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A fuel transfer pump moves fuel from one place to another, such as from an underground tank to a vehicle. These devices are also useful to refuel machinery such as tractors and equipment on construction sites. They work by extracting the fuel from the source and transferring it to wherever it needs to go. This buying guide will help you find the best fuel transfer pumps on the market.
Benefits of Fuel Transfer Pumps
- More efficient. A fuel transfer pump saves you a lot of valuable time and energy. Manually transferring fuel by hand can be exhausting, time-consuming, and messy—more on that later. By using a fuel transfer device, you can increase the amount of fuel gathered in far less time.
- Reduce spills. The pump works by collecting fuel from a source like a tank or truck and transfers it into another source. They can either be electric or manual. An electric one is used at the gas station every time you fill-up with gas in your vehicle. The pump is quick and easy to use and reduces any chance of spilling gas on yourself.
- Measure fuel. If you need to know just how much fuel or gas you are gathering, the pump will let you know. An electric fuel transfer pump will feature an LED screen that lets you know how much fuel you’re pumping. It typically reads in gallons, but you can find others that vary in measurement.
Types of Fuel Transfer Pumps
Manual
A manual fuel transfer pump is a bit old-fashioned, but they do exist. They are more cost-effective, but at the own cost of your body as you have to use a hand pump. You have to physically pump the manual nozzle device in order to siphon out fuel. They include a handle and a long hose that extends into a tank where the fuel is. Another hose is used to transfer the fuel from the tank to another storage container.
Electric/Battery
An electric fuel transfer pump is powered by electricity. These are the easiest of the pumps to use, as they don’t require extra energy from you. A gas pump at a convenience store is an example of an electric-style transfer pump. However, you can find portable versions of them to use in your garage or around the house.
Top Brands
Fill-Rite
Fill-Rite is located in Burr Ridge, Ill., and is owned by Tuthill Transfer Systems. The company was founded in 1892 and began by supplying bricks to construction companies. In the 1920s, the company’s owner, James B. Tuthill, designed a steam-powered truck built to transfer oil. This led to the company being one of the leading manufacturers of oil transfer pumps, including the Fill-Rite 12V 15 GPM (57 LPM) Fuel Transfer Pump with Discharge Hose.
Tera Pump
Tera Pump has its headquarters in Santa Ana, Calif. The company focuses on developing new innovative pumping products built for oil, water, and fuel. The company manufactures pumps for safe drinking water and industrial-sized drum barrel pumps for oil. Consider its Tera Pump Battery Powered Fuel Transfer Pump if you need a handheld transfer pump.
Fuel Transfer Pump Pricing
- $50-$120: This is where you’ll find the majority of fuel transfer pumps. They are lightweight, durable, and portable. They will also be smaller in size and can only transfer a small amount of fuel.
- $120 and up: When you reach this higher price point, you’ll come across some industrial transfer pumps. They are capable of transferring large amounts of fuel in shorter amounts of time. They can typically be found in the backs of trucks or trailers.
Key Features
Type
The type of fuel transfer pump you need is based on what you are doing. If you just need to transfer small amounts of fuel from a tank to the car at home, then a portable one should do the trick. Jobs like fueling shipping trucks, heavy machinery, or construction equipment may require more robust fuel pumps.
Fuel
You should keep track of what kind of fuel you are transferring as well. Not all fuel transfer pumps are built to transport both gas and diesel. If you are working with different types of fuel, then consider getting a versatile transfer pump that can handle kerosene, gas, diesel, and oil.
Other Considerations
- Flow Rate: You need to know just how much fuel is being transferred by the pump. This will let you know how long it will take to fill a tank. If you want to be able to transfer more fuel at once, consider a more robust and sturdy fuel pump.
- Mounting: Some fuel transfer pumps can be mounted to a truck or trailer for ease of use and versatility. However, not all will come with their own mounting brackets or screws. You should know the weight of the pump in order to properly mount it onto a vehicle or post.
Best Fuel Transfer Pump Reviews & Recommendations 2020
Best Overall
Fuelworks Electric Diesel Fuel Transfer Pump Kit
Best Value
Tera Pump Battery Powered Fuel Transfer Pump
Honorable Mention
Fill-Rite 12V 15 GPM (57 LPM) Fuel Transfer Pump with Discharge Hose
Honorable Mention
Koehler Enterprises Multi-Use Siphon Fuel Transfer Pump Kit
Honorable Mention
Ideaworks Battery-Operated Liquid Transfer Pump
Honorable Mention
Ontel Turbo Pump Automatic Liquid Transfer Pump
Honorable Mention
GasTapper Siphon Pro XL
Honorable Mention
GasTapper Gasoline Transfer Pump/Siphon
Tips
- Safety is a top priority. Make sure the pump has safety features so it doesn’t harm you. It should also be explosion-proof when it’s near explosive gases.
- Be sure to choose a fuel transfer pump that is easy to install and includes clear directions on how to use it. This will prevent you from misusing the device and harming yourself or others.
- Not all fuel pumps are compatible with all types of vehicles and machinery. However, many include adapters that make the devices work on numerous cars, trucks, tractors, etc..
FAQs
Q: How do I use a fuel transfer pump?
A: That depends on the type of pump you are using. Some are operated manually, while others use electric or engine power. Read the instructions carefully, and watch online tutorials to make sure you’re operating it correctly.
Q: Do I need to prime a fuel pump?
A: Some fuel transfer pumps are self-priming, while others are not. A pump needs to be primed to increase the pressure that helps move the fuel through the device.
Q: How long does a fuel transfer pump last?
A: If you purchase a good-quality brand, the product should last for a while. Consult the owner’s manual to determine when you should replace the pump. It will last longer if you regularly clean it and use it only for its designated purpose.
Final Thoughts
Our pick for the best fuel transfer pump is the Fuelworks Electric Diesel Fuel Transfer Pump Kit. You can modify the hose length to suit your needs, and it’s very easy to use.
For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Tera Pump Battery Powered Fuel Transfer Pump.