When choosing a hose pump for your application, you may have noticed that some models use rollers while others use shoes. Both designs follow the same peristaltic pumping principle, but the internal mechanics differ, leading to important differences in durability and maintenance. Let’s take a closer look at how each one works.
Roller Hose Pumps
Roller hose pumps operate by using rollers to compress the hose, eliminating the need for lubrication. While this design may seem less aggressive and easier to maintain at first glance, the difference becomes clear when things start to go wrong.
The key issue with roller pumps is the immense pressure exerted on the roller bearings over time. As the bearings wear down, the roller begins to act like a shoe—without lubrication. This creates excessive friction, which can tear the hose apart. Once the hose fails, fluid leaks into the casing, causing rapid damage to other critical components. What might have been a quick hose replacement now turns into a much larger, more costly repair, potentially involving the replacement of rollers, bearings, rotors, and even the gearbox and seals.
This can also happen when the hose fails and the product you are pumping enters the pump housing and then gets into the bearings of the rollers.
Shoe Hose Pumps
Shoe hose pumps, on the other hand, rely on lubrication to operate effectively. The lubricated shoe applies consistent pressure to the hose, reducing friction and promoting smooth, long-lasting performance. While the need for regular lubrication may seem like an extra step, it actually helps protect the pump from the wear and tear that can cause costly repairs in roller pumps.
The simplicity of shoe hose pumps
At first glance, the lubrication required for shoe pumps may seem more complex, but the reality is that this simple solution helps reduce friction and stress on components. This means fewer points of failure compared to roller pumps, resulting in a more reliable and durable pump. While roller pumps may seem less aggressive on the hose initially, the overall longevity and simplicity of shoe pumps make them a more effective choice in the long run.
At Global Pumps, our range of class-leading Verderflex hose pumps are shoed to provide the most cost-effective pump solution over the entire life of the pump.
If you have any questions about rollers and shoes, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to assist!
