When considering the creation of pumps with improved anti-cavitation characteristics, the results of an in-depth analysis of the problem of pumping viscous liquids at high temperatures are presented. On the example of the technological process of evaporation of sugar syrup on a film evaporator of the latest type, the problem of the occurrence of cavitation when pumping viscous liquids at high temperatures was revealed. After analyzing the existing machines used for the specified operating conditions, critical design and operating parameters were identified that affect the appearance of cavitation. Namely, the appearance of cavitation is influenced by the reduced diameter of the impeller inlet, the diameter of the impeller inlet, the number of blades, the width of the blades and the rotor speed. To study the level of influence of these parameters, a method of physical modeling was chosen, an experimental stand was designed and manufactured. Studies have been carried out on the operation of the pump with and without a reducer. The work with a two- and three-blade inducer is analyzed, the work with an open and closed impeller, with one and two-level blade system is investigated. As a result of the analysis of experimental data, the optimal design of the hydraulic part with a three-blade reducer and a semi-open impeller with a two-level blade system was chosen. In turn, this made it possible to reduce the compression of the flow at the inlet to the impeller without loss of energy efficiency; the angles of inclination of the inducer and impeller blades were synchronized. The experience gained made it possible to design and manufacture an industrial sample of a cantilever pump with an inducer and a semi-open impeller. Thus, allowing to solve the problem of pumping thick syrup on a film evaporating unit of the Teofipol sugar plant (Khmelnytskyi region, Ukraine), with a cavitation reserve of 1.5 m.