The hand pumps long history has contributed to the increase in productivity of farms and agriculture, being a major component of the agricultural revolution. Again, over 100 years later in the Industrial Revolution, the hand operated tank pump fuelled the future development of what we now know as modern society. One of the most renowned versions is termed the stirrup pump, which become a household name for those English families who endured the Second World War. This simple piece of equipment was commonly the initial contact that Britain’s fire defence had in relation to the feared German bombing regime. However, due to its high price, most households could not afford them. In response, a simplified and cheaper version was developed. As it had a foot support to keep it steady in use, the name ‘stirrup pump’ was quickly accepted by all that used it.
For the purposes of the fire fighting, a 25ft length of hose would be attached to the pump, with a custom made brass nozzle attached. The nozzle was adjustable to produce either a spray or jet of water, with which it had great effect in dampening out fires large and small. History tells of the vital role that the stirrup pump played during these dark days, which cannot be overstated, as the simplistic and reliable design empowered any able bodied person to contribute to the battle at home that threatened both lives and property.
These days, hand help pumps are being used in various commercial applications from farming to food production. These pumps have a long life ability to deliver high volumes of liquid, which range in content from water to fertiliser and food condiments to acids. The traditional hand pump however, has now been transformed by some manufacturers into an efficient and effective way to draw liquids, with such features as double pump action to ensure a continuous flow on both the down and upstroke, along with the implementation of modern materials which do not suffer from the effects of rust or corrosion, even from the harshest of chemicals.
Anti-pumping safety devices have also been incorporated into the modern design, which ensures safety in use as well as deterring unauthorised access to the equipment. In relation to tank pumps, other key features include a sand filter, to prevent any solid matter entering the pump, the use of FDA compliant plastics guarantees the unspoiling of drinking water and a leak free design with a spout style head to allow an extender hose to be attached to the outlet spout.
With a long history of use, and the adaption of basic design with modern technology and materials, the hand operated tank pump is proving to be an invaluable tool in a various range of commercial and municipal activities.
The award winning New Zealand Pump Company has been manufacturing the ingeniously simple Ezi-action® Drumpumps since 1991. Our chemical resistant, FDA compliant, Japanese Food Hygiene Approved Ezi®action® Drumpumps and Ezi-action® Safety Measures have been proven around the world for safety and reliability for hand pumping from drums and containers. Our plastic drum pumps are resistant to a wide range of chemicals. They will pump viscous fluids and are suitable for use with strong acids and alkalis, oils and lubricants. High pressure portable fire fighting pump