A petrol engine driven pump is the standard tool for moving water where there's no power: draining a dam, filling a tank from a creek, irrigating a paddock, or protecting a property with its own water supply. The two main types look much the same, but they're built for opposite jobs.
Pressure or volume
- A fire fighting pump is built for pressure. It has a smaller outlet and an impeller designed to push water at high pressure through a long hose to a nozzle, so the jet reaches a roof, a tree line or the far side of a shed.
- A transfer pump is built for volume. It has a larger outlet and moves a lot of water at low pressure from one place to another: emptying a pit, filling a tank, or draining a flooded area.
Using a transfer pump to fight fire gives you lots of water with little reach. Using a fire pump to drain a dam works, but slowly. Pick the pump for the job you'll do most.
The Hyjet MH range
The Hyjet MH series is powered by Honda engines with an oil sensor. Per the listings:
| Pump | Type | Outlet | Engine | Frame | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MH015H | Fire fighting | 1.5 inch | Honda GX160, 5hp | Roll frame | $1,920.55 |
| MH010 | Transfer | 1 inch | Honda GX25, 1.1hp | Carry handle | $1,211.05 |
| MH030 | Transfer | 3 inch | Honda GX160, 5hp | Roll frame | $1,700.55 |
The MH015H and MH030 are listed as self-priming up to 8m. The MH010 is a light, portable unit for smaller transfer jobs. Check flow and head on each pump's curve in the datasheet under Downloads.
Matching the hose kit
Hyjet's fire fighting hose kits all use a 40mm suction hose and 25mm delivery hose, to suit engine driven fire pumps:
- Budget kit (FHK01, $369.55): 2 x 25mm x 6m delivery, 40mm x 4m suction.
- Standard kit (FHK02, $430.05): 2 x 25mm x 10m delivery, 40mm x 5m suction.
- Pro20 kit (FHK05.20, $386.05): 1 x 25mm x 20m delivery, 40mm x 5m suction.
- Pro30 kit (FHK05.30, $424.55): 1 x 25mm x 30m delivery, 40mm x 5m suction.
Choose by how far you need to reach from where the pump sits. Two shorter hoses suit covering two sides of a building close to the pump; one long hose suits reaching further from a fixed water source. Remember that every extra metre of hose costs some pressure at the nozzle, so don't run more hose than you need. Check the kit's fittings match your pump's outlet before you rely on it.
Set it up before you need it
- Know your water source. A tank, pool or dam with enough water, and a suction point the hose can reach, with the pump within its suction lift.
- Run it regularly. Start the pump every month or so and run it under load, so you know it works and the fuel is fresh.
- Protect the pump. In a bushfire setting, the pump and hoses need protection from radiant heat, and the suction line needs to stay full of water.
- Follow your fire service's advice. A pump is part of a property protection plan, not a substitute for one. Follow your state fire service's guidance on preparing and on when to leave.
Other transfer jobs
For transferring AdBlue (diesel exhaust fluid) from tanks and IBCs, the range also includes the Pedrollo TOP MULTI 1-AD, a 240V 0.37kW automatic submersible pump configured for AdBlue service. Everything here is in the Fire Fighting & Transfer Pumps collection and available to order on backorder; contact PSA to confirm lead time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a fire pump and a transfer pump?
A fire fighting pump is built for high pressure through a smaller outlet, to reach a target through a long hose. A transfer pump is built for high volume at low pressure through a larger outlet.
Can I use a transfer pump for fire fighting?
It will move water, but it won't give the pressure and reach a fire fighting pump does. For property protection, a dedicated fire pump is the better choice.
What hose size do Hyjet fire fighting kits use?
All four kits use 25mm delivery hose and a 40mm suction hose, in lengths from 2 x 6m up to 1 x 30m of delivery hose.
Is the Hyjet MH015H self-priming?
Yes. The MH015H and MH030 are listed as self-priming up to 8m.