Pumping is an economical, reliable, and extremely efficient way to pour concrete in your construction project. In fact, in some cases, such as when you have hard-to-reach places where using a chute would be difficult or impractical, you will have no choice but to look for a concrete pump. The good thing is there are so many companies who rent concrete pumps. However, selecting this piece of construction equipment is where many people experience problems, because they have no idea what to look for, especially because there are many types of concrete pumps available. Therefore, if you are unsure of the exact type of concrete pump hire, or perhaps it's your first time renting one, this guide will make things easier for you.
Know the Major Types of Concrete Pumps (And When to Use Them)
Concrete pumps come in two major types: boom and stationary concrete pumps. Each of them is best designed for certain construction requirements. Boom concrete pumps are usually truck-mounted. These pumps pour concrete using a robotic arm that the pumps have. Since they are attached on trucks, movement of these pumps where concrete is needed is much easier. This makes these pumps most suitable for large concrete pours where faster output rate is needed. These pumps can also be the best option in restricted areas. This seems counterintuitive since the pumps are mounted on trucks. However, remember that the telescopic or robotic booms on arms that the pumps have can easily reach some of the most restricted areas.
Stationary pumps, on the other hand, are mounted on trailers. They then use hoses made of steel or rubber to place the concrete at the desired spaces. These are excellent for use where there are some weight restrictions on the site, making it hard to use the truck-mounted options. For instance, indoor operations may require these types of concrete pumps.
Choose the Valve Type Correctly
Once you have made your choice between a boom and a stationary concrete pump, look at the type of valve on the pump. The perfect valve type will depend on the type of concrete mix you are using. For instance, if you are using a thick concrete mix, you should consider choosing a pump with an S-tube type of valve. This will help maintain the evenness of the concrete mix. On the other hand, for extremely wet concrete mixes, a ball valve should be the most suitable. This type of valve will help slow down the concrete flow as it leaves the hopper.
