at the max pressure. With the near zero pressure in a home brewing system they can handle much hotter temps. I don't have any reservations using mine to pump boiling wort, but I know a lot of people do.
 
ron said:
you sure probably won't like this.
I have a set of these pumps which I intend to use on my poor-boy system.
It is only 12 volts dc but I do all my brewing outside and sometimes not where elect is available. I can always use an inverter to run it anyway. They are centrifigual pumps, but a vane pump is also available, but it has a plastic head. These are brass fluid heads and are used for heater booster pumps on longer vehicles such as buses. They are normally operating with 192-200*F water. I have no doubt they will operate at 212 or above. They have a load rating of 6amps and we use them on all of our buses. I have not seen an official flo rating but I do know they will empty a 5 gallon bucket in less than 15 seconds using a 1" inlet hose and a 1" outlet without any head restriction. I tested it today. I am gonna try it an see how it works.
New ones are priced comparable to the standard March pumps so there is no savings there.:(
I have several, usually they just need a new seal which is 4.95.
BTW-the plastic ones are not worth a darn.View attachment 51281
Click to expand...

The reason most people (myself included) shy away from that type of pump is that they aren't "sanitary". The fluid is in contact with the shaft seal, the lubricant, and the particulate matter that inevitably builds up from wear, whereas mag drive pumps are "seal-less". I won't tell you it won't work or it will ruin your beer, but it's something you might want to be aware of. If you plan on pumping wort with those, you might consider removing the lubricant from the seals, and replacing it with a food grade lubricant like keg lube.
 
JuanMoore said:
Yep. The LG and Iwaki pumps are much easier to find used than a march 809 or chugger, which means they can often be found cheaper, even though they list for more money new. I picked up my LG on craigslist for $25. With the ease of priming, super flow rate, and near silent operation, you'd have to pay me to switch to a chugger or march 809. Yes the temp rating is lower, but that is a rating at the max pressure. With the near zero pressure in a home brewing system they can handle much hotter temps. I don't have any reservations using mine to pump boiling wort, but I know a lot of people do.
Click to expand...

What model LG are you using, looking to find a cheaper used pump and would be interested in your model, not too worried about the higher temp as Ill only be using it for mash recirculation and cooling wort recirculation, so wont be above 200F for long if ever
 
Thanks JuanMoore for the advice/comment, it's something to consider. I have had lots of them apart in the last 18 years, re-sealed many of them and installed new bushings. Never found any lube in them as they are intended to push coolant/antufreeze around and the antifreeze provides the lubricant.
They generally run about 720 hrs a year and most last over 5 years. I only brew about 12 times a year so I doubt wear or contamination will be an issue.
Nessisity being the mother of invention and all that , you understand....
Heck, back when times was really hard before the internet and a local brew store I once used a 6 gallon bucket that 90w gear oil came in for my fermenter. Made great beer too. Back then I would never have dreamed of cutting up a large ice chest or cooler to make a MLT , was lucky to have a decent sized ice chest of my own. :^)
I'm a lot older than most folks on here and have survived more than many others, including 2 tours of Nam, growing up in a house covered in lead paint, riding in the back of pickup trucks, losing a new house in hurricane Ike, 2 heart attacks, 7 stents, triple bypass, raising 6 kids, buring one and raising a grandkid. So a little bit of hydrocarbon based grease probably won't bother me. :^)
But I will take the pump apart and lube the shaft seal with some food grade grease if I can locate some. I never take advice well intended lightly.
And don't think I'm trying to flame you on this, i'm just yacking about things, money is tight and am wanting to get into this AG a little more without breaking the bank. thanks again.
Ron:mug:
 
Adeering said:
What model LG are you using, looking to find a cheaper used pump and would be interested in your model, not too worried about the higher temp as Ill only be using it for mash recirculation and cooling wort recirculation, so wont be above 200F for long if ever
Click to expand...

I'm using a LG-3MDQX-SC which has the glass-filled polypropylene head that's only rated for 150F. These are very easy to find used because they're so popular for saltwater aquariums. The models that end in HC have the polyphenylene sulfide (ryton) head and are rated to 200F. They're a little harder to find used, but still out there if you're patient.
 
ron said:
Thanks JuanMoore for the advice/comment, it's something to consider. I have had lots of them apart in the last 18 years, re-sealed many of them and installed new bushings. Never found any lube in them as they are intended to push coolant/antufreeze around and the antifreeze provides the lubricant.
They generally run about 720 hrs a year and most last over 5 years. I only brew about 12 times a year so I doubt wear or contamination will be an issue.
Nessisity being the mother of invention and all that , you understand....
Heck, back when times was really hard before the internet and a local brew store I once used a 6 gallon bucket that 90w gear oil came in for my fermenter. Made great beer too. Back then I would never have dreamed of cutting up a large ice chest or cooler to make a MLT , was lucky to have a decent sized ice chest of my own. :^)
I'm a lot older than most folks on here and have survived more than many others, including 2 tours of Nam, growing up in a house covered in lead paint, riding in the back of pickup trucks, losing a new house in hurricane Ike, 2 heart attacks, 7 stents, triple bypass, raising 6 kids, buring one and raising a grandkid. So a little bit of hydrocarbon based grease probably won't bother me. :^)
But I will take the pump apart and lube the shaft seal with some food grade grease if I can locate some. I never take advice well intended lightly.
And don't think I'm trying to flame you on this, i'm just yacking about things, money is tight and am wanting to get into this AG a little more without breaking the bank. thanks again.
Ron:mug:
Click to expand...

