>... Try filling a carboy with water and carefully see
> if you can pick it up 18 or 24 inches or however tall a carboy is.
> Use you knees and arms, and not your back.

Agreed. I have two herniated disks in my lower back and lift 7 gallon
carboys when I use them; as long as you us your legs that seems to be
a pretty safe bet.

There are pros and cons to everything, pumps usually treat the wine
more violently than a siphon would be, but are a lot easier on the
back...
Regards,
Joe