When there is no mains power on site, an engine-driven pump is the answer, and Honda's petrol pumps are among the most trusted on the market. The range runs from the compact 1 inch WX10 up to the high-volume 3 inch WB30, and choosing between them comes down to one question: how much water do you need to move? This guide compares the three.
How these pumps work
All three are self-priming centrifugal surface pumps driven by a Honda four-stroke petrol engine. The pump sits dry on the bank or ground, with a suction hose down to the water and a delivery hose to where it goes. Because they are surface pumps, they draw water up to themselves, so they have a suction lift limit (max recommended circa 6m).
The build design changes with the size. The lightweight WX10 uses an aluminium pump body, while the WB20 and WB30 have cast iron volutes and impellers for a longer life in gritty water, plus Honda's Oil Alert engine protection. All are for clean to lightly silty water, not sewage or large debris.
WX10 vs WB20 vs WB30 at a glance
| WX10 | WB20 | WB30 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ports (suction/delivery) | 25 mm (1 inch) | 50 mm (2 inch) | 80 mm (3 inch) |
| Engine | Honda GX25 (25cc) | Honda GX120 | Honda GX160 (163cc) |
| Power | 1.5 hp | 4 hp | 5.5 hp |
| Max flow | 140 L/min | 620 L/min | 1100 L/min |
| Max head | 36 m | 32 m | 28 m |
| Max solids | 5 mm | 6 mm | 6 mm |
| Weight (dry) | 6 kg | 21 kg | 26 kg |
| Fuel / runtime | 0.55 L, approx 1h20 | 2 L, approx 1h42 | 3.1 L, approx 1h54 |
Notice the pattern: as the outlet size increases, the flow climbs steeply while the maximum head eases off slightly. This is due to the pump and impeller design of each model.
WX10: the lightweight 1 inch
The Honda WX10 is a genuinely portable pump at around 6 kg, powered by the small GX25 engine and moving up to about 140 L/min through 1 inch hose. It suits small transfer, irrigation and dewatering jobs, ponds, and anywhere you need to carry the pump to the water. An optional residue kit lets it draw water down to as little as 3 mm, which is unusual for an engine pump.
WB20: the 2 inch all-rounder (most popular)
The Honda WB20 is the general-purpose workhorse: a GX120 engine, cast iron wet end and Oil Alert, moving up to around 620 L/min through 2 inch hose at about 21 kg. It is the right choice for most site dewatering, flood transfer and agricultural jobs where the WX10 is too small but you do not need 3 inch volume.
WB30: the 3 inch high-volume pump
The Honda WB30 is the big mover, with a commercial GX160 engine pushing up to around 1100 L/min through 3 inch connections. It includes a silicon carbide mechanical seal, anti-vibration mounts in a protective steel frame and automatic decompression for easier starting, at around 26 kg. This is the one for clearing large volumes fast, on bigger sites and serious flood response.
How to choose, and a safety note
Choose by the volume you need to shift and the port and hose size to match: a 1 inch WX10 for small jobs, a 2 inch WB20 for most, a 3 inch WB30 for high volume. Check the suction lift, as none of these can draw water up beyond their limit, and remember the hose size affects real flow, so do not neck a 3 inch pump down to a 2 inch hose. Because they run on petrol, never operate them indoors or in an enclosed space, as the exhaust contains carbon monoxide. Hoses are not included.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Honda WX10, WB20 and WB30?
Mainly size and output. The WX10 is a 1 inch lightweight (around 140 L/min, 6 kg) for small jobs, the WB20 a 2 inch all-rounder (around 620 L/min) for most site work, and the WB30 a 3 inch high-volume pump (around 1,100 L/min) for clearing large volumes fast. The WB20 and WB30 have cast iron wet ends and Oil Alert for heavier duty.
How high can a Honda pump lift water?
These are self-priming surface pumps, so they have a suction lift limit, around 6 m on the WX10 and about 7.5 m on the WB30. They can push water much higher on the delivery side (their maximum head), but they cannot draw it up from beyond their suction limit, so position the pump close to the water level.
Can I use a Honda petrol pump for flooding or dewatering?
Yes, that is exactly what they are for, especially where there is no mains power. Match the pump to the volume: the WB20 or WB30 for serious flood and site dewatering, the WX10 for smaller jobs. They handle clean to lightly silty water and small solids, not sewage.
Is it safe to run a petrol pump indoors?
No. Petrol engines produce carbon monoxide, so never run one indoors or in an enclosed or poorly ventilated space. Use them outdoors, position them safely, and keep fuel handling well away from ignition sources.
