Tsurumi (Europe) GmbH

In construction and building yards, efficiency is considered a decisive factor when selecting a dewatering pump. However, practical experience shows that those who focus exclusively on efficiency may end up paying more in the long run. 

It is not efficiency alone that determines the success or failure of a pump, but often the ability of the units to withstand extreme conditions. ‘A highly efficient pump that fails after a short time in practice is practically worthless,’ sums up Stefan Himmelsbach from the manufacturer Tsurumi Pumps. ‘In demanding areas, robustness is paramount.’ In three scenarios, performance comes first.

High-performance pumps: heavier, more robust – but often cheaper

Abrasive media such as sand, gravel or sludge require the use of high-performance pumps. Their rotors consist of thicker and heavier components, and the impellers are less delicate, which means they are more resistant to wear and tear. The disadvantage is obvious: this design compromises efficiency, as blunter blades and more solid parts require more energy to operate.

However, practical experience shows that the energy consumption is low in relation to the savings in maintenance and spare parts costs. ‘When an excavation pit fills up and the pump fails, we’re not talking about kilowatt hours, but about downtime costs that can run into the thousands,’ explains the expert. High-performance pumps are therefore not only the better technical choice, but also the more economical one.

Solids as a disruptive factor: special pumps ensure operation

The conflict of objectives becomes even clearer when it comes to solids in water. Construction site water often contains not only sludge, but also wood residues, plastic pieces or other foreign objects – just like municipal wastewater. Such materials are poison for standard pumps: they clog, block or wear out in no time.

Special pumps with cutting, grinding or vortex technology provide a remedy here. Vortex pumps, for example, have impellers that are deeply embedded and do not lie directly against the suction plate. The additional space allows even coarse particles to be transported almost unhindered. This significantly reduces contact between the impeller and solids – and thus wear.

The price for this is lower efficiency. But here too, efficiency is irrelevant if the system is at a standstill. ‘Choosing a pump is always a strategic decision. It means that we accept higher consumption in order to reliably prevent failures,’ according to Tsurumi.

Time-critical applications: When every second counts

A third category of applications are temporary or acute uses – such as water drainage after heavy rainfall or in disaster control. In such situations, it is not important whether the pump operates at ten percent higher efficiency. The only thing that matters is that it moves large amounts of water within the shortest possible time and functions reliably.

Practical examples show that action often has to be taken within minutes to prevent consequential damage to buildings or infrastructure. ‘Energy efficiency is simply not an issue in such cases,’ Himmelsbach explains. ‘The performance of the pump determines the extent of the damage.’

Economically sound: higher consumption, lower costs

At first glance, sacrificing efficiency may seem counterintuitive – especially in times of rising energy costs. However, for users, focusing on performance can quickly pay off: stable operation, shorter maintenance intervals and predictable spare part cycles are more important in terms of overall costs than pure energy consumption – especially since this can be significantly reduced with level electrodes on the pump or ‘smart’ connectivity. There is a wide range of pumps on the market: for example, Tsurumi, the world’s largest manufacturer with its EU headquarters in Düsseldorf, Germany, has over 500 models with flow rates of up to 30 m³/min or delivery heads of up to 216 m available for immediate delivery. Consultation is important, as it helps you find the right pump quickly – perhaps soon at the RATL Tiefbau Live trade exhibition from 9 to 11 October in Karlsruhe (stand F348).

Summer poses particular challenges for the construction industry: Heat, sudden heavy rainfall and fluctuating groundwater levels can make working on construction sites more challenging. Dewatering pumps are required to keep pits, shafts and trenches dry and safe.

Increasing weather extremes present construction companies with new challenges. While periods of drought cause dust pollution and falling groundwater levels, short, intense periods of rainfall are increasingly leading to the flooding of construction pits. Without reliable dewatering systems, companies risk delays and damage to machinery, materials and structures.

Thanks to their robust design, motor protection measures and forced lubrication, Tsurumi pumps are specially designed for tough, continuous use on construction sites. Models such as the KTZ dewatering pumps and the LSC residue drainage pumps perform reliably even in high temperatures, heavily contaminated water and irregular water volumes. Thanks to their dry-running properties, they can be used without supervision.

