Article Written By: Adriana Noton
The biggest self-contained pump is the boom pump, which consists of the pump and concrete loaded on a truck and frame. These pumps have very long hoses and an ability to pump the concrete a long distance, and therefore can remain parked in one position while delivering concrete to various sites on the job. This translates to maximum efficiency. Sometimes pumping concrete into place is the only way to make the project work, but even if that is not the case, concrete pumping services often represent the most efficient way of placing concrete at a site.The next kind of pump is a line pump. This is a portable pump that the user can move around a job site, and can also be used for pumping grout, mortar, sludge, and other building supplies. Because this kind of pump is movable, it is popular where there are a large number of sites to pump concrete to, but it is not a self-contained unit the way a boom pump is, and the concrete must be mixed and stored somewhere else.Finally, a separate placing boom may be used to pump concrete to areas that are difficult or impossible to reach with a boom truck, or when a boom truck is not available. These are large pumps that need to be mounted on a strong framework, and are often used for pouring large amounts of concrete, such as that which makes up a concrete slab.When picking a concrete pumping service, decide what you want from it first. Various kinds of companies exist, from those who deliver and work the equipment for you, to those who only rent it to you. The right service for your job depends on you.Because pumps can only pump certain types of concrete, it is important to consider what kind of concrete you plan to use on the job. If it isn't possible to combine your desired concrete and desired pumping method, then you'll have to reconsider either the concrete or the pump, or both. Using the wrong kind of concrete in the wrong kind of pump can have disastrous results.Before the job starts, consider how much pump you need. Output rates give a theoretical amount of concrete the pump can deliver in a certain amount of time, but realistic output will vary depending on the situation and the type of concrete used. Don't use a high output pump for a light detail job, as it might be hard to handle, and don't choose a low output pump for a big job where that might mean wasting hours or even days.If you're planning to rent the equipment that you'll use, remember that you might need a vehicle you don't own to tow it, or a driver's license you don't possess to drive a boom truck. If either of these is the case, you'll have to look into rectifying the situation, or you might want to hire a more full-service company that can do the driving and towing for you.
This Article Has Been Published on Sun, 7 Nov 2010 and Read 203 Times