Crane's Fluid Connection Blog | Fluid Handling Tips

Before You Order That Direct Replacement Pump...

Written by Morgan Falck | May 23, 2017

So your 10 year old pump finally kicked the bucket. It provided 10 long years of dutiful service, so you should probably buy a new one just like it, right? Stop! Before you do that, you owe it to yourself to see what new technology has emerged since you bought the last one. 

Upgraded Features

The old pump may have run well during it's tenure with your company and it may have been the best pump for your operation at the time you purchased it, but now there could be better options.

Pump manufacturers look for ways to implement new technology to make their equipment run efficiently and increase productivity. Take the time to find out if there's a different pump in the product line that can do the job better.

Process Changes

Has the process changed since your last pump was selected? Maybe the consistency of the fluid has changed, or maybe an increase in output is needed to help meet demand. It could be any number of things, but the point is, there could be a better pump out there for the application.  

Pump May Be Obsolete

As pump manufacturers improve their equipment, they often start to phase out older models. When this happens, the manufacturer will sometimes hold on to orders until they have enough to do a run of the equipment. Lead times can get long, and prices can skyrocket as manufacturers try to encourage customers to buy the newer models.

Viking Pump, for example, has been phasing out older models they manufacture in favor of the Universal Series. The Universal Series has a laundry list of upgraded features, all designed to increase time between maintenance cycles, more uptime, and reduce packing leaks to keep the area around the pump clean. 

Don't pay more for lesser performance. If your current pump is on it's last leg, or your looking for a suitable back-up pump, check with your local pump distributor to make sure you're getting the most value for your money. 

Not sure if your model of Viking Pumps is being phased out? Ask us about it! We gladly provide technical assistance to businesses in Wisconsin and upper Michigan.