agree, If you look up luguna max flo 1500 pond pumps you will get teh same thing but with a plastic screen wrapped around the pump. Open up the housing and you will find the pump. The laguna / askoll / red dragon are all the same motor block. when you get into the larger bk's they use a bigger pump but still a laguna/askoll block. If you ever have one go bad this is the cheaper way to replace the block. Now you will still need the volute and all the other parts from your old one. But most can replace their blocks for less than $200. Unless you want the red dragon sticker. ITs a couple hundred dollar option...
The alpha series all use the 1500 motor block, the bk mini 's all use the 1500 motor block. Going from memory i cant remember what bk skimmers jump up to a 2000 block or larger.
All are great pumps. The biggest issue I have seen with these on skimmers is trying to use them on smaller skimmers. Choking them down as they just dont run well throttled down too much. That is why the went to the adjustable venturi on the alpha 170. when the first came out people were having issues with them surging. The adjustable venturi allows you to adjust it to work on your water level. you can actually get more air out of it than the body will handle on that particular skimmer.
Biggest problem with the pumps is they work well and people forget about them and they get built up with calcium over time and wear out the bearing. I would say once every 6 months to a year I would take the pump out and give it a vinegar bath .
I have heard of some bk owners having shafts break but not on the smaller units.
Sorry kinf of rambled on but I hope that helps answer your question. If taken care of it should last for many years.
Mojo~
