A concrete pump is a piece of equipment that transfers or conveys liquid mixed concrete from a container to a delivery pipe for placement on a construction site.
A concrete pump is an essential part of a construction project. However, there are some things that you need to know before you start using it.
Price
The price of a concrete pump depends on a number of factors. These include the machine’s brand and model, shipping costs, and any specialized features it may have.
The most common type of concrete pump is the direct-acting, horizontal piston-type with semi-rotary valves. This type of pump is often used for large-scale projects such as high-rise construction and can produce outputs of up to 60 m3/h through 220-mm diameter delivery pipes, according to Reed Concrete Pumps & Shotcrete Equipment sales and marketing manager Mike Newcomb.
Another type of concrete pump is the boom-mounted truck-mounted type. It has a remote-controlled articulating arm that extends over buildings and obstacles to place the concrete exactly where it’s needed. This type of pump is best suited for high-volume projects and can be rented or purchased.
Specifications
Using a concrete pump to place concrete is a smart way to speed up projects that require large quantities of concrete in difficult-to-reach areas. It also reduces the cost of delivering concrete.
To ensure that a concrete pump is working properly and to minimize breakdowns, it should be regularly inspected. This will help to protect your investment, ensure a long life, and reduce downtime.
The concrete pump is a versatile machine, capable of handling many tasks from sidewalks to swimming pools and even basement floors. However, like any other machinery, the proper care and maintenance will ensure it is running at maximum efficiency for as long as possible.
In addition to regular inspections, the concrete pump operator should take advantage of equipment training. This will help them become familiar with the machine and will make it easier to troubleshoot any issues.
Maintenance
Concrete pumping is a high-tech process and requires adept skill. In addition, it involves several dangers that must be addressed properly.
Keeping safety in mind at every stage of the project minimizes the risk of any accidents. Contractors should request safety information and instruct their employees about the hazards of working with concrete pumps.
They should also inspect the concrete pump equipment regularly and take preventive measures to avoid any problems.
The pumping machine is a complex mechanism that consists of a hopper that holds the concrete. When the pump starts, it pushes the concrete into a delivery pipeline.
It should be filled with the correct amount of concrete. This allows the pump to run properly and ensures that there is no air in the line.
If air is introduced into the pipe, it must be purged by pumping slowly until all of the air has been removed. This will help to minimize the chance of hose whipping.
Safety
Concrete pumping can be dangerous if the operator isn’t trained properly and doesn’t understand how to operate the machine. This can lead to accidents and even death.
Safety is a top priority on any job site, but it’s especially important when working with power lines. Make sure you’re able to place your boom around any nearby power lines before beginning pumping.
The size of the aggregate pumped is important, too. Aggregates that are too large will block the suction pipe, preventing it from developing a full cross-section of suction.
Cribbing: It’s critical that the cribbing under your outriggers is strong enough to support the entire load of your concrete. Most manufacturers will provide you with some cribbing, but it’s good to have more than that.
Other safety measures include avoiding the use of water when possible, using hoses designed for that purpose and not allowing air to build up inside the hose. These measures can save your company money, prevent injury and save lives.