The Franklin Electric End Gun Booster Pump is a purpose-built centrifugal pressure booster designed specifically for center pivot irrigation systems where the end gun sprinkler requires additional pressure to achieve full coverage at the outer corners of a field. With a 2 HP, 460V three-phase TEFC motor rated at 1.50 service factor, an enclosed stainless steel investment cast impeller, and a cast iron back pull-out casing engineered as a direct replacement for existing end gun booster systems, the Franklin Electric FEGB delivers the reliable pressure boost that large-scale pivot irrigation demands. At Ken’s Distributing Company, we stock both the complete booster pump and the less-volute configuration and can help you confirm compatibility with your existing pivot system.
An end gun booster pump is a small centrifugal pump mounted on a center pivot irrigation system that provides additional water pressure specifically for the end gun sprinkler at the outermost end of the pivot span. Understanding why this pump exists requires understanding how center pivot irrigation works and where the pressure problem occurs.
A center pivot irrigation system rotates around a central pivot point, distributing water through a series of drop nozzles along the span. At the outermost end of the pivot, many systems include an end gun, which is a large impact sprinkler that extends the effective irrigation radius of the pivot into the corners of a square field that the pivot arm itself cannot reach. The end gun requires significantly more pressure than the standard drop nozzles to throw water the distance needed for corner coverage.
The problem is that water pressure naturally drops along the length of the pivot span due to friction losses in the pipe and the elevation changes the water travels through. By the time water reaches the end gun at the far tip of the pivot, system pressure is often insufficient to operate the end gun at its rated throw radius. The end gun booster pump solves this by adding a dedicated pressure boost specifically at the end gun location, drawing from the pivot water supply and delivering it to the end gun at the pressure needed for full corner coverage.
Kendisco is an authorized Franklin Electric distributor. Ken’s Distributing Company stocks the FEGB-200TE and FEGBLV-200TE and can help you confirm whether the complete pump or the less-volute configuration is the correct choice for your pivot system.
| Item |
Model |
Seal |
Suction |
Discharge |
| 63250245201 |
FEGBLV-200TE |
Mechanical Seal |
Threaded – FNPT |
Threaded – FNPT |
Complete Pump vs. Less Volute: Which Model Do You Need?
Franklin Electric offers the end gun booster in two configurations. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are doing a new installation or replacing components on an existing booster system.
| Feature |
FEGB-200TE (Complete Pump) |
FEGBLV-200TE (Less Volute) |
| Includes Volute |
Yes |
No |
| Includes Motor |
Yes |
Yes |
| Includes Impeller |
Yes |
Yes |
| Best For |
New installations, complete system replacement |
Replacing motor and pump end on existing volute |
| Direct Replacement |
Full system replacement |
Drop-in motor and pump end replacement |
If you are installing a new end gun booster pump on a pivot that does not currently have one, or replacing an entire existing booster system, order the FEGB-200TE complete pump. If your existing end gun booster system has a usable volute that is still in good condition and you only need to replace the motor and pump components, the FEGBLV-200TE less-volute configuration is the more cost-effective option. If you are not sure which applies to your situation, call Ken’s Distributing at 303.699.7845 and we will help you determine the right model based on your existing system.
Construction Details
Cast Iron Casing with Back Pull-Out Design
The FEGB casing is cast iron with a back pull-out design that allows the motor and pump components to be removed and serviced without disconnecting the suction and discharge piping from the pivot system. This is a significant practical advantage on a center pivot, where the booster pump is installed mid-span on the outer tower and accessing the plumbing connections for removal would require significant time and labor. The back pull-out design makes service practical without disrupting the pivot plumbing.
The cast iron construction is specified as a direct replacement for existing end gun booster systems, meaning the casing dimensions and connection specifications are matched to be interchangeable with booster pumps that pivot operators are already familiar with in their systems.
Enclosed Stainless Steel Investment Cast Impeller
The enclosed stainless steel impeller is investment cast, which is a precision casting process that produces more accurate dimensional tolerances and smoother surface finishes than standard sand casting. An investment cast impeller with accurate vane geometry delivers higher hydraulic efficiency and more consistent performance across the operating range compared to a conventionally cast alternative.
Stainless steel is the correct impeller material for this application for two reasons. First, stainless steel provides better corrosion resistance than cast iron in the chemically treated irrigation water that many center pivot systems use, including water carrying fertilizers and agricultural chemicals injected into the pivot supply. Second, stainless steel investment cast impellers maintain their dimensional accuracy and surface finish longer than cast iron alternatives in continuous service, preserving pump efficiency across a longer service interval.
