Small-scale pumping solutions that power smart farming
Across the agricultural sector, rising production costs and static commodity prices are pushing farmers to do more with less. Whether it’s boosting milk yield, improving animal hygiene, or automating routine tasks, the right equipment – powered by the right pump – makes all the difference.
This guide covers Xylem’s Flojet and Jabsco pumping technologies for modern agricultural equipment, including automated milking systems, calf feeding systems, barn cleaning equipment, and precision crop spraying applications. It supports key agricultural industries, including dairy farming, livestock operations, crop management, and agricultural equipment manufacturing.
Across these use cases, pumps play a critical role in enabling automation, maintaining hygiene, and ensuring precise, reliable fluid handling.
Automated milking systems and dairy hygiene
Automated milking systems (AMS), also called milking robots, are transforming dairy farming as herds grow and labor becomes harder to source. Beyond milking itself, these systems depend on consistent hygiene processes to support animal health.
Applications such as teat spraying, line cleaning, milk transfer, and chemical dosing all rely on precise pumping. Teat spraying, applied before and after milking, helps reduce mastitis risk and maintain udder health.
Xylem’s Flojet air operated diaphragm (AOD) pumps are widely used in these environments. Powered by compressed air, they are safe to use around animals and offer strong chemical compatibility, making them well suited for disinfectant handling in hygiene-critical systems.
Did you know?
AMS can boost yield by up to 10% and save 6 hours of labor per day, and farms using automated hygiene see up to 30% fewer mastitis cases.
Calf feeding systems and milk delivery
Calf feeding at scale requires consistent, hygienic delivery to support healthy growth. Mobile milk taxis are used across livestock operations to prepare and distribute milk efficiently.
These systems depend on pumps that can move large volumes quickly while maintaining sanitary conditions. Xylem’s Jabsco Cyclone pumps are engineered for this task, with stainless-steel construction and an anti-clog impeller designed for reliable, high-volume milk transfer.
Barn cleaning and sanitation systems
Clean, dry barns are essential for animal welfare and productivity, but traditional cleaning methods can be labor-intensive and inconsistent. Automated barn cleaning equipment – including robotic cleaners, flush systems, and spray washers – is helping farms improve sanitation while reducing manual effort.
These applications require pumps that deliver consistent flow and handle a range of cleaning agents. Flojet motor driven diaphragm (MDD) pumps provide steady pressure and reliable chemical delivery, supporting effective cleaning in demanding agricultural environments.
Did you know?
Clean, dry barns reduce the risk of lameness – a leading cause of production loss – by as much as 25%.
Precision crop spraying and feed treatment
Crop spraying and feed treatment are critical to protecting yield and managing input use. Whether applied through tractor-mounted systems, drones, or portable equipment, these applications require accurate, controlled fluid delivery.
Compact motor driven diaphragm pumps offer the portability, chemical compatibility, and flow control needed for consistent application. This helps reduce waste while improving precision across a range of crop and feed treatment systems.
Did you know?
Precision spraying can cut chemical use by up to 30% while improving application consistency – saving costs and reducing environmental impact.
Pumping technologies for modern agricultural equipment
Across dairy farming, livestock operations, and crop management, pumps are more than components – they are essential to system performance. From automated milking systems to barn cleaning equipment and precision crop spraying applications, reliable fluid handling underpins efficiency, consistency, and animal health.
Xylem’s portfolio – including Flojet air operated diaphragm pumps, Flojet motor driven diaphragm pumps, and Jabsco Cyclone pumps – is designed to meet the demands of modern agricultural equipment across a wide range of applications and operating conditions.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
A: Xylem’s Flojet air operated diaphragm (AOD) pumps are the preferred solution for teat spraying and line cleaning in automated milking systems due to their chemical compatibility, safety around animals, and reliable performance.
A: Yes, Xylem’s Flojet air operated diaphragm (AOD) and motor driven diaphragm (MDD) pumps are designed with strong chemical compatibility for agricultural disinfectants, teat dips, and cleaning agents commonly used in dairy operations. We've tested and certified compatibility with agricultural chemicals and provide comprehensive chemical compatibility guides for proper material selection.
A: Air operated pumps use compressed air as their power source, making them intrinsically safe and ideal for hazardous or wet environments. Motor driven pumps use electric motors and provide more consistent flow rates with adjustable pressure settings.
A: The Xylem Jabsco Cyclone pump is engineered specifically for high-volume milk transfer applications like milk taxis, with 316 stainless steel construction and a proprietary anti-clog impeller designed for sanitary milk handling.
A: Yes, Xylem pumps are compatible with organic-approved cleaning agents and pesticides. The pumps themselves meet food-grade standards for dairy applications and can be thoroughly cleaned between uses. All wetted components are FDA-compliant and NSF-certified (applicable models).
A: Xylem’s Flojet diaphragm pumps are designed for low maintenance. Regular inspection of diaphragms, check valves, and o-rings is recommended based on usage. Specific maintenance intervals depend on the chemicals handled and duty cycle.
A: Yes. Xylem’s Flojet motor driven diaphragm (MDD) pumps are well-suited for outdoor mobile applications like crop spraying, while air operated diaphragm (AOD) pumps work well in both indoor (barn) and outdoor settings. Xylem pumps are proven to operate reliably in temperature extremes and feature IP65-rated protection against water and dust ingress.
A: Pump selection depends on required flow rate, pressure, chemical compatibility, and operating environment. Contact Xylem or your local distributor for application-specific sizing assistance. Our team can provide comprehensive engineering support including CAD models, performance curves, and integration guidance.
A: Yes, the lightweight and compact design of Xylem’s Flojet motor driven diaphragm (MDD) pumps makes them ideal for integration into drone-mounted spraying systems.