Concrete is an essential component for any construction project. However, it’s a building material that can be challenging to work with. Handling a large quantity of concrete manually, especially when pouring it into high-rising buildings, can be quite challenging. However, the invention of concrete pumps helped solve such issues.
The invention of concrete pumps made handling and placing concrete on skyscrapers and other massive construction projects more organized and efficient. Currently, concrete pumps have become an integral part of the construction industry, as they enable the delivery of liquid concrete to the required locations. Most construction projects can’t progress without the presence of a concrete pump.
However, since there are various types of concrete pumps in the market, getting one that resonates with your project’s needs can be a daunting task. In this piece, we’ll look at the various types of concrete pumps in the market and the things you should consider when choosing the right pump for the job you are currently undertaking.
How Does a Concrete Pump Work?
Most concrete boom pumps operate using a similar mechanism with the help of a two-piston system. One of the pistons works to push the concrete through the pipe that delivers it to the intended point, while the other one helps the machine draw concrete from the hopper. The concrete is excellently mixed inside the hopper by an auger, ensuring that it is in liquid form and is ready to flow into the piston system. A skilled pump expert operates any concrete pump.
Basic Types of Concrete Pumps
There are various types of concrete pumps in the market, but the most popular ones are:
– Boom or Truck Mounted Pump
– Concrete Line Pump
Boom or Truck Mounted Pump
This type of concrete pump is attached to a truck and features a hydraulic arm controlled remotely to deliver concrete to an intended position. These pumps are used in massive construction projects since they can pump a high volume of concrete in less time. The hydraulic arm can rise to different heights, and this makes the truck-mounted pump an ideal machine to use when constructing high-rising and horizontally expansive buildings. The concrete pump truck allows the pipeline to navigate obstacles and deliver concrete upwards, along, and below.
Pros and Cons of Boom Concrete Pumps
Pros
– Boasts an arm that allows them to pour concrete even in areas that are not easily accessible.
– The machines feature high-volume concrete pumping capacity.
– They offer a high concrete flow rate.
– They are ideal for heavy construction projects.
Cons
There are relatively expensive to purchase or hire.
Concrete Line Pump
This is a compact unit with a long hose attached to the back of a truck or trailer. These types of concrete pumps are highly flexible and have a wide spectrum of applications. They boast pouring hoses that are joined manually to the machine. The pump allows you to attach multiple hoses based on your construction needs. The only drawback of the line concrete pump is that it has a slower pump rate and delivers a reduced amount of concrete compared to the boom concrete pump. For this reason, the line concrete pump is commonly used by individuals who are undertaking small-scale projects.
Pros and Cons of Concrete Line Pump
Pros
– The pump is easy to transport on the job site.
– It comes with flexible hoses that can help you pour concrete at a distant location.
– The compact size makes the pump ideal for smaller workplaces.
– A line concrete pump is relatively affordable compared with other types of concrete pumps.
Cons
– The machine boasts a low concrete pouring flow rate.
What Type of Pump is Best for Concrete?
The type of pump you choose will depend on the needs of your project. Some of the things you should consider when choosing the type of concrete pump include:
– The volume of the concrete you’ll be pumping.
– The type of concrete you’ll use
– Horizontal and vertical distances to be covered
– Whether there are obstacles to where the concrete will be delivered
– Size of aggregate or stone
Suppose your project involves pouring large volumes of concrete on vast horizontal and vertical distances in an area with several obstacles. In that case, the boom concrete pump is the most suitable equipment for your project. However, if you are dealing with smaller volumes of concrete made up of mortar, grout, and sludge, you better choose a line pump.
How Far Can Concrete be Pumped?
How long or how far concrete can be pumped depends on the type of concrete pump being used. A ground line hydraulic pump can pump concrete to a distance of up to 500 feet. On the other hand, a typical boom pump can pump concrete to a vertical reach of 137 feet and a horizontal reach of about 125 feet. However, there are truck-mounted pumps with longer booms that can pump concrete up to 200 feet.
Who Could I Call to Schedule a Concrete Pump?
If, after reading this article, you’re asking, “Who could I call for a concrete pump?” You need to look no farther than the Weberdex Online Heavy Construction Directory. It will make your search for concrete pumps much easier and less time consuming!
Are you ready to start construction? Go to Weberdex now.