Engine Driven Water Pumps

An engine driven water pump uses a built-in petrol or diesel engine to drive the pump, rather than relying on mains electricity. This makes them fully portable and independent of any external power source.

They are surface-mounted pumps, meaning they sit outside the water and draw it in via a reinforced suction hose before discharging it through a delivery hose. This setup makes them ideal for temporary pumping, mobile use, and situations where submersible pumps are not practical.

If the pump needs to sit in the water or operate continuously in one location, a submersible pump is usually the better option.

Where Engine Driven Pumps Are Used

Engine driven pumps are typically used where power is not available or where mobility is required. Common applications include:

• Construction and dewatering – draining excavations, trenches and foundations
  
• Flood response – clearing surface water, fields and outbuildings
  
• Agriculture and irrigation – crop watering, livestock supply and tank filling
  
• Water transfer – moving water between tanks, ponds, rivers or storage areas
  
• General site use – any temporary or remote pumping requirement
  

They are also often used alongside flood defence systems as a backup in case of power failure, particularly on sites where resilience is critical.

Petrol vs Diesel Engine Pumps

Choosing between petrol and diesel depends on how the pump will be used.

Petrol engine pumps

• Lower upfront cost
  
• Lighter and easier to move
  
• Easier starting, especially after storage
  
• Well suited to occasional use, emergency response and smaller jobs
  

Diesel engine pumps

• Higher upfront cost
  
• Better suited to continuous or long-duration use
  
• Lower fuel consumption under sustained load
  
• Typically longer engine life in heavy-duty applications
  

For most users, petrol pumps are the more common choice. Diesel becomes more relevant for contractors, hire fleets and large-scale agricultural use.

Clean Water vs Trash Pumps

Not all engine driven pumps handle the same type of water.

• Clean water pumps are designed for relatively clear water with minimal solids. They are used for irrigation, transfer and general site drainage.
  
• Trash pumps are designed for dirty water containing silt, sand and small debris. These are typically used on construction sites and during flood events.
  

Using the wrong type of pump will reduce performance and can lead to blockages or damage, so matching the pump to the water type is important.

Flow Rate, Head and Performance

When selecting a pump, two key factors need to be considered:

• Flow rate (litres per minute) – how much water the pump can move
  
• Head (metres) – how far or how high the pump can push water
  

High flow pumps are used for moving large volumes over short distances. Higher head pumps are needed where water has to be lifted vertically or pushed over longer pipe runs.

In real installations, pipe length, fittings and bends will all reduce performance, so published figures should always be treated as a guide rather than an exact output.

Suction Lift and Setup

Because engine driven pumps sit above the water, they rely on suction to draw water into the pump.

In practical terms, suction lift should be kept to around 6 metres or less for reliable operation. Beyond this, pumps may struggle to prime or lose performance.

A proper setup includes:

• Reinforced suction hose (to prevent collapse under vacuum)
  
• A foot valve or strainer on the intake
  
• The pump casing filled with water before starting (priming)
  

If water needs to be lifted from greater depth, a submersible pump is usually the better solution.

Solids Handling and Strainers

Engine driven pumps use a strainer fitted to the end of the suction hose to control what enters the pump.

• Coarse strainers allow small solids and debris to pass through
  
• Fine strainers restrict solids where cleaner discharge water is needed
  

Unlike submersible pumps, the solids handling is largely dictated by the external strainer rather than an internal filter, so it can be adjusted depending on the application.

Transport and Site Use

Engine driven pumps are built for site use and mobility.

• Smaller pumps are typically mounted in tubular steel frames with anti-vibration mounts
  
• Larger units may be supplied with wheels or trolley frames for easier movement
  
• Frames also provide protection against impact and rough handling on site
  

This makes them well suited to construction environments, agricultural use and any application where equipment needs to be moved regularly.

Important Safety Information

Engine driven pumps must always be operated outdoors.

Petrol and diesel engines produce exhaust gases, including carbon monoxide, which is dangerous in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. These pumps should never be used inside basements, garages or buildings.

For indoor pumping applications, an electric submersible pump should be used instead.

Need Help Choosing?

Selecting the right engine driven pump depends on the water type, flow rate, head and site conditions.

If you’re unsure, our team can help you size the correct pump for your application. Call 0115 987 0358 or get in touch via email and we’ll point you in the right direction.