Italian pump manufacturer Aldo Doda launched a new high-pressure umbilical pump at LAMMA in conjunction with its Irish and UK distributor SlurryKat.

The Doda AFI range was originally based on the smaller L27 and L35 models and then superseded 12 years ago with the AFI 35HD. The new 2020 version of the HD 35 carries all the features of the current model with some updates. The main advancement is a new shaft and chopping system. The new shaft design, on which the rotating AFI blade is fitted, is 60% larger. The rotating AFI blade is no longer screwed onto the shaft, but is mounted via a splined shaft.

Meanwhile, the AFI blade is internally machine splined to match this and is retained with a high-tensile nut. This means the rotating blade is easily removed for service. This splined design is similar to a PTO drive shaft on the rear of a tractor.

Other upgrades include a 50% thicker pump body casing for a longer wear life. The new range is also available with an optional Dura-Line system on the main wear components.

The firm has said that pressure is increased by 1.5 bar and flow rates increased by over 20% to 400m3 per hour. Standard features from the old design such as the reliable gearbox and cooling system have been retained. The pump is priced at €8,500 plus VAT.