Zoeller Mighty Mate M53 turns on approx 20-40 minute but only runs for about 4 seconds each time. With snow thaws, water level is almost at the top of the sump. Should pump be placed lower in the hole? But would that make it cycle too often?

 

Ideally the floats and switches should be adjusted so that whenever the pump starts it should keep going until the pit is almost empty.

It is better if the pump starts before any of the fat pipes that dump into the pit are more than half submerged, but you may need to try different switch settings to see what works best. If there is a certain level where the water level reaches and stops for hours, it is good to have the pump leave it alone and not keep cycling. But if leaving the water at that level without running causes flooding at the far corner of the basement then you will have set the pump switches lower and let the pump cycle. A level where the water stops rising can be different at different times of the year.

If you adjust the pump switches, allow a week before concluding that your setting was successful.

 

I don't understand about 'fat pipes that dump into sump'.
The sump is 18" deep. I don't think there are any pipes down there. Because of high water table, the pump is sitting on a 10" high cinderblock. So when the pump runs it only empties down to the base of the pump....and promptly has water coming in again.....except in dry summer season.
BTW, the pump is brand new.

 

also, I don't think you can adjust the float or switch on the Zoeller M53

 

If you cannot adjust the pump cycle except by raising or lowering the entire pump then there is no way to keep the pump from starting so often other than creating a new , larger, pit..

 

That is a submersible pump and all submersibles use a single float non adjustable switch. Take out the cinder block and let the pump empty the pit. That's what it's designed to do. That pump can very well handle heavy flow and prolonged cycling. By lowering the pump it will empty the pit and and the pipes so it will take a longer period of time to fill before the switch engages. Follow what AllenJ in his 1st post. makes sense.