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Handy, Trash & Diaphragm Pumps

Hard-working drainage pumps for as-required site dewatering or water circulation.

Deal to nuisance water

Our range of portable trash, diaphragm and handy-sized submersible pumps work well when dewatering is intermittent or water, sludge or waste volumes are low. They will deal to groundwater, sludge or abrasive liquids with solids in a range of civil, quarrying or mining or municipal applications.
Ease of use

Move fluid fast

With self-prime or no-prime options and electric or petrol drives, our handy-sized pump range is designed for quick set-up and operation.
Move fluid fast
Reliability

Built tough to last

These pumps work hard. They endure frequent use in contaminated, debris-heavy water, so we choose brands with a reputation for durability.
Built tough to last

Overview of our Handy, Trash, Diaphragm Pumps

Caffini Electric Diaphragm Pumps

Designed for high flow, low pressure situations where transfer of thick slurries is required.

  • Size: 50mm - 152mm
  • Max Flow: 830L/min
  • Max Head: 15m
  • Max Solids: 60mm
Caffini Petrol Diaphragm Pumps

Designed for high flow, low pressure situations where transfer of thick slurries is required.

  • Size: 50mm - 102mm
  • Max flow: 520L/min
  • Max head: 15m
  • Max Solids: 60mm
Trash Pumps Caffini manufacture a fast, self-priming centrifugal trash pump with tool-free maintenance. Transfer contaminated liquids with solids up to 40mm.
  • Size: 76mm - 102mm
  • Max flow: 144m³/hr
  • Max head: 32m
  • Max solids: 40mm
Flexi-drive Pumps

A lightweight, portable dewatering pump with rugged frame, protected coil, cast-iron impeller and 3-dog coupling for safer handling. No priming required.

  • Size: 76mm (3")
  • Max flow: 1100 l/min
  • Max head: 26 m
Grindex Handy Submersibles Run-dry indefinitely, SMART motor technology, supreme efficiency. Grindex submersibles are tougher and lighter than most.
  • Size: 50mm – 152mm (2”– 6”)
  • Max flow: 350L/s
  • Max head: 200m
  • Max solids: 11mm
Proril Handy Submersibles

Compact, lightweight Proril SMART and SAVVY series pumps provide reliable low-volume dewatering for domestic and small construction applications.

  • Size: 25mm – 50mm (1”- 2")
  • Max flow: 110L/s
  • Max head: 90m
  • Max solids: 35mm
GALLERY

In the field

Here are some examples of our solutions being used.

Read Dewatering, Bypass & Sewage articles

Download the Civil, Quarrying & Mining Product Guide 2026

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

Ben Beatson

Ben Beatson
Sales Engineer

Gerhard Rudolph

Gerhard Rudolph
Hire Account Management

Brent Petrie

Brent Petrie
Sales Engineer

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. 

Is an auto-prime pump the same as a “dry prime” or dry-prime dewatering pump?

On a lot of drawings and pump schedules, dry-prime pump or dry-prime dewatering pump is used as shorthand for a surface pump that can handle air and doesn’t need manual priming. In practice, the auto-prime units that Prime Fluid supplies are vacuum-assisted pumps with a dedicated priming system, so they meet the intent of most “dry prime” specs while giving you a modern, quieter and more efficient package.

When would I use auto-prime dewatering pumps instead of a self-priming dewatering pump or submersible?

Auto-prime units are usually the better option when the pump has to sit above the water, suction conditions might change, or you expect a lot of air to enter the line during setup and operation. A self-priming dewatering pump or submersible can still be the right choice on simpler, more static jobs, and Prime can talk you through which option will be more reliable and cost-effective for your site.

Do you supply diesel dewatering pumps and can they be automated?

Yes – Prime can supply auto-prime packages as diesel dewatering pump sets or electric sets, depending on what power you have available and how the system will run. With the right control panel and level sensors, those same units can be configured as an automated pump or “auto water pump” that starts and stops itself, which is helpful on remote or 24/7 sites where you don’t want someone constantly watching the pump.

Can Auto-prime Pumps be used for flood control and emergency response?

Auto-prime units are a good fit for temporary flood control pumps because they can be moved quickly, cope with long suction and discharge lines, and re-prime themselves as water levels change. Prime Fluid can set up high-flow Auto-prime Pump solutions for New Zealand councils and contractors that form part of a wider flood or stormwater contingency plan.

What information do you need to size the right Auto-Prime Pump in New Zealand?

To match an Auto-Prime Pump New Zealand job, one of our  sales engineers will usually ask for your required flow, total dynamic head, suction depth, discharge route, expected solids size and how long the pump needs to run. If your documents mention terms like autoprime dewatering pumps, auto vacuum pump or use a generic “dry prime” note, sending those details through with a simple sketch of the setup helps the team recommend the most suitable package for your project.