Carbon/Ceramic Mechanical Seal with BUNA Elastomers
The mechanical seal uses carbon and ceramic sealing faces with BUNA elastomers and 300 Series stainless steel hardware. This is a proven, reliable seal specification for irrigation water applications. The BUNA elastomers handle the temperature range and mild chemical content typical of agricultural irrigation water. The mechanical seal creates a no-drip, no-adjustment seal at the shaft penetration point throughout its service life, which matters on a pivot booster pump that may run unattended for extended irrigation cycles.
2 HP TEFC Motor with 1.50 Service Factor
The 460V three-phase TEFC motor provides all the power needed for the pressure boost function at the pivot end gun. The 1.50 service factor is an important specification. Service factor indicates how much above the nameplate HP rating the motor can be run continuously without exceeding its thermal limits. A 1.50 service factor on a 2 HP motor means the motor can handle loads up to 3 HP continuously. This buffer is built in to handle the variable load conditions an end gun booster experiences as system pressure fluctuates throughout the irrigation cycle.
The Totally Enclosed Fan-Cooled (TEFC) enclosure keeps dust, crop debris, and moisture out of the motor windings. On a center pivot operating in agricultural fields, the TEFC enclosure is the appropriate choice for protecting the motor from the environment during long irrigation runs.
Applications
The Franklin Electric end gun booster pump is designed for one specific, well-defined application: providing the additional pressure boost needed at the end gun location on a center pivot irrigation system.
- Center Pivot End Gun Boosting: The primary and intended application. The FEGB mounts on the outer tower of a center pivot and provides the additional pressure the end gun needs to throw water to the field corners beyond the normal pivot radius.
- Large Field Corner Coverage: Center pivot systems on large square fields that need corner coverage use end gun boosters to extend the effective irrigation radius into the corners that the pivot arms alone cannot reach at adequate pressure.
- Replacement Booster Installations: Existing center pivot systems with aging or failed end gun booster pumps use the FEGB-200TE as a direct replacement. The back pull-out design and standard connection dimensions facilitate installation on systems that previously used other booster pump brands.
- New Pivot Installations: New center pivot systems being configured with end guns for large field corner coverage install the FEGB-200TE complete pump at the outer tower as part of the initial pivot setup.
Features and Benefits
- Direct Replacement Design: The cast iron casing is engineered to be a direct replacement for existing end gun booster systems, simplifying the upgrade and replacement process for pivot operators who need a new booster pump without modifying existing plumbing.
- Back Pull-Out Casing: Service the motor and pump components without disconnecting pivot plumbing. Critical for practical maintenance on a pump mounted mid-span on a center pivot where plumbing access is limited.
- Investment Cast Stainless Steel Impeller: Precision dimensional accuracy and superior corrosion resistance compared to cast iron alternatives. Maintains efficiency in chemically treated irrigation water across a longer service interval.
- 1.50 Motor Service Factor: Built-in thermal capacity buffer above the nameplate HP rating to handle the variable load conditions inherent in end gun booster service without motor overheating.
- TEFC Motor Enclosure: Keeps agricultural field dust, moisture, and debris out of the motor windings during long irrigation cycles in exposed field conditions.
- 460V Three-Phase Power: Matches the electrical supply standard on center pivot systems, which universally use three-phase power for the pivot motor and associated equipment.
- Vertical or Horizontal Mounting: Accommodates different mounting configurations on various pivot tower designs without requiring different pump models for different orientations.
- Carbon/Ceramic Mechanical Seal: No-drip, no-adjustment operation throughout the seal service life. Appropriate for the unattended irrigation cycles typical of center pivot operation.
- Complete and Less-Volute Options: Two model configurations cover both new installations and replacement of motor and pump components on existing systems with serviceable volutes.
How to Size an End Gun Booster Pump for Your Pivot System
Sizing an end gun booster pump involves matching the pump’s pressure output and flow rate to the specific pressure requirement of your end gun and the system pressure available at the outer tower of your pivot.
The key parameters you need to determine before sizing are:
- End Gun Operating Pressure: The minimum pressure the end gun requires to achieve the rated throw radius. This is specified in the end gun manufacturer documentation. Most large impact end guns require 50 to 90 PSI at the gun inlet for full coverage performance.
- Available System Pressure at Outer Tower: The actual water pressure at the end gun location on your specific pivot during operation. This is typically 10 to 30 PSI lower than the mainline pressure at the pivot point due to friction losses along the span length.
- Required Pressure Boost: The difference between the available system pressure and the end gun operating pressure requirement. The booster pump must deliver at least this pressure boost at the end gun flow rate.
- End Gun Flow Rate: The GPM the end gun consumes at its operating pressure. This determines the flow requirement the booster pump must handle.
If you are not sure whether the Franklin Electric FEGB-200TE provides the right pressure boost for your specific pivot and end gun combination, call Ken’s Distributing at 303.699.7845. We can help you work through the sizing calculation based on your pivot specifications and end gun requirements.
