When you are looking to move fuel from one place to another, a fuel transfer pump is required. A fuel transfer pump can move different types of fuel, such as diesel, gasoline, and petrol, either from one storage container to another or more commonly, from a fuel tank to a vehicle where a dispensing nozzle is used.
While you can get mains or battery-powered fuel transfer pumps, a small manual fuel transfer pump is great for particular uses. In this post, we are going to look at why you should choose a manual fuel transfer pump over a powered pump.
They are cost-effective
One of the main advantages that a small manual transfer pump has over a powered pump is that they are much cheaper to buy and also cheaper to run. So when you are transferring small volumes of fuel it is cost-effective.
Can be used anywhere
Another advantage of a hand fuel pump is they can be used anywhere and you don’t have to worry about finding a power source or if the batteries are fully charged to avoid disruption. They are a great solution if you are in a remote location without mains power, like working on a construction site or working on a farm, and an off-road vehicle needs to be refueled in the middle of nowhere.
Perfect for transferring small amounts of fuel
If you are only transferring a small amount of fuel, then using a manual fuel transfer pump is ideal. For example, if you are extracting fuel back from a vehicle to a storage container, or from one car to another, you should use a small hand fuel transfer pump. They can also be used if you are dispensing a small quantity of fuel from a drum.
Different types to choose from
Many various manual fuel transfer pumps have different mechanisms. One of the more common types is the rotary hand pump, which works by turning the handle. The handle is mounted at 90 degrees which makes it easier to turn. A semi-rotary hand pump is similar to the rotary hand pump, but it has a straight handle. Both of these pumps are hard-wearing and rugged.
A syphon pump can transfer fuel from a high container to a lower container. You simply need to prime it beforehand by pumping a bit of fuel through first and then let gravity do the rest. Although these types of pumps are less convenient because they aren’t robust, they are fairly cost-effective.
Another type of manual fuel transfer pump is a diaphragm pump. This pump can be hand or foot-operated. A handle of foot pump is squeezed which releases a diaphragm to move the fuel. This is another cost-effective manual pump and is relatively light, making it easy to transport. The diaphragm may need replacing from time to time, but they are generally robust and hard-wearing.
A final note
Small manual fuel transfer pumps can have advantages and disadvantages, and whether it’s the right type of pump for you depends on the fuels you will be transferring and the containers you will be moving them to and from. Manual pumps are cost-effective and can be used anywhere, so if you are only transferring small amounts of fuel it may be best for you to choose a manual pump.
