Skip to content

Auto-prime Pumps

Simplify your bypass or dewatering set-up with ultra-efficient, low-maintenance dry self-priming pumps.

The portable pump workhorse.

Auto-prime pumps prime quickly under any conditions, making them ideal for mobile applications where transfer of dirty liquid, with or without solids, is needed.
They work by removing air from the inlet pipe automatically using an in-built vacuum system.
Prime Fluid Management is the sole importer of BBA pumps, recognised globally for their performance, portability and design.
The BA Series pumps are highly efficient, and require minimal maintenance, making them a dependable asset on site.
Engineering Excellence

Designed for simplicity

BBA BA-Series auto prime pumps are easy to move, access and operate. They are engineered to limit wear without compromising performance.
  • Fully bunded unit with a large composite fuel tank and fluid containment system to eliminate spill risk
  • Quickly prime and re-prime, even from dry conditions
  • Fully galvanised, sound-attenuated canopies protect and silence the units
  • Corrosion-free composite doors
  • 500 - 1500hr service intervals
  • BBA 4-year limited warranty
Designed for simplicity
Superior Efficiency

Unbeatable economy

Available in electric or diesel drive with new fuel technologies in development, BBA pumps deliver superior fuel economy without compromising on performance.

  • Pumps consume as little as 1/L per hour* when operating on curve.
  • Unbeatable fuel economy across all models
  • Requires smaller engine to deliver head and flow of comparable pumps in-market
  • Available with EU Stage V compliant engines for improved environmental compliance
    *BA75 or BA100
Unbeatable economy

Overview of our Auto-prime Pumps

BA-Series Electric Pumps

Available open frame or silenced canopy, use BA-series electric pumps indoors or in sensitive urban locations.

  • Size: 32mm - 800mm
  • Max flow: 3250m3/hr
  • Max head: 115mwc
  • Solids: Up to 145mm
BA-Series Diesel Pumps

Delivering extreme fuel economy, BA Diesel pumps limit emissions by delivering performance at low RPM.

  • Size: 50mm - 700mm
  • Max flow: 7800m3/hr
  • Max head: 220mwc Solids: up to 259mm
High Head Pumps

Combining vacuum assistance and impeller efficiency for reliable fluid handling where significant suction lifts and discharge pressure is required.

  • Size: 75mm - 400mm
  • Max flow: 3250m3/hr
  • Max head: 115mwc
  • Max solids: 25mm
Pipes & Hoses We stock a range of HDPE pipe, layflat hoses and accessories and will advise on the product that best-suits your application.
Accessories Prime Fluid Management holds stock of a wide range of quality fittings and dewatering accessories.

  • Bauer Fittings & adapters
  • Strainers 
  • Fuel tanks & generators
PTO Tractor Pumps

Compact, economical, efficient, BBA PTO Tractor pumps perform vacuum-based tasks on demand, including high-volume fluid and slurry transfer.

  • Size: 150 - 400mm
  • Max flow: 3000m³/hr
  • Max head: 29mwc
  • Max solids: 100mm
BBA BA400 Relocatable Flood Control Pump

The BA400 D540 is a relocatable auto-priming centrifugal pump used for flood control or large-scale emergency response. EPA Tier 4 Volvo Penta diesel engine, 85% efficiency at BEP.  Four-year BBA Limited Factory Warranty.

  • Max flow: 3250m3/hr
  • Max head: 25mwc
  • Max solids: 100mm
  • Sound: 65dB @10m
BBA BA500 Relocatable Drainage Pump

Producing 37psi and with a favourable NPSHr curve, the BA500g D675 flood control pump will discharge water over long distances through extended pipelines. It is suited to dredging, land reclamation and surface-mounted flood control. Four-year BBA Limited Factory Warranty.

  • Max flow: 4500m3/hr
  • Max head: 26mwc
  • Max solids: 115mm
  • Sound: 75dB @10m
BBA BA600 Ultra-high Flow Flood Control Pump

The BA600 D743 is ideal for tackling high water during heavy rain events and flooding. It is quiet and features exterior lighting, lifting features and automatic levelling.  Efficiency is 88% BEP. Four-year BBA limited factory warranty.

  • Max flow: 6,500m3/hr
  • Max head: 31psi
  • Max solids: 135mm
  • Noise: 75bD @10m

View our full Dewatering, Bypass & Sewage Pump range

GALLERY

In the field

Here are some examples of our solutions being used.

Read Dewatering, Bypass & Sewage articles

See other Dewatering, Bypass & Sewage Pumps

They brought their mechanics, they didn't just dump it and leave….couldn't have done it without them to be honest

Mark CadwalladerCatchment Worker

This sort of unique system you set up is what sets you apart from others in the Market

Jacob Warmsley Project Manager

I had an amazing experience with Prime Pump at the Transmission Gully ... will recommend you guys anytime and anywhere.

