A vertical turbine pump which operates with its inlet sub-merged in a body of liquid to be pumped employs an impeller provided with two or three equiangularly spaced vanes and a diffuser section provided with three equiangularly spaced stationary vanes. A vertical turbine pump incorporating such a combination of impeller and diffuser vanes exhibits favorable hydraulic efficiency and smooth operation and can effectively handle liquids with entrained solids. The pump bowl bearings are part of a cartridge which is readily removed and installed through the upstream end of the pump to facilitate servicing in the field.