Franklin Electric Centrifugal GAS Engine FTSP Water Pump

The Franklin Electric FTSP Gas Engine Centrifugal Pump is a heavy-duty portable pump engineered for high-volume water transfer in irrigation, construction, mining, and municipal applications where no electrical power source is available. With capacities up to 615 GPM, heads up to 100 feet, and a self-priming design that handles spherical solids, the FTSP delivers serious pumping performance from a completely self-contained gas engine unit. Available with Briggs and Stratton Vanguard, Honda, or Kohler engines, and offered in 2-inch through 4-inch port sizes, the FTSP covers a wide range of portable pumping demands. At Ken’s Distributing Company, we stock the FTSP Series and can help you select the right model and engine option for your specific application.

What Is the Franklin Electric FTSP Gas Engine Self-Priming Pump?

The FTSP is Franklin Electric’s gas engine driven self-priming centrifugal pump designed for applications that demand high flow capacity, the ability to handle water with solids, and completely independent operation from any electrical infrastructure. The designation FTSP identifies this as Franklin Electric’s portable self-priming pump series in the gas engine driven configuration.

What separates the FTSP from other gas engine driven centrifugal pumps in the Franklin Electric lineup is the combination of self-priming capability with a two-vane semi-open impeller capable of handling spherical solids, a built-in check valve in the removable front cover to facilitate priming, and the capacity ratings that put it among the highest-flow self-priming portable pump options available from Franklin Electric. At up to 615 GPM, the FTSP-4 model handles large-scale irrigation and construction dewatering demands that smaller portable pumps simply cannot meet.

Kendisco is an authorized Franklin Electric distributor. Every FTSP pump ordered through Ken’s Distributing Company is a genuine Franklin Electric product with full manufacturer support and access to genuine replacement parts for long-term service.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Max Flow Capacity	Up to 615 GPM
Max Head	Up to 100 feet
Max Working Pressure	150 PSI
Max Temperature	212 degrees F
Rotation	Clockwise viewed from engine side
Connection Type	NPT pipe connections
Mounting Orientation	Horizontal
Self-Priming	Yes, with built-in check valve
Engine Options	Briggs and Stratton Vanguard, Honda, or Kohler

Model and Port Sizing

Model	Suction	Discharge	Notes
FTSP-2HRF	2 inches	2 inches	Includes roll frame
FTSP-3HRF	3 inches	3 inches	Includes roll frame
FTSP-3DRF-ES	3 inches	3 inches	Includes roll frame
FTSP4-18V	4 inches	4 inches	High-volume model

Note: FTSP-2HRF, FTSP-3HRF, and FTSP-3DRF-ES models include roll frames for easy transport and positioning in the field.

FTSP EXPLODED PARTS

FTSP MATERIALS AND PARTS / REPLACEMENT PARTS / REPAIR PARTS

FTSP ORDERING INFORMATION/ PUMP REPLACEMENT

FTSP DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONAL DRAWINGS-FTSP-2HRF, FTSP-3HRF, AND FTSP-3DRF-ES

DIMENSIONAL DRAWINGS-FTSP4-18V

FTSP PERFORMANCE CURVE

Understanding the FTSP Model Designations

The FTSP model numbers tell you the port size and configuration. The number after FTSP indicates the port diameter in inches. HRF indicates a horizontal roll frame configuration for easier field positioning. The ES suffix on FTSP-3DRF-ES indicates an electric start engine option. The FTSP4-18V is the 4-inch high-volume model.

Port size is the primary selection factor. Larger ports move more water at lower fluid velocity, which reduces friction loss in the suction and discharge lines and improves overall pump efficiency at high flow rates. For applications requiring the full 615 GPM capacity, the FTSP4-18V with 4-inch connections is the correct model. For moderate flow applications where portability is more important than maximum flow, the 2-inch or 3-inch models with roll frames offer easier handling and transport.

Contact Ken’s Distributing at 303.699.7845 for specific performance curve data on each FTSP model to match the right size and engine option to your application requirements.

Construction Details

Ductile Iron Volute with Self-Priming Design

The FTSP volute is ductile iron, which is a step up in material toughness from standard gray cast iron. Ductile iron has higher tensile strength and impact resistance than gray cast iron, making it appropriate for the 150 PSI maximum working pressure rating of the FTSP and for the rough handling that portable field equipment endures during transport and positioning. Priming and drain plugs are integrated into the volute body for straightforward initial fill and seasonal drainage without disconnecting piping.