“In summer, speed and reliability are key,” explains Stefan Himmelsbach, an application expert at Tsurumi (Europe) GmbH, Düsseldorf/Germany. “Our pumps are built to keep operations running, even during heatwaves and storms.”

One example illustrates the benefits in everyday life: During the construction of the Mercaden Centre in Böblingen/Germany, e. g., the 12.000 m³ excavation pit was repeatedly affected by downpours over a period of 17 months. The construction company used pumps from the KTZ and LB series to drain all the groundwater and rainwater away. This was done via collection shafts with a diameter of just 400 mm, so slim, space-saving models were required. The pumps’ water levelling electrodes took over control without any human intervention. The technology worked reliably in temperatures of up to 30 °C and during sudden heavy rainfall.

The Japanese manufacturer has taken good technological precautions, using materials such as silicon carbide – which is second only to diamond on the hardness scale – in the double mechanical seal, e. g. This is located in the centrifugal force-controlled oil distributor, which lubricates the shaft regardless of its position. As a side effect, this ensures that the frictional heat generated by the seal in contact with the shaft dissipates to such an extent that no thermal peaks occur at exposed points that could lead to material failure. This is particularly relevant during slurping or dry running, when little or no cooling water is pumped. Tsurumi is the first manufacturer to relocate this critical component to the oil chamber, thus avoiding heat stress which is further intensified at high ambient temperatures.

Construction companies should prepare for the summer months well in advance and regularly check the pump technology on the construction site (Figure 1). Providing powerful pumps for heavy rainfall events and thermally resilient units should now be part of any prudent construction planning. As the largest manufacturer in the industry, the Germany-based EU branch has also prepared logistically for peak demand: Almost all of its 500 pump models, which have capacities of up to 30 m³/min and delivery heads of up to 216 m, are available from stock. “Dewatering should not fail due to delivery time constraints right from the outset”, told Tsurumi.

Further information:
TSURUMI (Europe) GmbH
www.tsurumi.eu

With its appearance at bauma 2025, Tsurumi once again demonstrated its role as an innovative manufacturer of dewatering and sewage pumps. At stand A6.338 in hall 6, there was more than just technology to touch: Visitors experienced first-hand how analogue pump technology is making a quantum leap towards the future through digital networking.

At the centre of interest: a fully functional, smart booster installation that demonstrated how several (small) pumps work in series in conjunction with the inhouse IoT solution “Tsurumi Connect” (Figure 1). Whether cost optimisation, remote monitoring or operational safety: The live presentation impressed users from a wide range of industries. One highlight: Even devices from other manufacturers can be easily integrated with the open system.

In addition to the digital future, Tsurumi also showcased the impressive breadth of its portfolio. The world’s leading supplier in its segment presented a wide range of pump solutions for almost every application.

A particular eye-catcher was a high-pressure pump for heads of up to 216 m – one of the most powerful of its kind. The range was complemented by a number of special solutions, including stainless steel pumps for aggressive media, models with a flushing ring for jetting processes and the new CZ series, which Tsurumi says is the most powerful sewage pump in the range. Thanks to its unique cutting technology, it can handle even tough fibrous materials.

Tsurumi has also made its mark on smaller applications: The new LSC residue dewatering units, which extract 228 l/min down to a residual level of just 1 mm, impressively demonstrated how powerful compact pumps can be. Tsurumi’s smallest pump – it fits in a pocket – was also on show. The company recently celebrated its 100th anniversary: With the portfolio on display at bauma 2025, the Japanese look to the future with confidence.

Further information:
TSURUMI (Europe) GmbH
www.tsurumi.eu

Four gigantic Tsurumi dewatering pumps demonstrate their capabilities in a water sports facility. They could also fill an average public swimming pool – in just half a minute*.

However, an SSP-1350GS pump weighs 10 tonnes and is 5,4 metres long. With 350 kW motor power, it pushes 240 m³ of water through its 135 cm wide outlet every minute. That’s 4 m³ per second!

Four of these giants have been installed in Japan’s only artificial canoe slalom course facility. The 58 million euro Canoe Slalom Centre in Tokyo has a 200 x 10 metre (irregular) pool with an average depth of 1,5 metres. There, the pumps battle against a 4,5 metre slope, providing a lively spectacle for 7500 guests.

