Frequently Asked Questions — Collins Pumps

Collins Pumps manufactures self-priming diesel pumps in four sizes: 6-inch, 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch. Every pump is built to order at our Moama workshop, allowing us to tailor each unit to the customer’s specific application. We have been manufacturing diesel pumps since 1987 and our pumps are used across irrigation, construction, mining, and general water transfer throughout Australia.

Our workshop and manufacturing facility is at 69 Echuca St, Moama NSW 2731. Moama sits on the Murray River in southern New South Wales, directly across the border from Echuca in Victoria. Visitors are welcome at the workshop — just give us a call beforehand so we can make sure someone is available to help you.

Yes. We ship pumps and parts Australia-wide. Every pump is carefully prepared for transport and arrives ready to operate, complete with engine pump/protection system, flow switch, hour meter, suction delivery elbow and battery. Freight costs depend on pump size and delivery location — contact us for a shipping quote when you request your pump quote.

A self-priming pump can draw water up from a level below the pump without needing to be manually filled or have its suction line pre-charged each time. Once initially primed, a Collins self-priming pump retains enough water in the casing to re-prime automatically on subsequent starts. This makes our pumps practical for applications where the pump sits above the water source, such as on a river bank, beside a dam, or at the edge of an excavation.

The heat exchanger on a Collins pump uses the pumped water to cool the diesel engine by passing it around the outside of the cooling system, so engine coolant and pumped water never mix. This is particularly beneficial in dusty or remote environments where air-cooled or radiator-cooled engines can overheat due to clogged fins or restricted airflow. Heat exchangers allow engines to operate in all ambient temperatures, direct more engine HP to the job and are fuel saving over the life of the pump. The water-cooled system provides more consistent engine temperatures, which helps extend engine life and improves reliability during long running hours.

Pump sizing depends on two main factors: the flow rate you need (how much water per hour) and the total dynamic head (the vertical lift plus friction losses in your pipework). A 6-inch pump suits smaller transfer and dewatering jobs, while 10-inch and 12-inch units handle high-volume irrigation and large-scale dewatering. The best approach is to call Marcus on 0448 115 226 or Stuart on 0409 939 413 with your application details — they will recommend the right size at no obligation. Read our Buying Guide posts on the Resources page .