Used Pfeiffer Turbopump Buying Guide

I Sold a Pfeiffer HiPace 800 Last Year. Three Months Later, the Buyer Was Back.

Last year, I sold a Pfeiffer HiPace 800 to a startup in Austin. The unit looked clean, had 3,500 operating hours, and the seller claimed it was "fully serviced." Three months later, the customer returned it for a refund. The problem? The previous owner had never changed the oil. The bearings were seized. That's a $15,000 repair you won't see on the spec sheet.

This happens more than you'd think. Used turbopumps are like used cars: they either come with a full maintenance history or they're a ticking time bomb. I've seen failure rates on Pfeiffer HiPace models climb to 20% after five years of use if not maintained. That's not a statistic from a white paper—it's from my warehouse.

The Stakes: $10k–$30k for a Pump That Might Last 6 Months

Used Pfeiffer turbopumps can cost between $10k and $30k, depending on age, model, and condition. But if you don't verify the maintenance, you're gambling. A failed HiPace 700 or 800 can cost $15k to repair. A dead HiPace 2000? That's a $25k write-off.

You're not just paying for the pump. You're paying for the seller's honesty. And let's be clear: most sellers aren't honest.

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Decision #1: Pfeiffer HiPace vs. Edwards STP—Which Is Worth the Risk?

If you're shopping for a used turbopump, you'll hit two main choices: the Pfeiffer HiPace 800 or the Edwards STP 300. Both are workhorses, but the failure rates diverge after five years.

• HiPace 800: 15–20% failure rate if oil wasn't changed every 1,000 hours. Price: $18k–$25k.
• Edwards STP 300: 10% failure rate with proper maintenance. Price: $12k–$18k.

Buy a used Pfeiffer turbopump and you're betting on oil changes you'll never see. Edwards STP users tend to document their service better, but don't assume anything.

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Decision #2: Controller Compatibility Is a Hidden Cost

Pfeiffer turbopumps don't work in a vacuum—they need a controller. Used HiPace 800s often come without the controller (yes, that's a thing). If you buy a pump without the controller, you're looking at $3k–$5k for a matching unit.

Worse? Controllers from the 2000s (e.g., HiPace 2000) are obsolete. You'll pay $6k–$8k for a replacement, and even then, it might not fit your process.

Used turbopump controllers are a separate market. Always confirm compatibility before finalizing a deal.

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Decision #3: "Low Hours" Doesn't Mean "Low Wear"

A HiPace 800 with 2,000 hours sounds great. But ask: How many of those hours were under load? Pumps run in a vacuum chamber for 24/7? That's 5–7 years of abuse.

Check the oil level and color. Clear? Good. Milky or sludgy? Run. Also, request the last oil change date. If they don't have a record, it's a red flag.

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Action Steps: What to Do Before You Buy

1. Check the oil: If the seller says "it's clean," ask for a photo. Milky oil = dead bearings.
2. Verify hours and maintenance logs: 3,000 hours with no oil changes? Walk away.
3. Confirm controller compatibility: A mismatched controller is a $3k–$8k trap.
4. Test the pump in person or via video: Listen for unusual noise. A humming pump isn't a working pump.

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FAQs: What You'll Actually Search For

1. How to test a used Pfeiffer turbopump?

   • Check oil color, run the pump under load for 5 minutes, and verify the pressure curve matches the spec sheet.

2. Where to buy used Pfeiffer vacuum pumps?

   • Look for brokers with a 24-month warranty. Avoid eBay unless the seller offers a 30-day return.

3. How much does a used Pfeiffer HiPace 800 cost?

   • $18k–$25k, but add $5k–$8k for a controller if it's missing.

4. Why is my Pfeiffer turbopump not starting?

   • Top 3 causes: seized bearings (oil not changed), failed controller, or a blown fuse.

5. Can I use a used Pfeiffer pump in semiconductor R&D?

   • Only if it has a documented 1,000-hour oil change history.

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Related Reading

• Used Edwards STP Turbo Pump Buyers Guide
• Used Dry Pump for Semiconductor Applications
• Avoiding Common Used Pump Controller Mistakes

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Final Note
You don't have to buy the cheapest used Pfeiffer turbopump. You need to buy the one that won't die on you. That means asking the right questions, verifying the answers, and knowing when to walk away. Your next process chamber's uptime depends on it.

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Last updated: May 2026. Information on semiconductor equipment availability and pricing reflects current secondary market conditions.

Page last reviewed May 2026. Pricing and availability reflect current 2026 secondary market conditions.