The India Mark 3 hand pump is an improved, VLOM (Village Level Operation and Maintenance) version of the India Mark 2, suitable for depths of up to 50 metres. S K Industries (SKI) manufactures and exports India Mark 3 hand pumps from Patna, India, under an ISO 9001:2015 quality system, and has made hand pumps since 1961.
What is the India Mark 3 hand pump?
The India Mark 3 is a deep well hand pump built on the proven India Mark 2 design. VLOM stands for Village Level Operation and Maintenance: the pump is designed so that the people who use it can look after it themselves. The Mark 3 is suitable for depths of up to 50 metres.
How the India Mark 3 differs from the India Mark 2
The main differences are the riser pipe, the cylinder assembly and the water tank assembly:
| Part | India Mark 2 | India Mark 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Riser pipe | 32 mm nominal bore | 65 mm nominal bore |
| Cylinder assembly | Standard Mark 2 design | Totally different design: the bottom cap suits the check valve, and the top cap lets the plunger and check valve assemblies be taken out for repair |
| Water tank assembly | Standard | Has a 65 mm steel socket to take the 65 mm riser pipe |
Designed for easier repairs
The cylinder assembly is where the Mark 3 changes the most. The bottom cap is made to suit the check valve, and the top cap makes it easy to take out the plunger and check valve assemblies for repair. Because they come out without lifting the riser main, a repair does not mean pulling up the whole pipe column. That is the idea behind a VLOM pump.
What the 65 mm riser pipe means for you
The Mark 3 uses a 65 mm nominal bore riser pipe, compared with 32 mm on the Mark 2. This is the biggest cost difference: riser pipes for the Mark 3 cost about twice as much as those for the Mark 2, so allow for it when you plan a project. The water tank on the Mark 3 has a 65 mm steel socket to take the larger riser pipe.
Familiar parts, shared with the India Mark 2
Many components are common with the India Mark 2: the head with handle assembly, the stand assembly and the connecting rods. Anyone who already knows the Mark 2 will find much of the Mark 3 familiar.
Installation and maintenance toolkit
A special installation cum maintenance toolkit is also available for the India Mark 3 hand pump, so the pump can be installed and looked after with the right tools.
Why buy the India Mark 3 from SKI
- Hand pump manufacturer since 1961, exporting to 50+ countries
- ISO 9001:2015 quality system for the manufacture and supply of hand pumps
- UNICEF-approved manufacturer of the India Mark II (since 1975)
- Our own hot-dip galvanizing plant, galvanizing to IS 4759
- Toolkit and spares available with the pump
Ask for a quote
Send a one-click enquiry with the form below, call +91 9709701127, or email sales@skipumps.com. We export to more than 50 countries.
India Mark 3 hand pump FAQ
- What depth is the India Mark 3 suitable for? Up to 50 metres.
- What does VLOM mean? Village Level Operation and Maintenance. The pump is designed so the people who use it can look after it.
- How is the India Mark 3 different from the India Mark 2? It uses a 65 mm riser pipe instead of 32 mm, has a different cylinder assembly, and its water tank has a 65 mm steel socket.
- Can it be repaired without lifting the riser main? Yes. The cylinder design lets the plunger and check valve assemblies be taken out for repair.
- Do you export? Yes, to more than 50 countries. Send an enquiry for a quote.
Related Pages
India Mark 2 Hand Pump
PVC Riser Pipe with Square Threads
PVC Riser Pipe with SS couplings
SS Components for India Mark 2
Galvanizing Services