Removable Front Cover with Built-In Check Valve

The removable front cover serves two important functions. First, it provides access to the impeller and pump internals for inspection and service without removing the entire pump from its mounting. Second, the built-in check valve in this cover is what enables the FTSP’s self-priming capability. The check valve retains liquid in the pump housing between operating cycles, maintaining the liquid reservoir needed for the pump to re-prime automatically on every subsequent start without manual intervention. This is the same role an external foot valve plays in non-self-priming pump installations, but here it is built into the pump itself.

Two-Vane Semi-Open Cast Iron Impeller

The two-vane semi-open cast iron impeller is specifically designed for handling water that carries spherical solids. The two large-passage vanes provide wide flow channels that allow round particles, seeds, gravel, and other near-spherical objects to pass through without clogging the impeller. The semi-open design with one shroud provides better solids passage than a fully enclosed impeller while still delivering effective pressure development for the head ratings the FTSP is built for. This solids handling capability makes the FTSP genuinely useful in real-world agricultural and construction water sources that are not always clean.

Silicon Carbide Mechanical Seal

The FTSP uses a Silicon Carbide on Silicon Carbide mechanical seal face combination with Buna elastomers. Silicon Carbide is one of the hardest seal face materials available, providing excellent abrasion resistance in water carrying sand, silt, and fine solids. This is a more aggressive seal specification than the carbon and ceramic combination used in pumps designed for clean water, and it reflects the FTSP’s design intent for applications where the pumped water is not always clean. The Silicon Carbide faces handle abrasive particles that would quickly wear through carbon seal faces in high-solids applications.

Engine Options: Briggs and Stratton Vanguard, Honda, and Kohler

Franklin Electric offers the FTSP with three engine brand options, each with its own strengths and established service network. All three are equipped with adjustable throttle controls for field output management without stopping the pump.

• Briggs and Stratton Vanguard: The commercial-grade Vanguard series provides robust power output and broad domestic dealer network access for parts and service.
• Honda: Honda small engines are known for reliability, fuel efficiency, and a strong service network both domestically and internationally. A common choice for users who prefer the Honda engine platform.
• Kohler: Kohler commercial engines provide another well-established option with broad parts availability and a reputation for consistent power output in demanding continuous-duty applications.

The Roll Frame: Why It Matters for Field Use

Three of the four FTSP models include a roll frame as standard equipment. For portable field pumping applications, this is a more significant feature than it might initially appear.

A roll frame is a tubular steel frame with wheels that allows the pump unit to be rolled across job sites without lifting. On a construction site, this means moving the pump from one dewatering location to another without a forklift or multiple crew members doing a heavy lift. In agricultural use, rolling the pump to different field sections for irrigation coverage is significantly faster and easier than carrying or dragging it.

The roll frame also protects the pump and engine from direct ground contact during transport and positioning, reducing the risk of damage to the pump body, engine, and plumbing connections when the unit is moved across uneven terrain.

Applications and Industries

The FTSP Series handles the highest-demand portable pumping applications in the Franklin Electric gas engine lineup. Here is where it is most commonly deployed.

• Large-Scale Agricultural Irrigation: The FTSP-3 and FTSP-4 models handle the high flow rates needed for large field irrigation from ponds, rivers, and canals without electrical power. The self-priming design with built-in check valve manages the repeated start-stop cycles of automated irrigation without operator intervention. The two-vane impeller handles the organic debris and silt common in open agricultural water sources.
• Construction Dewatering: Excavation, trench, and foundation dewatering involving sediment-laden water demands both high flow capacity and solids handling. The FTSP delivers both in a portable self-contained package that can be positioned at any point on an active site without electrical hookup.
• Mining: Mining site water management in remote locations where electrical power distribution is impractical uses engine-driven pumps like the FTSP for continuous dewatering and water transfer operations.
• Municipal Emergency Pumping: Municipalities deploy the FTSP for flood response, water main bypass, and emergency water transfer during power outages where electric pumps are unavailable. The self-priming capability and high flow capacity make it effective for rapid response deployments.
• Commercial: Large commercial properties, golf courses with remote irrigation stations, and commercial agricultural operations use the FTSP where high flow, self-priming capability, and gas engine independence are all needed.
• Light Industrial: Industrial facilities use the FTSP for cooling water supply, process water transfer, and site water management in locations without established electrical infrastructure.

