Victor, just my 2 cents. Most loaders don't sit much lower than the pick up so I don't think you should worry about water depth. Loader or stock grate your going to pick up small rocks in shallow water. The stock grate will only keep out the big stuff. Depending on the loader you use they will lower your RPM, because they stuff the pump with more water. If you are not running big horsepower and want to improve your hole shot, I would recommend an inducer impeller. See ya at Big River. Bob