Although easy and simple, it is important that users are instructed in why and how to maintain and repair their pump. Evaluations show that pumps (including Rope pumps) on communal wells have a tendency to fail for reasons like a lack of ownership and problems with generating funds for repairs and replacements. See example of Ghana, below. If Rope pumps are produced and installed properly (and if the users have ownership), 90% of Rope pumps remain operational, even after many years as is proven by pumps in Nicaragua, Zimbabwe Tanzania, Malawi and other countries. Compared to piston pumps the repairs of Rope pumps is simpler and cheaper, plus because of local production, spares are available.
====Motorized rope pumpsOther Rope pump models====Most common diesel and Besides hand powered Rope pumps there are models powered by Pedals, Horse, Wind, Electric motor or petrol engines. Common available petrol pumps are suction pumps that can pump from for shallow wells down to 7 m. deep. Pumping from deeper Deeper wells requires require generator pump sets or long-shaft diesel pumps costing US$ 800 1000 or more. Where there is electricity, submersible pumps can be used but many small farmers do not have electricity.
Motorised rope Where there is electricity, submersible pumps can be used but these are relatively expensive and many small farmers do not have electricity. Motorized Rope pumps can pump from deep wells, up down to 60m.<ref>[http://www.practica.org/products/pumps/motorized-rope-pump/ Information on Motorized rope pumps] from the Practica Foundation.</ref> This Similar to the Hand pump model combines a rope pump with an electric motor or petrol engine. Pump parts and other elements of the structure , it can be produced in local workshops, the using engines that are often importedcommon in the country. If combined with a locally available small petrol engine the The cost of a motorised deep-well Motor Rope pump can be is 600 US$ 450. This is far cheaper then than long-shaft diesel pumps or submersible pumps and this cost with the advantage that in case of emergency, the pump can even be less when Chinese engines are usedpowered by hand. Similar to the hand rope pumpspowered model, the pump part can be maintained maintenance and repaired by the usersrepairs are relatively easy. The motorised rope pump is being tested There are motorized Rope pumps in Columbia Niger, Ethiopia and Nicaragua.
===Costs===