The Top Three Domestic Chopper Pump Manufacturers
Choosing a domestic chopper pump manufacturer can help projects meet U.S. sourcing requirements. Purchasing products made in the USA can also support domestic manufacturing, communities and jobs.
For projects that receive federal funding, regulations such as the Build America, Buy America Act may influence equipment selection.
Many people are also looking for their pumps not to clog. Chopper pumps are designed to chop solids in challenging wastewater applications to help prevent clogging. The cutting of a chopper pump uses slicing to allow for smaller pieces to flow through the system.
Here is a list of the top three chopper pump manufacturers in the United States.
1) Pentair
Originally from St. Paul, MN, Pentair is the parent company for Hydromatic, Myers, Pentek, and more. They work towards providing dependable, clean water for municipal and industrial applications.
With the Hydromatic brand, the HPE Chopper Pump has a patent-pending chopper mechanism used to cut materials through an up to 4 in. discharge size and 3 in solids size. Powered by a premium efficient NEMA MG1, IEC 60034 -30 Level IE3 motor, the impeller can be balanced, enclosure or semi-open, and monovane and 2 vane.
2) Crane Pump & Systems
Barnes pumps, with Crane Pump & Systems in Piqua, OH, designed the SITHE chopper pump specifically to solve clogging with a patented chopping technology that slices difficult solids into wastewater. Crane also has the Crown, Deming, Burks, Prosser, and Weinman brands under its umbrella. Barnes pumps are commonly used in municipal and industrial wastewater applications throughout our service area, and Excel Fluid Group maintains inventory of Barnes pumps for local projects and replacement needs. Through its OEM agreement with Crane Pump & Systems, Excel is also authorized to provide Barnes pumps for applications throughout the United States. Many Crane products can be found on Excel's online EShop.
The SITHE chopper pump has a patented design to handle the most demanding wastewater applications. Barnes regularly test their chopper pump to handle solids like plastic bottles, diapers, chicken legs, full mop heads, and more. Flowing up to 5,000 GPM with heads up to 150 ft., the SITHE motor is offered from 3hp to 150hp and in 3 in., 4 in., 6 in., 8 in., and 10 in. discharge sizes. Additionally, it also comes in both standard and explosion proof designs options.
3) Vaughan Company
Headquartered in Montesano, WA, in 1960 founder Jim Vaughan invented the world’s first chopper pump after seeing pumps break down after animal bedding and twine caused clogs. Since then, Vaughan has concentrated on chopper pumps for their traditional vertical wet well design.
The Vaughan Chopper Pump is a centrifugal pump that chops all solids between a cutter bar and the impeller vanes. With a flow rate of up to 13,000 GPM, this allows smaller solids to pump through the centrifugal action of the impeller. Discharges are also available from 3 in. to 16 in. with direct or drive-belt configurations.
The How to Choose a Domestic Chopper Pump Manufacturer
The right domestic chopper pump manufacturer will depend on the requirements of the wastewater application. Consider the required flow and head, the type and volume of solids being handled, and the pump configuration required for the system.
For projects with domestic sourcing requirements, confirm that the selected equipment meets the applicable project or funding requirements. Manufacturer experience, technical and design support, and access to replacement parts and service should also be considered when comparing chopper pump manufacturers.
Explore the Submersible Chopper Pumps available from Excel Fluid Group for wastewater applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the major chopper pump manufacturers in the USA
The domestic chopper pump manufacturers covered in this guide are Pentair, Crane Pump & Systems and Vaughan. These manufacturers offer chopper pumps for wastewater and solids-handling applications, with different pump designs, capacities and configurations available.
Do domestic chopper pumps meet Build America, Buy America requirements?
Domestic manufacture alone does not necessarily mean a chopper pump meets all applicable Build America, Buy America requirements. Compliance can depend on the project, funding source and applicable sourcing requirements, so equipment eligibility should be confirmed for the specific project.
What is the difference between a chopper pump and a grinder pump?
A chopper pump uses a cutting mechanism to chop larger solids and fibrous materials before they pass through the pump. A grinder pump reduces solids into a finer slurry and is typically used in lower-flow, higher-head applications. The appropriate pump type depends on the wastewater characteristics and system design.
For more information, learn how to design an efficient pump station or explore our frequently asked pump station questions. Have questions about chopper pumps and their capabilities? Contact us today!