Peter FisherDirector

You guys had our backs from the get-go and stood beside us and persevered.

DaveOps Director

We called for a different type of solution…... We were pretty happy with what's been delivered

Rob KerrProject Director

Prime supplied us with the best solution for hire and the instant availability was what we needed… We certainly will be using them in the future

Priscilla EllmersWastewater Supervisor

Make an enquiry

Let’s sort your fluid management needs 
Speak to an expert

Brent Petrie

Brent Petrie
Sales Engineer

Charlie Petrie

Charlie Petrie
Sales Manager

Mark Cadwallader

Mark Cadwallader
Hire Account Management

Questions

FAQ

At Prime Fluid Management, we understand that every fluid management challenge brings unique considerations. Here, you’ll find clear, practical answers and expert guidance to help you maximise uptime, achieve regulatory compliance, extend equipment life, and implement the most effective solution for your site. 

How does a wellpointing system work on site?

A wellpointing system uses a series of small-diameter wellpoints installed in a line or ring around an excavation. Each wellpoint is a screened inlet, connected via a riser pipe to a header main that runs back to the wellpointing pump.

At Prime Fluid Management, we pair this layout with positive displacement piston pumps that deliver consistent high pressure, automatically prime, and move a mixture of water and air without restriction. This setup lowers the groundwater level around the excavation, creating a more stable and workable site in New Zealand’s variable soil conditions.

What do wellpoints, riser pipes (risers) and swing joints do in a wellpointing system?

In a typical wellpointing setup:

  • Wellpoints or filters are the screened inlet sections installed in the ground that draw groundwater into the system.
  • Riser pipes or risers are the vertical pipes that connect each filter up to the surface and into the header main. 
  • Swing joints are the flexible connections between each riser and the header main, usually incorporating a valve so flow from each wellpoint can be adjusted or isolated as needed.

At Prime Fluid Management, our wells and accessories range includes steel wells, PVC and self-jetting wellpoints, header pipes and swing joints. Your wellpointing system can be set up and fine-tuned to suit site conditions — or our experienced operations crew can help you configure an optimal system when hiring our equipment.

Why use slotted screen wellpoints?

Because different ground conditions call for either slotted screen or wedge-wire wellpoints, slotted screen designs are often used where sand control and steady groundwater intake are needed. At Prime Fluid Management, we supply PVC slotted screen wellpoints, also commonly referred to as spears, which are simple to install, economical and reusable.

For more substantial groundwater flows or tougher ground conditions, we also supply 150mm (6 inch) steel wells — custom-designed by our team. These ensure fast installation and improved water quality. 

The slotted screens create a controlled intake area that allows groundwater to enter freely while keeping sand and fines out of the system. This helps protect pumps and maintain system performance over longer operating periods.

To view the full range of wellpointing pumps and accessories, download our Civil, Quarrying and Mining Product Guide 2026

What is a jetting lance and how does it work with your jetting pumps and jetting units?

A jetting lance is the handheld pipe used to install wellpoints. It connects to a high-pressure jetting pump and directs water into the ground to fluidise the soil, allowing each wellpoint and riser to be jetted down to its design depth.

At Prime Fluid Management, we have jetting pumps and jetting units that are purpose-built for this task — providing compact, high-pressure pumping for installing wellpoints and other jetting applications. Options include skid-mounted units with twin 1,200 L tanks, along with remote-controlled outlets for jetting and dust suppression.

When is a wellpointing solution the right choice compared with other dewatering methods?

Wellpointing is often the right choice for shallow to moderate depth excavations where you need controlled drawdown of the groundwater table along a trench or around a structure.

It’s widely used on New Zealand civil sites for pipelines, shallow foundations, services and pits — particularly in sandy or fine-grained soils where open pumping is not enough to keep the excavation stable.

At Prime Fluid Management, we design wellpointing solutions around your project requirements, matching piston pumps, wells, risers, swing joints and jetting equipment to local soil conditions, perched water and site constraints. If wellpointing isn’t the best fit, we can also assess alternative options in the dewatering, bypass and stormwater range, including auto-prime pumps and drainage submersible solutions.

Why use a piston pump for wellpoint dewatering?

Piston pumps provide reliable suction in unpredictable ground conditions. They use positive displacement to move water and air through a sealed chamber, making them ideal for wellpointing applications where a consistent vacuum must be maintained — even with low or fluctuating inflow. This makes piston pumps highly dependable in unstable soils. 

At Prime Fluid Management, we supply the BBA PT-Series piston pump range, which offers unmatched economy of use. These pumps are highly fuel efficient and maintenance-friendly, requiring servicing only every 1,500 hours — up to six times longer than standard piston pumps. You can read 

The PT-Series is available in battery-electric, diesel and hybrid configurations, providing flexible drive options to suit different site requirements. Find out more in our article about BBA Piston Pump efficiency.