Features and Benefits

• Self-Priming with Built-In Check Valve: After the initial housing fill, the FTSP re-primes automatically on every subsequent start without manual intervention. The built-in check valve in the removable front cover retains liquid in the housing between cycles, eliminating the need for a separate external foot valve in most installations.
• Up to 615 GPM Flow Capacity: The FTSP-4 model delivers one of the highest flow rates available in a self-contained portable gas engine pump. For large-scale irrigation and construction dewatering, this capacity level eliminates the need to run multiple smaller pumps in parallel.
• Two-Vane Impeller for Spherical Solids: Wide impeller passages allow spherical solids to pass through without clogging. Combined with the self-priming design, this makes the FTSP practical for real-world water sources that carry debris, gravel, seeds, and organic material.
• Silicon Carbide Mechanical Seal: One of the hardest seal face materials available, providing excellent abrasion resistance in water carrying sand, silt, and fine solids. A more durable seal specification than carbon-ceramic for high-solids applications.
• 150 PSI Maximum Working Pressure: Higher pressure rating than many comparable portable pumps. The ductile iron volute construction supports this pressure rating with appropriate safety margins.
• Ductile Iron Volute: Higher tensile strength and impact resistance than standard gray cast iron. Appropriate for the 150 PSI working pressure rating and the handling demands of portable field equipment.
• Roll Frame on HRF Models: Built-in wheels for field repositioning without heavy lifting. A practical feature that reduces crew labor and pump handling risks on active construction and agricultural sites.
• Removable Front Cover: Access the impeller and pump internals for inspection and service without removing the entire pump unit from its installation. Simplifies routine maintenance and troubleshooting in the field.
• Adjustable Throttle Control: Vary engine speed and pump output in the field to match different irrigation rates, site conditions, or changing flow requirements without stopping the pump.
• Three Engine Brand Options: Choose the engine platform your team is most familiar with servicing. Briggs and Stratton Vanguard, Honda, and Kohler all offer broad parts availability and established service networks.

FTSP vs. FACGF: Choosing the Right Gas Engine Self-Priming Pump

Both the FTSP and FACGF are Franklin Electric gas engine driven centrifugal pumps, but they serve different ends of the flow and application spectrum. Here is a direct comparison.

Feature	FTSP Series	FACGF Series
Self-Priming	Yes, built-in check valve	No
Max Flow	Up to 615 GPM	Lower flow range
Impeller Type	Two-vane semi-open, spherical solids capable	Enclosed cast iron
Seal Type	Silicon Carbide faces, Buna elastomers	Carbon/Ceramic, FKM elastomers
Volute Material	Ductile Iron	Cast Iron
Max Working Pressure	150 PSI	Standard pressure range
Port Sizes	2, 3, and 4 inch	2 inch
Roll Frame Option	Yes on HRF models	No
Engine Options	Briggs, Honda, or Kohler	Briggs or Honda
Best For	High-flow, self-priming, solids handling	Moderate flow, portable centrifugal pumping

If your application requires self-priming capability, high flow rates, spherical solids handling, and higher working pressure in a portable gas engine pump, the FTSP is the right choice. If your needs are more moderate in flow and you are pumping relatively clean water without requiring self-priming, the FACGF is a simpler and often more cost-effective solution. Call Ken’s Distributing at 303.699.7845 to discuss your specific requirements and we will point you in the right direction.

