Self-Priming Cast Iron Pump: AMT 285P-95-285X-301-VS
If you're running a busy shop, plant, or job site and need a pump that just keeps working, the AMT 285P-95-285X-301-VS is built for exactly that kind of everyday demand. This is the well-known AMT 285P-95 self-priming centrifugal pump, upgraded from the factory with the 285X-301-VS silicon carbide and Viton mechanical seal in place of the standard Buna-N seal. That single change matters more than it sounds like: silicon carbide faces resist wear far better than standard elastomer seals, and the Viton (FKM) construction extends the pump's usable liquid temperature range up to roughly 200°F, opening the door to hotter or more demanding fluids that would shorten the life of a standard seal.
Underneath the seal upgrade, you're getting the same rugged pump AMT is known for. Cast iron construction and a cast iron, semi-open, clog-resistant impeller stand up to years of rough handling, while the dual volute design reduces radial load on the motor bearings so the unit runs smoother for longer. The pump self-primes to a 20-foot lift once initially wetted, and its centerline discharge design helps prevent vapor binding, which keeps priming reliable even after the pump sits idle. Power comes from a 3/4 HP, three-phase, TEFC motor on a 56J frame, wired for 230/460V and turning at 3450 RPM, feeding through 1-1/4" NPT suction and discharge ports.
Because it's not tied to any one industry, this pump shows up everywhere from manufacturing floors and agricultural operations to general industrial liquid transfer setups. It's equally at home moving water for washdown, circulating fluid in a closed loop, boosting pressure in a line, or dewatering a work area — not exclusively marine service, despite what its self-priming design might suggest. If your process calls for a dependable, general purpose pump with better seal durability than the standard model, the 285P-95-285X-301-VS gives you that upgrade without changing anything else about the pump's proven design.
Key Features
- Self-priming cast iron centrifugal pump, primes to a 20 ft lift once initially wetted
- Factory-installed 285X-301-VS silicon carbide / Viton (FKM) mechanical seal for improved wear resistance and higher temperature tolerance
- Cast iron, semi-open, self-cleaning impeller resists clogging from debris
- Dual volute pump housing design reduces radial load on the motor
- Centerline discharge helps prevent vapor binding for consistent re-priming
- TEFC (Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled) motor enclosure for use in dusty or exposed environments
Applications
- General purpose liquid transfer
- Circulating and recirculating fluid in closed-loop systems
- Pressure boosting
- Washdown operations
- Dewatering work areas, pits, or containment zones
- Industrial, agricultural, and commercial liquid-handling tasks
Specifications
- Model: AMT 285P-95-285X-301-VS
- Pump Type: Self-priming centrifugal pump
- Construction: Cast iron housing and impeller
- Impeller: Semi-open, clog-resistant
- Seal: Silicon carbide / Viton (FKM) mechanical seal (285X-301-VS upgrade)
- Motor: 3/4 HP, 3-phase
- Voltage: 230/460V
- Enclosure: TEFC
- Frame: 56J
- Speed: 3450 RPM
- Port Size: 1-1/4" NPT (suction and discharge)
- Maximum Self-Priming Lift: 20 ft
- Liquid Compatibility: Non-flammable, non-abrasive liquids compatible with pump component materials
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the "285X-301-VS" part of the model number mean?
A: It designates the factory-installed silicon carbide and Viton (FKM) mechanical seal upgrade, which replaces the standard Buna-N seal on the base 285P-95 pump for better wear resistance and a higher temperature rating.
Q: What is the maximum operating temperature for this pump with the SC seal option?
A: With the silicon carbide/Viton seal installed, the pump is rated for liquids up to approximately 200°F, compared to a lower ceiling with standard Buna-N seals.
Q: Does this pump need to be primed before each use?
A: The pump is self-priming to a 20-foot lift once it has been initially filled with liquid; it does not need to be re-primed for every single use as long as liquid remains in the casing.
Q: Can this pump run dry without damage?
A: No. Like most centrifugal pumps, it should not be run dry for extended periods, as this can damage the mechanical seal and impeller; liquid should always be present during operation.
Q: Is this pump suitable for abrasive or flammable liquids?
A: No. It is designed for non-flammable, non-abrasive liquids that are compatible with cast iron, silicon carbide, and Viton components.
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