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- Jan 07
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concretepumpingmelbourne
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How to choose the right trailer-mounted concrete pump
How to choose the right trailer-mounted concrete pump
Concrete line pumps mounted on trailers often provide an ideal, less expensive alternative to using a boom pump.
Small-line pumps come into their own for smaller residential concrete pouring jobs and for large, intricate decorative pours when a slower output is needed.
Trailer-mounted concrete pumps are also often seen on construction sites where there isn’t room for a boom pump.
But how do you choose the right trailer-mounted pump for your concrete pouring job?
Trailer-mounted pumps are available for almost any application, from pressure grouting to structural concrete and cement-based overlays.
This wide range of options can make it difficult to decide which concrete pump will do your particular pouring job most efficiently without breaking your budget.
In this post, we’ll be looking at all the considerations involved when choosing a trailer-mounted pump, starting with whether you should buy or hire the equipment.
Rent or buy your trailer-mounted concrete pump?
If you’re thinking of buying a trailer-mounted concrete line pump, you need to consider the time and costs necessitated by pump maintenance and possibly repairs.
You may come to the conclusion that rental is a better option if you don’t plan on using the machine frequently.
Even if you don’t have a trained technician on hand, a good concrete line pump hire contractor will be able to supply an experienced operative.
Make sure the pump can handle your concrete mix
Some pumps can handle a variety of mixes while others are designed for specific types of mix.
The type of concrete material a pump can pour efficiently is usually governed by the maximum aggregate size it can handle.
If you’re placing structural concrete elements such as slabs, look for a pump that can accommodate pours with a large coarse aggregate.
Choosing a pump with the right output rate
The output rate of line pumps is usually given in cubic yards per hour, and the manufacturer’s spec sheet should also tell you maximum vertical and horizontal pumping distances.
If you choose a pump with more capacity than you need, you’ll be wasting your money. For instance, you probably won’t need a pump with high capacity if you’re working with thin overlays.
Another factor to bear in mind is whether you have enough workers to keep up with the pace of a pump with a high output rate – especially important for decorative concrete work when you have limited time for finishing and stamping. For decorative work, your best option may be a pump with variable output control.
Types of line pump valves
Small-line trailer pumps use a variety of valve or piston systems to deliver the concrete. These systems include:
- Rock valve.
- S-valve.
- Ball valve.
- Swing tube.
Ask for details about performance capabilities and pros and cons of the valve system used in the pump you’re interested in.
Make sure you can tow the pump
Most trailer pumps are compact enough to be towed by a regular pickup truck, but it pays to make sure. Check the pump specs, which will provide towing weights and machine dimensions.
In the interests of towing safety and convenience, choose a pump mounted on a highway-rated trailer with features such as adjustable-height hitch and hydraulic surge brakes.
Pump maintenance
How easy it is to maintain your pump depends on several considerations, including:
- Ease of access to components.
- Complexity of the valve or piston design.
- Number of parts prone to wear.
Some pumps come with a built-in system for lubricating every critical service point. For easy cleaning, look for a removable or hinged hopper.
Your line pump options
The versatility of trailer-mounted pumps allows you to choose the machine that best suits your particular concrete pouring job.
Line pump options include:
- Electric, gas or diesel engine.
- High-pressure water washout pump.
- Hydraulic outriggers.
- Wireless remote control.
- Hopper remixer.
- Chemical additive pump.
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