Installation and Setup

• Mounting and Positioning: Install the FTSP on a flat, stable surface in the horizontal orientation. For HRF roll frame models, ensure the unit is stable before connecting suction and discharge hoses. The roll frame is for repositioning between locations, not for operation on slopes or unstable ground.
• Initial Priming: Fill the pump housing through the priming plug before the first startup. Use the drain plug location for reference when filling. After the initial fill, the built-in check valve in the front cover retains enough liquid for automatic re-priming on every subsequent start.
• Suction Line: Connect to the NPT suction port using the appropriate hose size for your model. The built-in check valve reduces the need for a separate external foot valve on the suction line in most installations, though one may still be beneficial on suction lines with significant length or elevation drop.
• Discharge Line: Match your hose diameter to the NPT discharge port size for your model. Install a check valve on the discharge side to prevent backflow when the engine shuts down.
• Throttle Setup: Start the engine at reduced throttle and increase gradually to operating speed. The adjustable throttle allows output management for different irrigation rates and site conditions during operation.
• Rotation: The FTSP rotates clockwise when viewed from the engine side. Confirm the engine and pump are oriented correctly before initial startup.
• Mechanical Seal Protection: Never run the FTSP dry. The Silicon Carbide seal faces require liquid for lubrication and cooling at all times during operation. Even brief dry running at the high speeds of a gas engine driven pump can cause immediate seal damage.
• Winterizing: Remove the drain plug and allow the pump housing to drain completely before storage in freeze conditions. Ductile iron housing can crack if water is allowed to freeze inside.
• Front Cover Inspection: Remove and inspect the front cover and built-in check valve periodically, especially when pumping water with solids. Debris accumulation around the check valve can affect priming performance and should be cleared during routine maintenance.

Replacement Parts and Service

The removable front cover design provides access to the impeller and check valve assembly for inspection and service without a full pump teardown. The Silicon Carbide mechanical seal, two-vane impeller, and front cover check valve are the primary service components on the pump end.

Ken’s Distributing Company carries genuine Franklin Electric FTSP replacement parts. When service components are needed, call us at 303.699.7845 and we will identify the correct parts by model number and get them shipped promptly so your pump is back in service with minimal downtime.

For engine service parts, contact your local Briggs and Stratton, Honda, or Kohler authorized service dealer with the engine model and serial number from the engine data plate.

Browse our Franklin Electric replacement parts and repair kits for the FTSP Series and all other Franklin Electric pump lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does FTSP stand for in Franklin Electric pump naming?

FTSP refers to Franklin Electric’s self-priming portable pump series in the gas engine driven configuration. It is designed for high-flow portable applications in irrigation, construction, mining, and municipal service where no electrical power is available and self-priming capability is required.

Is the FTSP pump self-priming?

Yes. The FTSP is self-priming after the initial housing fill. The removable front cover includes a built-in check valve that retains liquid in the pump housing between operating cycles. This allows the pump to re-prime automatically on every subsequent start without manual intervention or an external foot valve in most installations.

What is the maximum flow rate of the FTSP series?

The FTSP Series delivers capacities up to 615 GPM depending on model size and operating conditions. The FTSP4-18V with 4-inch connections is the highest-capacity model in the series. Contact Ken’s Distributing at 303.699.7845 for specific performance data at your required head pressure.

Why does the FTSP use Silicon Carbide seals instead of carbon-ceramic?

Silicon Carbide is substantially harder than carbon and provides excellent abrasion resistance in water containing sand, silt, and fine solids. The FTSP is designed for real-world agricultural and construction water sources that frequently carry abrasive particles. Carbon seal faces would wear rapidly in these conditions. Silicon Carbide on Silicon Carbide faces handle abrasive water significantly better and provide longer seal life in high-solids applications.

What is the roll frame on the HRF models?

The roll frame is a tubular steel frame with wheels integrated into the FTSP-2HRF, FTSP-3HRF, and FTSP-3DRF-ES models. It allows the pump to be rolled across job sites for repositioning without heavy lifting. This is a practical advantage on construction sites and agricultural operations where the pump needs to be moved frequently to different pumping locations throughout a work shift.

What engine options are available for the FTSP?

The FTSP is available with Briggs and Stratton Vanguard, Honda, and Kohler engines depending on the model. All engine options include adjustable throttle controls. The choice of engine comes down to which brand’s service network and parts availability are most accessible to you. Call Ken’s Distributing at 303.699.7845 for availability of specific engine options by model.

Can I get FTSP replacement parts from Kendisco?

Yes. Ken’s Distributing Company carries genuine Franklin Electric FTSP replacement parts including Silicon Carbide mechanical seals, two-vane impellers, and front cover assemblies. Call 303.699.7845 for availability and fast shipping on all service components.

Related Products

• Compare with the Franklin Electric FACGF gas engine centrifugal pump for moderate flow applications
• See the Franklin Electric FNG-23V gas engine pump for high-flow water truck applications
• Compare with the FBSGF gas engine self-priming pump series
• See the FNSGF gas engine self-priming pump for additional portable options
• Shop Franklin Electric replacement parts and repair kits for all series

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