Industry
Application Guides
Whether you’re supplying water to arable fields, managing a garden or landscape irrigation system, extracting from a borehole, or keeping sports grounds and amenity areas in top condition, selecting the right pump is crucial for reliable and efficient operation. A poorly chosen pump can lead to under- or over-watering, wasted water, increased running costs, and unnecessary downtime. This guide covers the types of irrigation pumps we offer, covering the key factors to consider, to help you find the perfect solution for your needs. For further information or specific questions, please contact us on +44 1332 913500.
When selecting an irrigation pump, these six factors help to determine the right choice:
Where your water is coming from fundamentally shapes which pump type is appropriate. Mains-fed systems, boreholes, rivers, lakes, open reservoirs, and storage tanks all demand different approaches. Borehole sources require submersible pumps sized precisely to the casing diameter, yield, and static water level. Surface water sources such as rivers, ditches, and ponds typically call for self-priming centrifugal or engine-driven pumps capable of handling some particulate content. Always confirm your water source before selecting a pump.
Flow rate, measured in litres per minute or cubic metres per hour, determines how quickly you can deliver water across your target area. Too low and coverage will be insufficient; too high and you risk waterlogging, runoff, and unnecessary energy consumption. Calculate the total output required for your irrigated area, accounting for peak demand and any simultaneous zones running at once, then match a pump to those requirements.
Head is the measure of pressure your pump must overcome to deliver water at the required flow rate, accounting for the height it must lift water, friction losses through pipework, and the operating pressure required by your sprinklers, drip lines, or irrigation heads. Undersized pumps will fail to maintain adequate pressure across the system; oversized pumps waste energy and can damage downstream components. Multistage pumps are the preferred choice where high pressure is required over long runs or significant elevation changes.
Clean mains water is the most forgiving, but surface water drawn from rivers, ponds, or open reservoirs often carries silt, algae, debris, and suspended solids. These can clog impellers, block drip emitters, and abrade pump internals. Where water quality is variable, consider pumps with open or semi-open impellers and self-priming capability. Ensure adequate pre-filtration is always in place on the suction pipework to protect both the pump and the downstream irrigation system.
Is mains electricity readily available at the pump location, or are you working in a remote field, orchard, or off-grid site? Single-phase supply suits most domestic and light commercial applications; larger centrifugal and borehole pumps frequently require three-phase. For remote or agricultural sites without reliable power, engine-driven pumps running on petrol or diesel offer a fully independent solution with no electrical infrastructure required, and can be trailer-mounted for mobility across large land areas.
Irrigation pumps are often installed outdoors, subject to seasonal use, and expected to perform reliably with minimal intervention. Choose pumps made from suitably durable materials: cast iron for robustness, stainless steel for exposed or corrosion-prone environments. Ensure correct filtration is installed on suction pipework to keep the pump free of debris, and follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, particularly for seasonal lay-up and recommissioning procedures.
Selecting the right pump is only part of the equation; the irrigation method you’re supplying also determines the flow rate, pressure, and pump type required. Here are the most common irrigation methods and what they mean for pump selection:
Sprinkler Irrigation uses a network of sprinkler heads to distribute water across the crop or turf surface. It is versatile and suits a wide range of crops and amenity areas, but requires a pump capable of maintaining consistent pressure to all heads simultaneously. Centrifugal and multistage pumps are the most common choices.
Drip Irrigation delivers water directly to the root zone through a network of tubes and emitters, making it one of the most water-efficient methods available. It operates at lower pressures than sprinkler systems but requires clean water and good filtration to prevent emitter blockages. Centrifugal pumps and booster sets are widely used to supply drip systems.
Flood Irrigation involves releasing water across a field or bed to hydrate crops across the full surface. It is the simplest and lowest-cost method to install, but can result in higher water use and some soil erosion. High-flow centrifugal or engine-driven pumps are typically used to supply flood irrigation at speed.
Centre Pivot Irrigation uses a system of pipes that rotate around a central point, delivering water in a circular pattern across large areas of land. It is highly efficient for large-scale arable farming and requires high-volume, high-pressure pump systems, typically multistage or large centrifugal pumps, to maintain even coverage across the full pivot arm.
