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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of oil should I use in my Fruitland® Vacuum Pump?

If the suction temperature is >50°F ( summer conditions), a SAE-40 non-detergent motor oil or an ISO 150 compressor oil can be used. If the suction temperature is <50°F (Winter Conditions) a SAE-30 non-detergent motor oil or an ISO 100 compressor oil is recommended.

*Important Note: We understand that some users of our pumps have been using a common motor oil in place of SAE-40W or ISO-150 compressor oil. The oil most commonly used was 15w40 – a detergent oil that has not been recommended by Fruitland® Manufacturing in the past. However, we have been examining the effects of using this common grade of motor oil and have determined that there have been no detrimental outcomes as a result of it being used. 

Although Fruitland® Manufacturing still recommends using SAE-40 non-detergent motor oil, we can find no reason not to use 15w40 motor oil when the standard oil is not available.

What is a good working vacuum level?

Fruitland® rotary vane vacuum pumps are capable of achieving very high vacuum levels, up to 95% or 28.5” HgV at sea level. Factors effecting the vacuum level of the pump are speed (RPM), elevation (your location) and pump temperature. Please remember that at higher vacuum and speed and longer running time, more heat is generated. For good wear life, vacuum pumps are recommended to be operated below the maximum allowable speed (1400 RPM) and temperature (375°F Exhaust). Vacuum and pressure relief valves are generally set by the end-user based upon their own requirements and recommendations from the tank builders.

However the following guidelines are also recommended. For short intermittent duty (5 to 10 min), the pump can be operated at very high vacuum, up to 27” Hg, and pressure up to 25 psi, while keeping a close eye at temperature rise of the exhaust air, not to exceed 375°F. Please check the integrity (age) of your system and limitations from the tank builders before operating at higher rate. It is up to the operator of the pump to set the vacuum and pressure relief valves to suit the application. For continuous duty the relief valves can be set at 5″ to 15″ psi* for pressure and 15″ to 22” Hg for vacuum. However there can be slight deviations from these limits based on your application, location and atmosphere.

*IMPORTANT NOTE: Pressure above 7 psi is not recommended unless the tank and system has the appropriate certification.

What RPM should I run my Fruitland® Rotary Vane Pump at?

For the RCF250, RCF370 and RCF500 pumps we recommend 1300RPM to a maximum of 1400RPM.

For RCF800 and RCF1200, 1000RPM is recommended.

How much will my Fruitland® Vacuum Pump Weigh?

Please see chart below.

L W H WEIGHT L W H WEIGHT
RCF 250 25″ 18″ 25″ 290 LBS 63.5 CM 46 CM 63.5 CM 131 KG
RCF 370 34″ 24″ 32″ 425 LBS 87 CM 61 CM 81 CM 193 KG
RCF 370 F 34″ 24″ 32″ 440 LBS 87 CM 61 CM 81 CM 200 KG
RCF 370 H 34″ 24″ 32″ 440 LBS 87 CM 61 CM 81 CM 200 KG
RCF 370 FH 34″ 24″ 32″ 450 LBS 87 CM 61 CM 81 CM 204 KG
RCF 500 34″ 24″ 32″ 500 LBS 87 CM 61 CM 81 CM 227 KG
RCF 500 F 34″ 24″ 32″ 510 LBS 87 CM 61 CM 81 CM 231 KG
RCF 500 H 34″ 24″ 32″ 510 LBS 87 CM 61 CM 81 CM 231 KG
RCF 500 FH 34″ 24″ 32″ 520 LBS 87 CM 61 CM 81 CM 236 KG
CRF 800 51″ 36″ 43″ 1100 LBS 130 CM 92 CM 109 CM 500 KG
RCF 800 H 51″ 36″ 43″ 1140 LBS 130 CM 92 CM 109 CM 517 KG
RCF 1200 51″ 36″ 43″ 1400 LBS 130 CM 92 CM 109 CM 635 KG
RCF 1200 H 51″ 36″ 43″ 1430 LBS 130 CM 92 CM 109 CM 649 KG

 

How often should I flush my Fruitland® Pump?

We recommend flushing the vacuum pump every two months. An operator who is using their pumps excessively may want to increase flushing frequency.

How do I flush my Fruitland® Vacuum Pump?

Please view our Pump Flushing Procedure for full details in the Pump Manuals

What do the letters in my serial number refer to?

L or R – Denotes left or right-hand rotation, left being counterclockwise and right being clockwise rotation.

U or S – Refers to upright or side-mounted diverter valve.

F – Refers to a vacuum pump that comes with an integral filter pod.

H or A – Refers to a hydraulic drive bell housing or an angle drive bell housing.

Why is my Coupling wearing?

See Coupling Installation in product manuals.

What Tools should I keep on hand for Rebuilding and Maintenance of my Vacuum Pump?

Here is a list of suggested tools for rebuilding RCF250, RCF370 and RCF500:

  • 1 x Compact air gun
  • 1 x Rubber hammer
  • 1 x Screwdriver – flat
  • 1 x Ball peen hammer
  • 1 x 6” Vice grip
  • 1 x 6” Socket extension 3/8 drive
  • 1 x 6″ Puller
  • 1 x Set of screwdriver tips
  • 1 x Air tool screwdriver
  • 1 x Angle socket driver 3/8”
  • 1 x Metric set Allen key
  • 1 x Standard Allen key set
  • 1 x Paint stick or felt marker
  • 1 x Internal – external snapring pliers
  • 1 x 6″ Adjustable

Wrenches – 3/4″, 10mm, 13mm, 17mm, 19mm, 9/16″ Combination wrenches

Sockets – 10mm, 13mm, 11mm, 17mm, 7/16″, 5/16″ Allen key socket, 1/4″ Allen key socket

3/8″ Drive

Please refer to our Vacuum Pump Manual for further information or call our technicians at 1-800-663-9003

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