Cat Pumps 270 Three Frame Triplex Plunger Pump
The Cat Pumps 270 is a compact three frame triplex plunger pump built for operations that need steady pressure hour after hour rather than a burst of performance followed by a rebuild. It moves 3.5 gallons per minute and works anywhere in a 100 to 1500 PSI window, turning at 1420 RPM through a belt drive, clutch, flexible coupling or bellhousing arrangement. Because it is a positive displacement design, the flow it delivers stays predictable as system pressure changes, which is exactly what a spray bar, a membrane housing or a metering circuit wants to see.
Construction is where the 270 earns its reputation. The manifold is brass, the valve assemblies are 304 stainless steel, and the plungers are solid ceramic running against Buna-N seals in a steel crankcase that holds 15 ounces of oil. That combination handles water, treated water and a wide range of light chemical solutions without the wear you get from softer plunger materials. At roughly 14 pounds and just over ten inches long, it drops into skid packages and OEM assemblies where a larger frame simply will not fit.
Operators choose the 270 across a genuinely broad set of industries. It runs car wash bays and pressure cleaning equipment, feeds reverse osmosis and desalination membranes, drives humidification and fog cooling systems in greenhouses and livestock barns, injects chemicals in processing plants, and supplies hydrostatic test benches and dust suppression lines. Parts availability is excellent and rebuild kits are straightforward, so a pump that has logged thousands of hours can be returned to spec in an afternoon rather than replaced outright.
Key Features
- Three frame triplex positive displacement plunger design for smooth, low-pulsation flow
- Brass manifold paired with 304 stainless steel valve assemblies for corrosion resistance
- Solid ceramic plungers for extended seal life and reduced scoring
- Standard NBR (Buna-N) seals and O-rings suited to water and light chemical service
- Steel crankcase with 15 oz. capacity and splash lubrication
- Adjustable pressure range from 100 to 1500 PSI without changing pump models
- Multiple drive options including belt, clutch, flexible coupling and bellhousing
- Dual inlet and dual discharge ports for flexible plumbing routing
- Compact footprint and light weight for skid, cart and OEM integration
- Full rebuild kit and wear part support for long service life
Applications
- Car wash and vehicle cleaning systems
- Pressure washing and industrial surface cleaning
- Reverse osmosis, desalination and water treatment feed
- Misting, fog cooling and greenhouse humidification
- Livestock and poultry house cooling
- Chemical injection, dosing and transfer
- Hydrostatic and pressure testing benches
- Dust suppression and odor control spray systems
- Food and beverage plant sanitation lines
- Agricultural spraying and equipment washdown
Specifications
- Model: 270
- Frame Size: 3 Frame
- Pump Type: Triplex positive displacement plunger pump
- Volumetric Flow: 3.5 GPM (13.2 LPM)
- Pressure Range: 100 to 1500 PSI (6.9 to 103 bar)
- Pump RPM: 1420
- Inlet Port Size: Two (2) 1/2" NPT (F)
- Discharge Port Size: Two (2) 3/8" NPT (F)
- Maximum Inlet Pressure: Flooded to 60 PSI (4.1 bar)
- Maximum Liquid Temperature: 160°F (71°C) with standard NBR seals
- Stroke: 0.512" (13 mm)
- Shaft Diameter: 0.650" (16.5 mm)
- Plunger Size: M18 x 43
- Crankcase Capacity: 15 oz. (0.45 L)
- Manifold Material: Brass
- Valve Material: 304 stainless steel
- Plunger Material: Solid ceramic
- Seal Material: NBR (Buna-N)
- Crankcase Material: Steel
- Drive Options: Belt, clutch, flexible coupling, bellhousing
- Approximate Power Requirement: 3.6 HP at maximum rated flow and pressure
- Dimensions: 10.51" x 8.78" x 5.30" (267 x 223 x 134 mm)
- Weight: 13.9 lbs (6.3 kg)
- Oil: Crankcase oil sold separately
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the Cat Pumps 270 arrive filled with crankcase oil?
A: No. The pump ships dry and must be filled with a proper crankcase oil to the sight glass level before the first start. Running it dry even briefly will damage the bearings and connecting rods.
Q: Can the 270 be run at a lower pressure than 1500 PSI?
A: Yes. The pump is rated for continuous operation anywhere from 100 to 1500 PSI, with system pressure set by an external unloader or regulating valve rather than by the pump itself.
Q: What happens if the inlet supply is inadequate?
A: Starving the inlet causes cavitation, which shows up as noise, rough operation and rapid seal and valve wear. The inlet should be flooded or supplied under pressure up to 60 PSI, with line size and filtration sized so the pump never has to pull a vacuum.
Q: Is the 270 suitable for liquids other than water?
A: It handles treated water and many light chemical solutions, though compatibility depends on the solution. The standard Buna-N seals limit both chemical range and temperature to 160°F, and alternate seal materials are available when the fluid demands them.
Q: Can the pump be mounted in any orientation?
A: No. It relies on splash lubrication and must be mounted horizontally and level so the oil bath reaches the crankshaft and connecting rods correctly.
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