Evolution of Puck Pumps
Originally built for personal use in manure application, Puck equipment has always been designed to improve efficiency. From automatic control systems to higher flows, we have continued to innovate our pumps to meet the growing demands of the industry. The evolution of Puck pumps presents a timeline of growth in dragline manure application operations through the years.
Original Innovations
As the industry grew and there was more manure to move, booster pumps became a necessity. Ben Puck knew these pumps needed to sit up high enough for large tires to clear muddy landscape with ease. He and the Puck crew also knew that disconnecting hose to pig the line was an avoidable struggle that could be removed with the addition of a bypass on the pump’s pipework. These first pump trailers used engines and hydrostats taken out of combines. Our application team ran these new lead and booster pumps hard to find any room for improvement.
Fuel tanks were one aspect that changed due to our own testing in the field. Originally made by Puck from steel, it was difficult to ensure a tight seal and impossible to see remaining fuel levels. We switched to plastic that allows operators to see how much fuel is in the tank from across the field. We also made adjustments to our pump trailer chassis to improve balance and stability. When we came up with the idea for the world’s first floating agitator for large lagoons, we needed a control system to run the agitator from the shore. The control system we tweaked for our agitation boats became the basis of LightSpeed, which revolutionized dragline pumping.
Testing and Evolving
We don’t just manufacture our equipment, our application team uses it to apply more than 400 million gallons of manure each year. Our field tests give us insight to real situations and demands of custom application today. To meet those needs, the newest generation of booster pumps feature design changes that help improve the safety and efficiency of your operation. From function to aesthetic, we’ve made improvements over time that fit the needs of the industry.
A-frame tongues for better towing and improved ground clearance of pump trailers make transporting equipment easier. The crossover pig shooter allows for pigging operations opposite the pump outlet for improved operator safety. Electric over hydraulic controls allow operators to control lights downriggers without using fuel. We’ve merged hydraulic systems to eliminate the need for two reservoirs and added 12VDC charging posts to power external items.
The changes made to our pumps through the years don’t just make it more convenient for an operator to use, they also improve capabilities. Today, Puck pump trailers can get flow rates of up to 6,000 GPM, but with 10” diameter hose our pumping crew consistently runs at flow rates of about 3,000 GPM. Keeping the moderate flow going with large diameter hose and fuel efficient engines has the Puck Application crew pumping more than 400 million gallons of manure each year with just three teams. Built for long-lasting efficiency, Puck pump units provide more gallons of manure pumped per gallon of diesel fuel consumed.
Puck liquid transfer equipment is used across the world for slurry application operations across the globe. Find testimonials from Puck customers through the years on our YouTube, or contact a sales representative to learn more.
