Ask these questions before you buy a stationary concrete pump

In today's construction equipment marketplace, you can find a stationary concrete pump for almost any application, from pressure grouting and shotcreting to placing cement-based overlays and structural concrete.

Different types of pumps are suitable for different kinds of projects. To find the best concrete pump for your specific job requirements without breaking your budget, ask these questions before you buy:

 1. Max. aggregate size：Can the pump handle your concrete mix?

 Some pumps are multipurpose machines that can accommodate a variety of mixes while others are engineered for specific mix types. Generally, the maximum aggregate size the pump can accept will govern the type of material it can churn out efficiently.

Fine trailer concrete pumps, for example, are designed to pump cement-based mixtures containing a 1/2-inch top fine aggregate size, such as repair grouts, shotcrete, and self-leveling overlays.  you can choose 140mm or 180mm delivery cylinder diameter to pump fine aggregate.

Other stationary pumps can handle higher-slump concretes containing larger coarse aggregate (3/4- to 1 1/2-inch rock). you can choose 200mm or 230mm cylinder diameter to pump larger coarse aggregate. These models are better suited for placing concrete slabs and other structural elements. choose a larger cylinder diameter will reduce the chance of pipe blockage.

Concrete mixes with larger aggregates may be too coarse for some pumps to handle. Proper mixture consistencies are essential.

2. Output Capacity: How far and how fast?

Different types and models of concrete pumping machines have different pumping capacities per hour. You can have a rough idea about their pumping volume：

look at the pump manufacturer's spec sheets for the machine's output rate (usually given in cubic meters per hour) and maximum horizontal and vertical pumping distances. Some models are capable of delivering concrete at rates ranges from 30 to 120 cubic meters per hour and distances as far as 1,500 m horizontally and 400m vertically.You need to think about the demand for concrete pumping volume for your project.

However, don't waste money buying more pump capacity than you need—or can feasibly handle.

 A high-capacity pump usually isn't necessary for placing thin cement-based overlays. And to take advantage of a pump with super-fast delivery rates, you must have enough workers on hand during the placement to keep up with the pace. This is especially critical on decorative stamped concrete jobs because you have a limited window of opportunity for finishing and stamping after the concrete hits the ground. For decorative work, consider going with a pump equipped with variable volume control, which lets you adjust the pump output to suit the tempo of the job. This will permit you to slow down concrete delivery if the finishing or stamping crew falls behind.

Also keep in mind that the maximum volume output and conveying distances touted by pump manufacturers are only theoretical. These capacities will vary depending on such factors as the mix design, job conditions, and diameter and length of the pipeline used.

3. How easy is the pump to maintain?

The effort required to keep a particular pump in top running condition will depend on a number of factors, including the simplicity of the piston/valve design, the number of wear parts, and ease of accessibility to components that require regular servicing or cleaning.

Some manufacturers simplify servicing by equipping the pump with a central lubrication system that enables the operator to quickly grease every critical service point. To be assured of long equipment life, ask the manufacturer if the pump components are made of high-quality long-wearing materials, such as hard-chromed pump cylinders and carbide wear plate etc.

4. What options are available?

Many stationary concrete pumps are available with a wide assortment of bells and whistles. This gives you more versatility to match the machine's capabilities to your specific needs. Options available on some models include:

Electric motor, or diesel engine

Pump with mixer( pan mixer, drum mixer or compulsory mixer)

Wireless remote control

Hydraulic outriggers etc.

On the whole, there are some factors to consider before you buy stationary concrete pumps. Roobon specializes in concrete equipment and parts for years, we are glad to share our experience with you to devote to better concrete future!

 ROOBON  Company, guided by the 'Think globally / Act locally' philosophy,developes and manufactures advanced concrete pumping system machinery ,including stationary concrete pump, Concrete placing booms (Mobile &Self climbing), also providing customers with used equipments and high quality spare parts  for Sany and Zoomlion concete pumps and Sunward hydraulic rotary drilling equip from Changsha factories directly. ROOBON welcome concrete friends who share passion for high performance products. Our goal is to work with reliable, reputable, honorable companies that can offer not only a professional atmosphere for sales but full service maintenance facilities, to devote a better concrete future together!