Pasture Pump: Water from Stream and Barrel, No Power Needed
The animal pumps its own water, entirely by itself. These pumps need no electricity and draw from a stream, a well shaft or a barrel.
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Pasture Pump: The Cow Works the Pump Herself
A pasture pump is one of the neatest solutions in grazing systems: the animal presses a plate with its nose, and that lifts water out of the stream, the well shaft or a barrel up into the bowl. It needs no electricity, no battery and no mains connection. After two or three attempts every cow has grasped the principle and works the pump reliably. That saves you refilling a barrel every day and still keeps fresh water on the field at all times.
How much water one pump delivers
A double-stroke model lifts considerably more per push than a simple diaphragm pump, which makes it suitable for cattle and horses. As a guide, one pump serves around twenty to twenty-five cattle, provided the suction head is right. The height difference between water source and pump is decisive: the smaller it is, the easier the pumping and the more water arrives per stroke. With very large herds it is better to set up two pumps at different points on the paddock.
Set-up and maintenance
The pump belongs on firm, level ground, ideally on a concreted post or a solid plank. The suction hose needs a foot valve with a strainer at the lower end, so neither leaves nor gravel get drawn in. The number one wearing part is the diaphragm; it is available as a spare and changed in a few minutes. Before the winter, take the pump off its post and drain the suction hose completely.
Frequently asked questions
Do all animals learn to use the pump?
Cattle and horses usually work out the principle within minutes. Calves and small ponies often lack the strength, so a float drinker is the better choice for them.
How far below the pump can the water source be?
Around five to six metres of suction head is practical. Above that the pumping becomes too hard for the animals and the delivery drops noticeably.
Does it work from a barrel as well?
Yes. Matching barrel pumps with adapters are available for 100 to 220 litre barrels, so you can work without a stream or a well.
Watering Without Power or Mains
Pasture pumps are the most practical answer wherever there is neither a pipe nor a socket nearby but water is available: at a stream, a well shaft or a barrel at the edge of the paddock. The animal presses a plate with its nose and so lifts water into the bowl itself. After a few attempts every cow has understood it. Double-stroke models deliver a particularly large amount per push and serve twenty to twenty-five cattle depending on the suction head. What matters is a firm, level standing place and a foot valve with a strainer at the end of the suction hose, so that neither leaves nor gravel are drawn in. The diaphragm is the usual wearing part and can be swapped in a few minutes. For barrels of 100 to 220 litres you will also find matching barrel pumps with adapters here.