The Tsurumi LB Series is a family of rugged submersible site and dewatering pumps, built for the muddy, gritty water of construction sites, excavations and flooded works rather than clean domestic duty. Three models share the same engineering but step up in power: the LB-480, the LB-800 and the LB-1500. This guide compares them side by side so you can pick the right one.
What the three pumps share
All three LB pumps are built to the same proven Tsurumi design, which is what makes them so durable on site:
A semi-vortex high-chromium cast iron impeller that resists the abrasion of silty, sandy water. A double silicon carbide mechanical seal for a long sealing life. The Tsurumi oil-lifter lubrication system, which keeps the seal lubricated even when the pump runs at very low water levels. A top-discharge design that routes water past the motor to cool it. All three pass solids up to 6 mm, have a 50 mm outlet, ship with a 10 m heavy-duty cable and a hose tail, and carry a 3-year Tsurumi manufacturer warranty. In other words, the difference between them is not quality, it is capacity.
LB-480 vs LB-800 vs LB-1500
| LB-480 | LB-800 | LB-1500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor | 0.48 kW | 0.75 kW | 1.5 kW |
| Voltage | 110V or 230V | 110V or 230V | 230V only |
| Max flow | 225 L/min | 310 L/min | 420 L/min |
| Max head | 11 m | 15 m | 17.5 m |
| Outlet | 50 mm | 50 mm | 50 mm (fixed vertical) |
| Solids | 6 mm | 6 mm | 6 mm |
| Weight | 10.4 kg | 13.0 kg | 32.5 kg |
| Manual / Auto | Manual or Automatic | Manual or Automatic | Manual only |
LB-480: the most popular
The Tsurumi LB-480 is the smallest and lightest in the range at around 10.4 kg, with a 0.48 kW motor moving up to 225 L/min to a maximum head of 11 m. It is the easy-to-carry choice for smaller dewatering jobs, hire fleets and anywhere portability matters, and it is available in 110V or 230V and in manual or automatic (pendant float or sensor) versions.
LB-800: the workhorse
The Tsurumi LB-800 steps up to a 0.75 kW motor, up to 310 L/min and a 15 m head, at around 13 kg. It is the natural middle choice for general site drainage where the LB-480 runs out of puff but you do not need the bulk of the LB-1500, and like the 480 it comes in 110V or 230V, manual or automatic.
LB-1500: the heavy hitter
The Tsurumi LB-1500 is the most powerful, with a 1.5 kW motor delivering up to 420 L/min to a 17.5 m head. That capacity comes with two important caveats: it weighs around 32.5 kg, so it is a two-person lift, it has a fixed vertical discharge, and it is available in 230V only. If your site mandates 110V equipment, the LB-1500 is not an option, so choose the LB-480 or LB-800 instead. It is also manual only, with no automatic version.
How to choose
Match the duty. Work out the flow you need and the height plus distance the water must travel, then pick the model whose curve covers it, not just the one with the biggest headline number.
Check the voltage. Construction sites usually require 110V, so the LB-480 or LB-800 suit a 110V site, while the LB-1500 needs a 230V supply.
Manual or automatic. If the pump needs to run unattended, choose an automatic LB-480 or LB-800; the LB-1500 is manual only.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Tsurumi LB-480, LB-800 and LB-1500?
They share the same rugged design but step up in capacity. The LB-480 gives up to 225 L/min to 11 m and weighs about 10.4 kg; the LB-800 up to 310 L/min to 15 m at about 13 kg; and the LB-1500 up to 420 L/min to 17.5 m at about 32.5 kg. The 480 and 800 come in 110V or 230V, while the 1500 is 230V only.
Are the Tsurumi LB pumps available in 110V?
The LB-480 and LB-800 are available in both 110V and 230V, which suits construction sites that require 110V equipment. The LB-1500 is 230V only, so it is not suitable for a 110V-only site.
Can Tsurumi LB pumps handle dirty or silty water?
Yes. They use a high-chromium cast iron semi-vortex impeller and abrasion-resistant components designed for the gritty water found on construction and dewatering sites, and they pass solids up to 6 mm. They are built for site water rather than sewage or large solids.
Which LB pump is best for a small dewatering job?
The LB-480 is usually the best starting point: it is the lightest and most portable, available in manual or automatic, and in 110V or 230V. Step up to the LB-800 or LB-1500 only if you need more flow or head.
