To operate properly, nose pumps must be installed on a level surface.

We recommend that you install nose pumps in the fence line on a sturdy, raised platform. The platform should be designed to prevent livestock from stepping on, climbing over, or defecating into the nose pumps. The triangular pump platform shown in the photo of the bull drinking is an optimal design for installing one or two pumps. It is structurally strong, resists cows rubbing and pushing, and requires the minimum amount of lumber to build. If two pumps are installed on the platform, the triangular design splits off a "boss" cow and prevents one animal from dominating the watering station. A blueprint and materials/ cutting list for constructing the triangular pump platform is included in the owner's manual sent out with each pump.

NOTE: THE PLATFORM SHOULD BE PLACED AS CLOSE TO THE FENCE AS POSSIBLE, TO PREVENT SMALL CALVES FROM BECOMING TRAPPED BETWEEN THE FENCE WIRES AND THE PLATFORM. IF DESIRED, TWO OF THE PLATFORM FENCE POSTS CAN BE USED DIRECTLY IN THE FENCE LINE.

To minimize hose length and thus, the required pump pushing effort, fences should be laid out so that the pump platform can be installed as close as is practical to the water source. If a wider riparian setback of, say 100 feet, is to be used, the fence would ideally be designed so that in just one place, it comes to within 20 feet from the stream, and the pump platform installed there. The shorter the hose, and the less the lift, the gentler the pump pushes. This is especially important to observe for horse and calf applications where the easiest possible pump action is desired.

From the AQUAMAT OWNER'S MANUAL:

1. All pastures with total livestock exclusion from streams should have a pump platform.

2. If the suction hose must be either long or run in a difficult place, plan to leave the hose in place with the platform when the pump is moved with the cattle to another pasture. Specify quick disconnects. Allow one male end for each hose, and one female coupler for each pump.

When quick disconnects are to be used on two pumps mounted on the same platform, either the boards that the pumps are mounted on must be extended, or a 90 degree street elbow must be used on one pump to avoid interference between the quick disconnects.

3. Pump performance is based on lift and run, that is, on the total combined vertical and horizontal distance of the pump from the water source. The greater the total distance, the harder the pump action. Try to locate the pump as close to the water source as possible, and take this into consideration when laying out the fence.

4. Structurally the triangular design of the platform works the best in fence line applications. It is an optimal design for all types of fences and for either one or two pump installations. No significant savings in materials can be realized for single pump installations by using a different design.

5. The pump can be damaged if it is allowed to freeze and an animal attempts to use it. During freezing weather the pump should be drained and stored away from your livestock.