Subsurface Irrigation delivers water directly to the root zone via an underground pipe network. It is highly water-efficient and reduces surface evaporation, but requires clean water free of particulate to prevent blockages. Booster sets and multistage pumps are commonly used to supply subsurface systems at consistent pressure.
Manual & Hose Irrigation suits smaller gardens, allotments, and supplementary watering duties. A compact self-priming centrifugal or peripheral pump drawing from a water butt, tank, or surface water source is sufficient for most manual irrigation needs.
We’ve broken our recommendations down by application. Jump to the one that fits your needs:
Perfect For Arable Farms, Market Gardens, Orchards & Horticultural Operations
Agricultural irrigation demands robust, high-flow pumps capable of moving large volumes of water across open land, covering everything from field-scale spray lines and travelling irrigators to drip systems and pivot irrigation. Remote field locations, variable power availability, and the need to handle surface water sources with some particulate content all place specific demands on pump selection.
Engine-Driven Pumps are the go-to solution for agricultural irrigation where mains electricity is unavailable or impractical. Petrol or diesel powered and often trailer-mountable for mobility across large sites, they deliver the high flow rates required for field-scale irrigation with no dependence on the grid.
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Koshin SEH and SERH Series Heavy-duty petrol engine-driven pumps for high-volume agricultural water transfer. The SEH Series handles clean to lightly contaminated water from open sources; the SERH Series adds semi-trash capability for water containing suspended solids, silt, and debris, making it ideal for drawing from rivers, ditches, or open reservoirs in the field. |
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Koshin PGH Series High-pressure engine-driven pump designed for irrigation and spraying applications requiring elevated outlet pressure. Ideal for supplying travelling irrigators, rain guns, and long-run spray lines across agricultural land without any mains electrical supply. |
Centrifugal Pumps are the most widely used pump type for irrigation overall. Where mains or generator power is available, they provide reliable, high-flow performance for field irrigation systems, livestock water supply, and crop washing.
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Varisco J Series Rugged self-priming centrifugal pump well suited to agricultural irrigation drawing from rivers, ditches, and storage lagoons. Handles water with sand, light solids, and suspended particles without requiring a foot valve, making it ideal for remote or mobile field installations. |
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Ebara 3D, 3M, and 3P Series Versatile centrifugal pumps covering a wide flow and head range for agricultural water supply, irrigation system feeds, and crop washing. Available in single and three-phase configurations for permanent installations with mains power access. |
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Calpeda A, CA, MXA, and N Series A comprehensive range of centrifugal pumps covering light irrigation duties through to high-flow agricultural supply. The N Series is particularly suited to larger agricultural installations with its robust cast iron construction and broad hydraulic coverage. |
Progressive Cavity Pumps provide a specialist solution for irrigation systems that need to transfer or inject liquid fertilisers, digestate, or nutrient-enriched water alongside the main water supply.
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Mono M Range Progressive cavity pump for agricultural applications requiring transfer or injection of liquid fertilisers, digestate, and viscous or abrasive fluids into irrigation systems. Delivers smooth, non-pulsating flow and handles solids-laden media that would damage conventional centrifugal pumps. |
Key benefits: Grid-independent operation with engine-driven options • High flow rates for field-scale coverage • Self-priming capability for open water sources • Handles water with silt and suspended solids • Single and three-phase options for permanent installations • Progressive cavity options for fertiliser and nutrient injection
Perfect For Domestic Gardens, Landscape Contractors, Sports Grounds & Parks
From domestic garden watering systems and landscape contractor supply to sports turf irrigation and amenity parks, this sector covers a wide range of flow and pressure requirements. Most systems draw from mains supply, a rainwater harvesting tank, or a small surface water source, and are typically single-phase installations run on automated timers. The priority here is quiet, reliable operation with easy installation and minimal maintenance.
Self-Priming Centrifugal Pumps are the workhorse of garden and amenity irrigation. They prime quickly, handle modest particulate from tank or surface water sources, and are available in sizes from compact domestic units to larger landscape supply pumps.