Understood, I just thought you, and others who might read this thread might want to know the drawbacks of that style of pump and why isn't more popular. Cheers. :mug:
 
March 23rd ish ...Center and Inline Pumps and replacement heads for Inline pumps
 
chuggerpumps said:
March 23rd ish ...Center and Inline Pumps and replacement heads for Inline pumps
Click to expand...

No ill will meant here. But my buddy and I tried to buy a chugger for way too long only to be promised they would be back in stock, then they were, then they were gone in about 5 seconds and this trend repeated at least 3 times.

To keep it short we ended up buying a poly head chugger pump because that is all you guys had, when we actually wanted the stainless. Well since that time we continued to try to buy your pumps and finally gave up and went with March Pumps new design instead. I have real concerns that if our chugger fails I won't be able to get parts for it, or a replacement even if it was a warranty issue. Not to mention the price on the stainless head and the pump keeps floating up.

Just saying I am really disappointed in the lack of consistency with the manufacturing of your product.
 
I'll give you that demand exceeds supply. But the last time they were in stock they were in for a few weeks, not 5 seconds.

And I DID have a small problem with a chugger while they were out of stock. Mike promptly sent me a replacement within days. My experience is that their customer service is fantastic, and that they keep pump parts/heads/etc in stock for warranty issues even when the pumps are not available to buy.

MHO,
 
Hi, i always use gravity when brewing but been thinking to move to a 1 tier but common pumps in my country are EXPENSIVE, for example, the store that represents March Pumps, have the 809 model in U$580....
What would ve the problem with using this ebay (U$26) pump for my 5 gallon equip if i just want to recirculate, sparge and feed the counterflow chiller so i think i don't need a very high flow rate?:confused:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-12V-DC-Mi...t=BI_Pumps&hash=item4ab4d24b7f#ht_5783wt_1396

Rated voltage: DC12V
Voltage: DC5V ~ DC12V
Current: 1050mA
Head: 4M
Flow: 550L / h
Noise: 35dB (0.5 meters)
Fluid temperature range of 0 to 65℃
Pump motor DC brushless motor, no spark of work;
Pump starting current, high efficiency, stable and reliable operation, low power consumption, energy saving, environmental protection
Pump motor shaft with high degree of wear-resistant ceramic shaft, continuous service life of 20,000 hours or more
Pumps can be amphibious. Waterproof grade: IP68;
Weight: 220g

Ceramic shaft.

The case is made of PA66 (Polyamide 66), have been investigating the compound on the internet and it's seems to be food grade. The problem could be the temp rating but i think it will last for many batches
 
kincade said:
I'll give you that demand exceeds supply. But the last time they were in stock they were in for a few weeks, not 5 seconds.

And I DID have a small problem with a chugger while they were out of stock. Mike promptly sent me a replacement within days. My experience is that their customer service is fantastic, and that they keep pump parts/heads/etc in stock for warranty issues even when the pumps are not available to buy.

MHO,
Click to expand...

5 seconds was figurative speak; but my experience in the 3 times I was notified via email they were in stock, they were sold out from various vendors hands within 24hrs (farmhouse Rebelbrewer to name a few). These notifications probably spanned over a period of 4-6 months or so. I can't contest that you found a vendor who held them for a few weeks. Point is they weren't widely available from most sellers for around a 4-6 month period.

I didn't say it was a bad product, or the customer service was bad. I did say I was unhappy with the lack of supply and voiced a concern about "what if I had a problem". It is good to hear that you had a good experience with stock of parts for warranty issues. That does alleviate some of my concerns I have about being able to repair or replace a pump under warranty.
 
CidahMastah said:
5 seconds was figurative speak; but my experience in the 3 times I was notified via email they were in stock, they were sold out from various vendors hands within 24hrs (farmhouse Rebelbrewer to name a few). These notifications probably spanned over a period of 4-6 months or so. I can't contest that you found a vendor who held them for a few weeks. Point is they weren't widely available from most sellers for around a 4-6 month period.

I didn't say it was a bad product, or the customer service was bad. I did say I was unhappy with the lack of supply and voiced a concern about "what if I had a problem". It is good to hear that you had a good experience with stock of parts for warranty issues. That does alleviate some of my concerns I have about being able to repair or replace a pump under warranty.
Click to expand...

I have to agree. I tried to get a couple multiple times only to end up with a march 809. I would have liked to save the money, at the time they were cheaper, just couldn't get my hands on any. I think he has a good point.
 
I bought an Iwaki 15 pump 100Volt(Japan) for $20. It gets pretty warm on 110Volts, and it is volumetrically just fine. The Iwaki site says to 180 degrees F. I also just bought 2 - 110Volt Iwaki 20's for $30. They are bigger volume and head also 180 degrees. I will use my new March 815 for the BKettle and Iwakis for 2 other pumps and have a spare. Careful to do good cleaning and beware some were used in photo processing and very dark (likely silver oxide?). Mine all were very clean looking, sterilized and tested for taste. All seems good.
FYI, Jim
 

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