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The treadle pump is a foot-powered water pump widely used in Asia and spreading in Africa. It consists of two metal cylinders with pistons that are operated by a natural walking motion on two treadles. As the cylinders of the treadle pump are above the ground, the maximum depth from which water can be drawn is about 7m.
There are several variations of the treadle pump:
With this technology, many families have increased their income. Some farmers who started with this pedal pump have now bought a motorized pump.
The treadle pump is also being promoted in Africa where it is installed by organisations like organizations such as Kickstart (former Approtec) , who brand the treadle pump under the name MoneyMaker, and EW Enterprise Works. Models of the treadle pump like such as the Moneymaker MoneyMaker and the Soka-pump are now widely used for small-scale "spray" irrigation.
Currently, over 2 million treadle pumps have been installed worldwide. Up to 1.3 million treadle pumps are in use Asia, and some 35,000 in Eastern Africa. They are being produced in 300 local workshops worldwide and used by more than one million poor rural families that otherwise could not have afforded an irrigation pump.
==Suitable conditions ==
Because a treadle pump is a suction pump, the depth from which water can be drawn is limited to 7m.
{{procontable | pro=
- Simple and cheap- Ergonomic treadle motion<br>
- Produced in local workshops. <br>
| con= - Pumping depth limited to 7m.
====Operation====
Two pedals are connected to the two pistons. The pump is powered by shifting the weight from one pedal to the other, lifting the pistons. Water is supplied through a hose which draws water from a borehole or surface water.
All household members are able to operate the pump, allowing farmers to make efficient use of family labour.
====Maintenance====
If designed correctly, treadle pumps can be easily maintained with standard replacement parts available in local markets at a low cost.
====Manufacturing ====
Treadle pumps can be manufactured locally in simple metalworking shops. The treadles and support structure are made of locally available, inexpensive material, such as bamboo.
==Cost==