Installation Requirements and Setup
- Power Supply: The FEGB-200TE requires a 460V three-phase power supply. This is the standard voltage for center pivot systems. Confirm the electrical supply at the outer tower is properly sized for the 2 HP, 460V three-phase motor before installation.
- Mounting Position: Mount the booster pump on the outer tower of the pivot in either vertical or horizontal orientation based on the available mounting space and plumbing configuration. Secure the pump firmly to prevent vibration-induced movement during operation.
- Suction Connection: Connect the pump suction to the pivot water supply line through the threaded FNPT suction port. The pump draws water from the pivot main line and boosts it to the end gun. Ensure the connection is properly sealed to prevent pressure loss at the connection point.
- Discharge Connection: Connect the pump discharge to the end gun supply line through the threaded FNPT discharge port. The boosted pressure water flows from the pump discharge directly to the end gun inlet.
- End Gun Activation Coordination: The booster pump should be wired to activate in coordination with the end gun valve system. Most pivot control systems include provisions for end gun and booster pump activation based on pivot angle, activating both only when the pivot is in the corner zone where the end gun is needed.
- Back Pull-Out Service Access: Ensure adequate clearance behind the pump on the pivot tower for the motor and pump components to be pulled out for service without obstruction from other pivot hardware.
- Mechanical Seal: Do not run the booster pump without water flow through the pump. The mechanical seal requires liquid for lubrication and cooling. The pump control system should prevent motor startup unless water is flowing in the pivot supply line.
Replacement Parts and Service
The back pull-out design of the FEGB makes field service practical on an installed pivot system. The mechanical seal, impeller, and motor components can be accessed and replaced by pulling the pump end without disturbing the pivot plumbing connections. This reduces the labor time and complexity of end-of-season or mid-season service significantly.
Ken’s Distributing Company carries genuine Franklin Electric replacement parts for the FEGB end gun booster pump including mechanical seals, stainless steel impellers, and motor components. When service parts are needed, call us at 303.699.7845 and we will identify the correct part by model number and get it shipped promptly before or during the irrigation season.
Browse our Franklin Electric replacement parts and repair kits for the end gun booster pump and all other Franklin Electric pump lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an end gun booster pump used for?
An end gun booster pump provides additional water pressure specifically for the end gun sprinkler at the outer end of a center pivot irrigation system. The end gun needs higher pressure than the standard pivot nozzles to throw water to the corners of a square field beyond the normal pivot radius. The booster pump draws from the pivot water supply and delivers water to the end gun at the pressure needed for full corner coverage.
What PSI does an end gun booster pump need to provide?
The required PSI depends on your specific end gun model and the available system pressure at your outer tower. Most large impact end guns require 50 to 90 PSI at the gun inlet for rated coverage performance. The booster pump needs to provide the difference between your available system pressure and the end gun requirement. Contact Ken’s Distributing at 303.699.7845 to work through the sizing calculation for your specific system.
What is the difference between the FEGB-200TE and FEGBLV-200TE models?
The FEGB-200TE is the complete booster pump including the cast iron volute, stainless steel impeller, mechanical seal, and 2 HP TEFC motor. The FEGBLV-200TE is the less-volute configuration that includes the motor and pump components but not the volute casing. The less-volute model is used when replacing the motor and pump end on an existing booster system where the volute is still in good serviceable condition. The complete model is used for new installations and full system replacements.
How is an end gun booster pump installed on a pivot?
The booster pump mounts on the outer tower of the center pivot. The suction connects to the pivot water supply line and the discharge connects to the end gun inlet line. The pump motor is wired to activate in coordination with the end gun valve, typically controlled by the pivot angle sensor so both activate only when the pivot is in the corner zone. The 460V three-phase power required comes from the pivot electrical system.
Why does the end gun booster use a stainless steel impeller instead of cast iron?
Stainless steel provides better corrosion resistance than cast iron in chemically treated irrigation water that often contains injected fertilizers and agricultural chemicals. The investment cast process also produces more precise impeller geometry than standard casting, delivering higher hydraulic efficiency and longer service life. Both factors make stainless steel investment cast the right impeller choice for end gun booster service in agricultural pivot systems.
What voltage does the Franklin Electric end gun booster pump require?
The FEGB-200TE requires 460V three-phase power. This matches the standard electrical system on center pivot irrigation systems, which use three-phase power for the pivot drive motor and associated equipment including booster pumps and end gun control systems.
Can I get end gun booster pump replacement parts from Kendisco?
Yes. Ken’s Distributing Company carries genuine Franklin Electric replacement parts for the FEGB end gun booster pump including mechanical seals, stainless steel impellers, and motor components. Call 303.699.7845 for availability and fast shipping to minimize irrigation season downtime.
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