The Competitive Edge: Griswold 811 ANSI Series vs. Goulds 3196 – A Comparative Analysis
When it comes to industrial centrifugal pumps, few names are as widely recognized as the Goulds 3196 and the Griswold 811 ANSI Series. Both pump lines are staples in industries such as chemical processing, pulp and paper, food and beverage, and water treatment. However, despite their shared ANSI B73.1 compliance, these pumps differ significantly in cost, ease of maintenance, lead time, and long-term ownership value.
In this blog, we’ll explore a detailed side-by-side comparison between the Goulds 3196 and Griswold 811 ANSI Series. We’ll analyze design, performance, parts availability, and more—so plant managers, engineers, and maintenance professionals can make the most informed decision when it comes to pump replacement or fleet standardization.
This guide is proudly provided by Process & Power, a trusted distributor and service partner for Griswold products, with offices in Memphis and Jackson, Tennessee; Springdale and Little Rock, Arkansas; and Tupelo, Mississippi.
📞 Ready for a side-by-side quote? Call (800) 264-8939 to speak with a pump specialist today.
ANSI Pump Basics: A Quick Refresher
Both the Goulds 3196 and the Griswold 811 ANSI Series conform to ANSI B73.1 dimensional standards. That means they share identical flange-to-flange dimensions and are interchangeable in terms of installation footprint.
ANSI pumps are known for:
Back pull-out design for easy maintenance
Interchangeable dimensions for multi-vendor sourcing
High corrosion resistance options
Applications ranging from aggressive chemical handling to clean water transfer
Because they share these standards, the decision between pump brands often comes down to performance, cost of ownership, and aftermarket support.
Performance and Hydraulic Range
Both the Goulds 3196 and Griswold 811 offer broad hydraulic coverage for medium to high-flow applications.
Goulds 3196:
Flow: Up to 7,000 GPM
Head: Up to 730 ft
41 size selections
Wide range of impeller trim options
Known for application-specific materials (CD4MCu, Alloy 20, etc.)
Griswold 811 ANSI Series:
Flow: Up to 7,000 GPM
Head: Up to 730 ft
28 casing sizes
Optimized hydraulic coverage with high-efficiency options
Broad range of metallurgy including ductile iron, stainless steel, and more
Verdict: In terms of hydraulic range, both pumps perform nearly identically, with the Griswold line offering a simplified range that reduces inventory requirements.
Parts Interchangeability and Maintenance
One of the strongest advantages of the Griswold 811 is its interchangeability with the Goulds 3196. Griswold offers parts and assemblies that directly drop into the 3196 footprint. This simplifies spare parts management and provides more competitive pricing on:
Impellers
Shafts and sleeves
Casings
Bearing housings
Mechanical seal chambers
Griswold also offers a free Interchangeability Tool to help maintenance teams cross-reference existing Goulds models to Griswold equivalents—making the switch fast and seamless.
Lead Time and Availability
In today’s supply chain environment, lead time can be a deal-breaker.
Goulds 3196:
Extended lead times depending on model and materials
Parts may be limited for older models or less common alloys
OEM-only pricing structure
Griswold 811:
Known for faster lead times and factory-assembled kits
Strong domestic manufacturing base
Widespread availability of common parts through Process & Power
Many Process & Power clients have reduced their pump procurement lead time by more than 50% after switching to Griswold.
Pricing and Cost of Ownership
Initial purchase price often favors Griswold, but where it really shines is in total cost of ownership (TCO).
Griswold customers report:
Lower upfront costs by 10–25% compared to Goulds
More affordable replacement parts
Reduced unplanned downtime due to stronger regional support
Simplified inventory through part consolidation
When budgets are tight but uptime is critical, Griswold’s pricing structure gives plants more flexibility without sacrificing performance.
Materials and Application Fit
Both pump lines offer a wide range of material options for chemical resistance and wear resistance.
Goulds 3196: Extensive metallurgy options for custom applications. Particularly known for its use in corrosive environments.
Griswold 811 ANSI Series: Offers comparable metallurgy including 316 stainless, Alloy 20, and CD4MCu equivalents. In most industrial environments, Griswold’s offerings match or exceed performance expectations at a more accessible price point.
Real-World Example: Food Processing Facility in Mississippi
A food manufacturing facility in Mississippi operated a dozen Goulds 3196 pumps for CIP (clean-in-place) systems and process water transfer. When the time came for major overhauls, costs for OEM parts and labor began to skyrocket.
Process & Power introduced the Griswold 811 ANSI Series as a drop-in replacement. After testing two pumps side-by-side for 90 days, the facility reported:
Lower vibration and noise with Griswold pumps
Identical flow characteristics
17% reduction in total maintenance costs
Full replacement of remaining pumps within 6 months
Today, the facility is fully converted and relies on Process & Power for rapid part delivery, stocking programs, and on-site service.
📞 Want to compare for yourself? Call (800) 264-8939 and ask for a Griswold-to-Goulds crossover report.
Why Choose Griswold 811 ANSI Series?
ANSI dimensional compliance for easy retrofit
Interchangeable with Goulds 3196
Lower cost of ownership
Fewer sizes = simplified inventory
Proven in chemical, municipal, and industrial markets
Supported by Process & Power for service, startup, and parts
Whether you’re maintaining a single pump or managing a fleet of 50+, Griswold offers the flexibility, reliability, and value that industrial operations demand.
Why Process & Power?
As an authorized Griswold distributor, Process & Power offers:
Engineering support and site evaluations
Pump selection and application consulting
Turnkey installation and retrofits
Local inventory and same-day shipping on common parts
24/7 emergency repair and troubleshooting
Our offices in Memphis, Jackson, Springdale, Little Rock, and Tupelo are ready to support your next maintenance or expansion project with industry-leading knowledge and equipment.
📞 For immediate assistance, call (800) 264-8939 today.
Conclusion
The Goulds 3196 has a long-standing reputation, but the Griswold 811 ANSI Series proves that performance, reliability, and value can come in a more cost-effective, readily available package. With full ANSI compliance, unmatched part interchangeability, and strong regional support from Process & Power, the Griswold 811 is the smart alternative for today’s maintenance teams and plant managers.
This blog is proudly provided by Process & Power, with offices in Memphis and Jackson, Tennessee; Springdale and Little Rock, Arkansas; and Tupelo, Mississippi. Contact our team at (800) 264-8939 to request a quote or schedule a pump system review.