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Pedrollo JSW and JCR Series Popular self-priming pumps for garden irrigation, water feature supply, and small landscape systems. The JSW is a reliable single-stage unit for domestic and light landscape use; the JCR is a jet pump with enhanced suction lift performance for applications where the water source sits below the pump. |
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Ebara JE and CD Series Compact self-priming centrifugal pumps for garden irrigation, rainwater tank supply, and small amenity watering systems. The CD Series offers a close-coupled design well suited to installation in garden buildings or pump housings. |
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Pentair Jet Series Compact and quiet self-priming pump for residential garden watering, automated irrigation systems, and light landscape supply. Suited to single-phase domestic installations drawing from rainwater tanks or shallow surface water sources. |
Peripheral Pumps deliver high pressure at low flow rates and are well suited to smaller garden watering systems, drip irrigation, and sprinkler supply where compact size and quiet operation are priorities.
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Pedrollo PK and PKS Series Compact peripheral pumps for domestic garden irrigation, drip watering systems, and small sprinkler networks. Self-priming up to 8 metres, with quiet operation and a small footprint ideal for garden shed or outbuilding installation. |
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Lowara P and SP Series Single-impeller peripheral pumps for light irrigation, garden watering, and small-scale sprinkler duties. Available in stainless steel for clean water applications in residential and amenity settings. |
Key benefits: Wide range from compact domestic to larger amenity pumps • Single-phase supply for easy installation • Self-priming for above-ground tank and surface water sources • Quiet operation suitable for residential settings • Compatible with automated irrigation timers and controllers • Compact peripheral options for drip and small sprinkler systems
Perfect For Private Water Supplies, Agricultural Boreholes & Off-Mains Irrigation Sites
Boreholes provide a reliable, cost-effective independent water source for irrigation, particularly in agricultural, rural, and off-mains settings. Borehole pumps are submersible units designed to sit permanently below the water level inside the casing, lifting water to the surface under pressure. Selecting the correct pump requires careful attention to borehole casing diameter, static and dynamic water levels, borehole yield, and the total head required to deliver water at the required pressure. All borehole pump installations should be specified following a professional borehole survey.
Borehole Pumps are available in 4-inch and larger casing diameters, across a wide range of flow and head combinations. Stainless steel construction is standard, ensuring long-term corrosion resistance in continuous groundwater contact.
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Calpeda MPS and MXS Series 4-inch stainless steel submersible borehole pumps for clean groundwater extraction in private water supply and agricultural irrigation boreholes. The MPS covers a wide flow and head range for domestic to light agricultural use; the MXS extends performance to higher-demand irrigation applications. |
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Ebara 4BHS and 4WN Series 4-inch submersible borehole pumps for private water supply, irrigation boreholes, and groundwater extraction. The 4WN is a wide-range model covering a broad spectrum of flow and head combinations, suited to everything from domestic supply to farm-scale irrigation boreholes. |
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Ebara SB and SF6 Series The SB Series covers high-flow borehole extraction for larger agricultural boreholes and groundwater irrigation schemes. The SF6 is a 6-inch high-capacity unit suited to high-yield boreholes supplying large-scale irrigation systems, industrial water supply, or abstraction schemes requiring maximum output. |
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Lowara Scuba Compact 4-inch stainless steel borehole pump for private water supply and domestic irrigation boreholes. Its slim profile and broad head coverage make it a popular choice for shallow to medium-depth residential and light agricultural borehole installations. |
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Pentair Dominator Reliable 4-inch stainless steel borehole pump for private water supply and domestic irrigation boreholes. Offers robust performance across a range of depths and flow requirements, suited to residential and light agricultural borehole installations. |
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Pentax 3S Series 4-inch stainless steel borehole pump for private water supply and agricultural irrigation borehole duties. Well suited to medium-depth boreholes, the 3S Series covers a broad flow and head range for domestic and light agricultural installations. |
Key benefits: Permanent below-ground installation with no surface pump house required • Stainless steel construction for long-term groundwater contact • Wide range of diameters and capacities to match borehole yield • Independent of mains water supply and associated costs • Suitable for deep extractions where surface pumps cannot reach • Can supply pressure vessels or booster sets directly
Perfect For Ponds, Lakes, Rivers, Storage Tanks & Rainwater Harvesting
Submersible pumps sit directly in the water source, whether a storage tank, pond, river, open reservoir, or water butt, and pumps water to the surface without the suction lift limitations of a surface pump. Unlike borehole pumps, general-purpose submersibles are designed for open water environments, making them ideal for surface water abstraction, rainwater harvesting, tank emptying, and irrigation supply from stored water.