But these submersible pumps are not even the largest in the Tsurumi range, which in Europe alone includes more than 500 models of dewatering and sewage pumps with capacities of up to 30 m³/min or 216 m head – all available from stock. A wide selection will be on display at Tsurumi’s BAUMA stand A6.338, some of which in wet operation.

* Note: the 30 sec calculation is based on a typical swimming pool as found in municipal German indoor swimming facilities, measuring 25 x 12,5 metres and with an average depth of 1,8 metres.

Further information:
TSURUMI (Europe) GmbH
www.tsurumi.eu

Tsurumi, one of the major manufacturers of dewatering and sewage pumps, is replacing one of its best-selling series. The reason for this is a significant increase in performance: The heavy-duty dewatering pumps for sand and slurry, previously known as KRS2, have been extensively upgraded and are now known as KRD (Figure 1). This makes it easier to differentiate between the different series and sets new standards in terms of performance and reliability.

The pumps feature a number of improvements that make them even more powerful and robust, e. g. when used with sludge and bentonite. One of the most significant changes concerns the insulation class of the motors, which has been raised from B/E to F. The motors can now withstand temperatures of up to 155 °C, improving heat protection and extending the life of the pumps.

The housing material has also been optimised. The previous cast material FC150 with a Brinell hardness of 212 has been replaced by FC200, which has a higher Brinell hardness of 223. This upgrade makes the pumps even more resistant to mechanical stress and ensures a longer service life, even in tough operating conditions – after all, they can pump water with hard rock up to 30 mm in diameter.

Tsurumi points out that the dimensions have changed slightly as a result of technical progress. The models in the series can achieve up to 4,300 l/min or heads of up to 31 m thanks to motor outputs of up to 18 kW. With the introduction of the KRD, the manufacturer aims to meet tomorrow’s requirements today.

Further information:
TSURUMI (Europe) GmbH
www.tsurumi.eu

A video series on YouTube is aimed at users who want to know all about dewatering and sewage pumps. Impressive: The creator Tsurumi has now published its hundredth instructional film – on an important technical subject.

Since its foundation exactly one hundred years ago, the Japanese pump manufacturer with its EU headquarters in Düsseldorf, Germany, has made a name for itself in the industry – not only through the quality of its products, but also through its commitment to its customers. The idea of creating a collection of films on the correct operation and maintenance of water pumps was born five years ago.

“We want to provide users with the knowledge they need to operate their pumps correctly, profitably and safely”, explains Managing Director Daniel Weippert. The videos are designed to cover all topics and answer questions in an understandable and professional manner.

The series therefore covers a wide range of topics such as setup, maintenance, troubleshooting and safety. Each video is presented by one or more experts and includes step-by-step instructions and useful tips that have been tested in the field.

For example, one of the most viewed clips explains the basic steps to extend the life of a pump. Another popular video shows how to retrofit a level switch. The hundredth film is about seals, one of the most important topics when it comes to water pumps.

The films, ranging in length from one minute to one hour, are informative. They have been well received by users and industry experts and have already been viewed thousands of times. “The videos support our work considerably”, they say. A valuable resource.

Tsurumi plans to continuously expand and update the series in order to keep pace with the latest developments and requirements. Exciting topics such as IoT technologies in pump systems (Tsurumi has developed the open Connect system for this purpose, which also integrates third-party devices) are already being planned. Weippert: “Our success is based on the success of our customers. By providing them with all the knowledge, we create a win-win situation.” The company is proud of what it has achieved and is looking forward to the next 100 videos.

With this initiative, Tsurumi is doing nothing less than moving the industry forward and demonstrating how vendors can effectively support customers with today’s tools – wherever they are in the world.

View the channel on youtube

Further information:
TSURUMI (Europe) GmbH
www.tsurumi.eu

Sometimes there are moments that surprise even experts. This was the case recently when a dewatering pump survived a drop test from a height of seven metres – which was not really to be expected.

This remarkable achievement sheds new light on the robustness and reliability of dewatering pumps. The fact that they can withstand a lot is relevant for the actual operating task, but also for accident prevention and environmental protection through oil leaks and other incidents.

