Graco kudo

In the past I have expressed dissatisfaction with respect to reliability of short throw, centrifugal pump striping machines (not just Graco). A while back, I wound up acquiring another 3000 (don't remember how) and have been using it regularly as a dedicated blue machine. In order to be fair, I should point out it has been consistently reliable i.e. it paints everytime on first trigger pull. It has had paint in it 24/7. It hasn't been purged nor had any solvent circulated through it. Still no problems with losing prime. Other than typical maintenance like broken starter ropes, there have been no problems. It has been very reliable. I am pleasantly surprised.

Ken, we have two 3000's that have dedicated to blue alkyd and had paint in them since April. Same experience. Both have worked 100% of the time with no loss of prime or stuck check balls. I was concerned about the short throw pump being reliable under such conditions and Cormac assured me (at one of the NPE shows) that I should experience no problems. He was right! This is now the 2nd year for both of those pumps being used exactly the same and it is the 2nd year with no problems.

I have one too. I am not brave enough to keep paint in my machines. I just cant get past it.

I am more afraid of taking the paint out of my machines. If you keep the air away from the inside of the hoes and pumps you will not have any problems. JIm

I heartily agree. Paint provides lubrication. Air is an enemy to an airless.

I heartily agree. Paint provides lubrication. Air is an enemy to an airless.