Submersible Pumps for irrigation suit applications where drawing water from ponds, lakes, storage tanks, and open water sources is required and where a compact, fully submerged installation is preferred over a surface pump arrangement.
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Ebara Best One and Optima Compact single-phase submersible pumps for domestic irrigation from storage tanks, ponds, and water butts. The Best One is a popular, reliable option for garden and light amenity irrigation supply; the Optima offers improved efficiency for more frequent or continuous-duty applications. |
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Ebara DS Series Stainless steel submersible pump for irrigation from rivers, open water, and storage lagoons where corrosion resistance is important. Handles clean to lightly contaminated water and is well suited to agricultural and landscape irrigation drawing from open surface water sources. |
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Lowara DOC and DN Series Submersible pumps for irrigation water supply from tanks, ponds, and open water sources. The DOC is a compact domestic unit for garden and light landscape use; the DN Series covers a broader flow and head range for larger amenity and agricultural irrigation applications. |
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Calpeda GQR Series Stainless steel submersible pump for garden irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and clean surface water abstraction. The GQR’s compact design suits installation in smaller tanks and cisterns where space is limited. |
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Koshin PBX and PXL Series Submersible pumps for irrigation water supply from storage tanks and open water. The PXL is a robust general-purpose unit suited to agricultural and horticultural irrigation duties; the PBX offers a compact, cost-effective option for smaller domestic and amenity applications. |
Key benefits: No suction lift limitation: sits directly in the water source • Quiet in operation as motor is submerged • Suitable for tanks, ponds, rivers, and open reservoirs • No priming required: ready to run immediately • Stainless steel options for open water environments • Available from compact domestic units to larger agricultural capacity
Perfect For Multi-Zone Sprinkler Systems, Drip Networks, Long-Run Supply & Mains Pressure Boosting
Many irrigation systems, particularly multi-zone sprinkler networks, centre pivot supply, drip systems fed from a reservoir, and large-scale landscape or sports ground installations, require consistent high pressure delivered across complex pipework. Multistage pumps and packaged booster sets provide stable delivery pressure regardless of demand fluctuations, ensuring every zone receives the right flow and pressure regardless of how many are running simultaneously.
Multistage Pumps use multiple impeller stages to build pressure progressively, making them ideal for moving water over long distances, up significant elevation changes, or supplying the high inlet pressure required by large multi-zone irrigation systems.
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Ebara Matrix and EVM Series High-efficiency multistage pumps for pressurised irrigation systems and booster duties. The Matrix Series suits variable-demand systems with integrated variable speed control; the EVM is a reliable fixed-duty pump for pressurised irrigation supply across agricultural and amenity applications. |
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Lowara E-SV Series Vertical stainless steel multistage pump widely used in pressurised irrigation and water supply systems. Delivers the consistent high pressure required for multi-zone sprinkler networks, drip system supply, and long-run agricultural irrigation pipework. |
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Calpeda MGP and Ebara CVM Series Compact multistage pumps for pressurised irrigation supply and booster duties in agricultural and amenity applications. Both offer quiet, efficient operation across a broad head and flow range in a space-saving format well suited to plant room or pump housing installation. |
Packaged Booster Sets combine one or more pumps with pressure vessels, controls, and pipework in a ready-to-connect system, providing automated constant-pressure output for complex irrigation networks or multi-zone supply from a borehole or storage tank.
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Ebara AGA Booster Set Packaged booster system for irrigation pressurisation, mains pressure boosting, and multi-pump irrigation supply. Provides consistent pressure output across multi-zone irrigation networks and can be configured to supply directly from a storage tank or borehole headwork. |
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Calpeda Meta and E-IDOS Series Intelligent packaged booster sets for automated constant-pressure irrigation supply. The E-IDOS incorporates variable speed control to match output precisely to demand, reducing energy consumption during partial-load operation and extending pump life in variable-demand irrigation systems. |
Recommended for: Multi-zone sprinkler networks requiring constant supply pressure • Centre pivot and travelling irrigator supply • Drip irrigation systems fed from tank or borehole • Mains pressure boosting for landscape and amenity systems • Golf course and sports ground irrigation supply • Large-scale horticultural and glasshouse irrigation
Beyond pump selection, several additional components ensure your irrigation system operates safely and efficiently:
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