The test was carried out by the pump manufacturer Tsurumi in the run-up to the upcoming IFAT trade fair in Germany. It comprised two series that were to prove their resistance to extreme events. Firstly, a universal pump of the type HS2.4S was dropped from a height of seven metres. This is roughly equivalent to a free fall out the third floor of a building.

It only suffered cosmetic damage. This did not really surprise the manufacturer: “Tsurumi pumps can really take a beating,” said test manager Matthew Hill. Although the pump had scratches on the housing, it otherwise worked perfectly. The test with an LB480, also a universal dewatering pump for construction, industry, agriculture and other applications, showed similar results. In this case, however, the lower casing was slightly deformed at the point of impact.

The impressive drop tests demonstrated the benefits of the high safety reserves that the manufacturer takes into account when designing its pumps. In practice, however, hardly any user is likely to risk such ordeals.

The test is also remarkable because the candidates do not even represent the ultimate in terms of robustness in the manufacturer’s product range, which includes over 500 models for the EU alone. It covers flow rates of up to 30 m3/min or 216 m delivery head and is one of the largest in the industry. Ultra-hard materials such as silicon carbide (only diamond is harder), individually encapsulated conductors, the double internal mechanical seal and the position-independent oil distributor are features of the Japanese pumps.

Tsurumi has published the video of the drop test on its Facebook page. At IFAT, the Düsseldorf-based company will be showcasing a cross-section of its programme at stand B1.444, which includes dewatering pumps, submersible aerators, agitators and a “smart” network solution that also integrates third-party products.

Further information:
TSURUMI (Europe) GmbH
www.tsurumi.eu

Dewatering and sewage pumps are the world of manufacturer Tsurumi, which is celebrating its centenary in 2024. The Japanese have come a long way.

Over 500 models up to 30 m3/min or 216 m delivery head are listed in the catalogue for Europe alone. Worldwide, the manufacturer even offers over 1800 models with motor outputs of up to 300 kW for all conceivable applications, including clear and salt water. So wherever a drop of water flows, there is hardly any way around the brand with the blue water vortex in its logo. Tsurumi is recognised as the world market leader in the construction industry and has already made the leap into other sectors.

Triumph of the submersible pump

It all started with vertical shaft pumps for agriculture. In 1953, submersible pumps were added – a product group that still dominates the market today. Company founder Jisaburo Tsujimoto’s guiding principle for success was not to copy, but to develop new and better.

Tsurumi scores economically with long service lives thanks to robust designs, modular common parts and the fact that users can carry out maintenance themselves. The technological requirements include the forced lubrication system developed in-house for uninterrupted continuous operation, ultra-hard materials such as silicon carbide (only diamond is harder) and Tsurumi’s sealing concept with a double internal mechanical seal and individually moulded conductors. Some pumps, for example in the high-pressure range for mining, are only available from Tsurumi – the manufacturer is regarded as the first and only address in the industry worldwide.

1800 pump models

The main plant in Kyoto is considered the most modern and largest in the industry, with a capacity of one million pumps per year. Production also takes place in Yonago, Japan, as well as in Taiwan, China and Vietnam. Production is currently being expanded and the vertical range of manufacture increased. Tsurumi is pursuing a one-brand strategy, meaning that there is no second brand or licensed products with reduced price or quality. To protect against plagiarism, users are well advised to purchase directly from the manufacturer or its dealers. The sales and service network is dense, for example with over 250 stations listed in Germany alone. All pumps are also available directly, and many can be rented.

The company is based at its founding location in Osaka. There are branches around the globe. The EU headquarters in Düsseldorf, Germany, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2023, is strategically important. The company also has its own sales companies on the continent in Belgium, France, the UK, Sweden and Spain.

Largest factory in the industry

Logistically, the Japanese have always been considered masters of their trade. Tsurumi is no exception: it is probably the only major player in the industry that can deliver almost all EU pumps from its warehouse in Antwerp (Belgium) or Düsseldorf. Orders are dispatched within hours – a striking bonus, as contract manufacturing is standard in the industry. Technical reliability and logistical speed are often critical factors with dewatering applications – this is where the company aims to set standards.

