Weir Pumps, Parts & Minerals: 8 Questions You Should Be Asking (But Probably Aren't)

Weir Pumps, Parts & Minerals: 8 Questions You Should Be Asking (But Probably Aren't)

If you're searching for "weir parts" or "weir mineral" or trying to figure out if a "willow pump" is even a thing, you're probably neck-deep in a project that doesn't have room for mistakes. I've been there.

I've been handling parts and service orders for Weir equipment for about 6 years. In my first year (2017), I ordered the wrong pump shaft for a warman® (an Weir brand) slurry pump. It looked right in the catalog. The result? A $3,200 part that didn't fit, a 1-week delay, and a very frank conversation with my boss. That's when I learned to ask better questions. Here are the ones I wish I'd known from day one.

Q1: What's the difference between a Weir pump and a random 'willow pump' I found online?

Straight up: nothing. "Willow pump" is likely a typo for "Weir" if you're looking at heavy-duty slurry pumps. It's a common search error. If you're finding pumps labeled "willow" from an unknown supplier, you're probably looking at knock-offs or general-purpose pumps that won't survive a day in a minerals processing plant. Genuine Weir pumps—like the Warman® AH, Galigher®, or Hazleton® lines—are engineered for specific slurry densities, particle sizes, and pH levels. The price difference between a generic pump and a Weir is significant. The difference in lifespan? Even more so.

Q2: How do I know if the Weir part number I have is correct?

I've made this mistake. More than once. You get a part number from a worn-out part, order it, and it's wrong. The issue is revision levels. Weir updates components. A part that fit a 2018 pump might not fit a 2022 overhaul. Or worse: the part number you're reading is from the old impeller you're replacing, and the new revision is slightly different.

Looking back, I should have checked the pump's serial number against the Weir parts database. At the time, I figured "a shaft is a shaft." It wasn't. Should mention: most Weir parts manuals have a cross-reference table for superseded parts. Don't skip it.

Q3: Weir Minerals vs. Weir ESCO vs. Weir Oil & Gas — what's the difference for parts?

Great question, and it matters more than you'd think. Weir is a group of companies. Weir Minerals is what you want for slurry pumps, hydrocyclones, and valves for mining. Weir ESCO does ground engaging tools (GET) for excavators. And Weir Oil & Gas does upstream valves.

—or rather, the lines are blurry on some legacy products. But for parts: if you're ordering a wear ring for a Warman pump, you call Weir Minerals. If you order from the wrong division, you'll get the runaround. I speak from experience. Oh, and I should add: some older Weir products are now under different brand names after acquisitions. Always verify with the serial number, not just the pump nameplate.

Q4: How much do Weir slurry pump parts cost? (The real price)

Alright, the honest answer is: it depends. A lot. But here's a rough guide based on what I've seen in our orders over the past 18 months. Take this with a grain of salt though—prices change and your region may differ.

• Impeller (Warman 6/4): $800 – $2,500 depending on material (high chrome vs. rubber-lined)
• Throatbush: $400 – $1,200
• Frame plate liner: $500 – $1,800
• Shaft sleeve: $200 – $600
• Complete unassembled pump (6/4): $5,000 – $15,000

These are based on invoices I've seen; I'm not 100% on the current exchange rates. The key point: cheap parts from non-authorized suppliers often fail faster, costing you more in downtime. That $500 impeller might look good, but if it lasts 2 months vs. the genuine Weir part that lasts 18 months, the math is brutal.

Q5: Does 'Weir' offer any standard warranties on pumps?

Most buyers focus on the pump's purchase price and completely miss the warranty terms. The question everyone asks is 'what's your best price?' The question they should ask is 'what does the warranty cover on a slurry pump?'

Standard Weir warranties (and I've had to navigate these) typically cover defects in materials and workmanship. But they have conditions: proper installation, correct application (e.g., you can't use a pump designed for lime slurry on a coal slurry without checking), and proper maintenance. Wear parts like impellers and liners are usually excluded. The warranty frame might be 12 months from installation or 18 months from shipment—whichever comes first. I've seen a claim get rejected because the buyer didn't have proper installation records. So keep paperwork.

Q6: How do I become 'forklift certified' to handle my own pump parts?

This is a completely fair question—a lot of pump parts are heavy. A Warman 8/6 impeller can weigh 100 lbs. You will need a forklift.

Forklift certification is OSHA-required (in the US) and generally involves a training course plus a practical test. Many local community colleges or safety organizations offer it. I'm not 100% sure of the current cost, but it's usually in the $150-300 range for the training. The certification doesn't expire, but OSHA requires refresher training every 3 years. Don't skip this—using a forklift without certification is a liability and a safety risk. Also: make sure whoever drives the forklift is certified to lift the specific pump skid. Improper lifting can crack a pump casing.

Q7: What's the biggest mistake people make when ordering Weir parts online?

Ironically, the biggest mistake is assuming the part number you see online is for your exact pump. I went back and forth between buying from a well-known online parts reseller and a direct Weir dealer for about two weeks. The online reseller had the part number I needed at 15% less. I ordered it. It was wrong. The serial number on the pump indicated a sub-model that used a different shaft. The online listing didn't have that level of detail.

If I could redo that decision, I'd call the dealer first to verify. But given what I knew then—that I could save 15%—my choice seemed reasonable. Lesson: price is only part of the equation. Part verification is everything.

Q8: Where can I find a reliable 'weir water pump' for a mine dewatering application?

You're probably looking for a Weir Hazleton® VNR submersible pump or a Warman® vertical sump pump. The term "water pump" is too generic for Weir. They don't make your common centrifugal water pump. They make pumps for slurry, dewatering, and high-abrasion fluids.

For dewatering, look at the Weir Hazleton® line. They are built to handle dirty water and fine solids. If you call your local Weir Minerals distributor and say "I need a weir water pump," they will likely correct you—nicely, I hope—and ask for more details: flow rate (GPM or m³/hr), head (TDH), specific gravity of the fluid, and what solids you're handling. Being specific upfront will save you a week of back-and-forth.

That's it. No grand conclusion. Just answers that would have saved me a lot of money and embarrassment. Hope they help you avoid the same holes I fell into.