John Whiteburst (1713-1788), of Derby, England, was the first to wittingly grasp the principle involved in the design and erection of a Ram. In 1775 he installed a "hydraulic machine" for the "service of a Brewhouse and other offices"… "at Oulton in Cheshire, the seat of Philip Eagerton, Esq." The water had a fall of 16 feet through a 1 ½ inch pipe, 600 feet long; water was raised somewhat about the same level as the source.

However, the biggest drawback with this machine was that the Impulse Valve was hand-operated. This machine was never improved upon Whiteburst and thus was forgotten.

In 1797, some twenty-two years later, in France, an inventor by the name of Joseph de Montgolfier, better known for his invention of the gas balloon, constructed the first self-acting or automatic Ram. Based on this and his patents in France and England he is considered the father of the hydraulic water Ram.

Rams were primarily introduced in America in the 1840’s. They were quickly adapted by farmers and even country gentlemen, and owners of large estates. They continued to be used into the early 20^th century.

Amongst these installations of the early 20^th century was the one that was sold to a Pierre Samuel du Pont for use in his Chester county, Pennsylvania farm called Pierce Park. This would later be converted to the now famous Longwood Gardens. The Ram was a Rife Model 40.

The last several years have seen a renewed interest in this proven old technology. With greater emphasis on conservation, more regard for the environment, people are once again looking towards Rams as an alternative way of moving water. Government agencies such as the Soil Conservation Service are helping in bringing awareness for Rams by demonstrating and recommending Ram usage for some of their programs.

1885 - Rife Hydraulic Engine Manufacturing Company is incorporated with a Sales office in New York and a Foundry in Waynesboro, Virginia. The Company introduces the "Regular" Model in sizes 10 through 40, a "Series A", and a "Series C" (in sizes 60 through 80).

1915 - The Waynesboro Foundry, using the name Rife Ram and Pump Works, introduces "Series B" Rams. New York continues to sell the "Standard" Model, a Ram similar to "Series A".

1945 - New York discontinues the size 80 Rams as too large for efficient manufacturing. A new manufacturing facility is established in Andover, New Jersey.

1950 - Waynesboro drops "Series C" from its lineup.

1953 - New York adds "Series B" to its line and integrates the best features of "Series A" in its "Standard" Model.

1961 - Offices are moved from New York to Millburn, New Jersey.

1969 - The Davey line of Ram Pumps are added to Rife.

1974 - The simplified model lines, BU, SU, and HDU are introduced.

1984 - Company relocates in Norristown, Pennsylvania.

1989 - Sales offices are moved to Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania and manufacturing to Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania.

1990 - Rife adds the Slingpump to its line of water pumps.

1993 - Moved complete operation to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.