Tsurumi produces more submersible pumps than any other manufacturer, told Daniel Weippert, Managing Director of Tsurumi Europe. A nice milestone to have reached in 2024, the year of the dragon according to the Japanese zodiac calendar. The company is well positioned for the future. Tsurumi is growing in the major business areas of mining, tunnelling and civil engineering, the industrial and energy sectors as well as in municipal water and wastewater applications, not only with pumps but also with efficient submersible aerators for biological wastewater treatment. The company is well listed with residue dewatering pumps for fire brigades and there are numerous other models for use cases elsewhere. Tsurumi´s new technology for remote monitoring and control is so “smart” that it also works with third-party brands.

Instant delivery from stock

Tsurumi’s 2023 balance sheet shows an annual turnover of the equivalent of 353 million euros. Asia, North America and Europe are the major key regions for the manufacturer, which employs 1.300 people. According to the still family-run company, whose name is also borne by a river in Japan, there is no country in the world where there are no Tsurumi pumps.

Further information:
TSURUMI (Europe) GmbH
www.tsurumi.eu

Celebrating the tough water pump

Anniversary at Tsurumi: The pump manufacturer came to Europe exactly four decades ago. What started small in Düsseldorf, Germany, became big. Today Tsurumi is considered the global market leader.
Managing Director Daniel Weippert attributes the success to two factors on which no compromises are made: robust pumps and excellent service. “Stronger for longer” is therefore the slogan of the company, which exclusively builds dewatering and sewage pumps: for building construction and civil engineering, mining and tunnelling as well as for landscaping, municipal services and fire brigades. The brand is easily recognisable by the blue water swirl in its logo.

From North Cape to Cyprus
Almost all pumps have a modular design with many identical parts. They can be serviced by the customer using standard tools: a real advantage, in addition to technical refinements such as the forced lubrication of the shaft developed by Tsurumi, the double internal mechanical seal and ultra-hard materials such as silicon carbide (only diamond is harder). Also not to be underestimated: Tsurumi is probably the only major player in the industry that does not manufacture to order, but delivers from stock: most of the 700 or so EU pump models can be on their way to the customer within 24 hours. These include powerhouses weighing several tonnes with outputs of up to 30 m3/min or 216 m delivery head.

20,000 hours maintenance-free
Behind this is an almost unconditional concept, as we know it from other Japanese companies: customer-orientation is paramount. “Anyone who deals with water can rely on Tsurumi,” emphasises Weippert. In fact, there is hardly a challenging project without Tsurumi pumps. Their quality was often pushed to its limits. Recently, a pump was serviced for the first time – it had previously run for a total of 20.000 hours without any maintenance.

Further information:
TSURUMI (Europe) GmbH
www.tsurumi.eu

The manufacturer of dewatering and sewage pumps Tsurumi is building a new plant at its headquarters in Kyoto, Japan. It is the market leader’s seventh.

The company is responding to changes in global supply chains that have occurred since Corona, characterised by fluctuations in parts availability and costs. Greater control over the manufacturing process and process quality are other motives.

In the first step, Tsurumi is investing around 70 million euros. Production will initially concentrate on electric motors, the key element of every pump. The technological competence for this is available: The company already manufactures around 110,000 motors per year. The focus is on the powerful and sophisticated drives for the GPN series, a robust sand pump with a flow rate of up to 9000 l/min. For this and other series, cast parts are already being produced that were previously purchased. Partly a necessity: in Japan, of all countries, the number of foundries has declined by about 70 per cent in the last 20 years. On the other hand, Tsurumi is entering the technological frontier: 3D printers layer the moulds from many layers of sand, which increases precision compared to the conventional process. The new plant is scheduled to go into operation in autumn 2024.

In contrast to what is usual in the industry, most of the 500 pump models offered in Europe (with flow rates up to 30 m³/min or 216 m head) are available for immediate delivery from the EU warehouse. Modular design, many common parts and easy maintenance paired with durable components are the often-mentioned success factors of the pumps with the blue water vortex in the logo.

Further information:
TSURUMI (Europe) GmbH
www.tsurumi.eu