It’s hard to fathom just exactly where we’d be without concrete in the construction industry. An essential tool for receiving this concrete is the concrete pump. There are many different types of concrete pumps and choosing the best one depends upon the task at hand. Two common types of concrete pumps you will see are truck-mounted and trailer.

The truck-mounted concrete pump is attached to the vehicle and enables concrete to be poured in the exact spot required. Operators work the arm remotely, maneuvering the pump so that it reaches over to the intended area.

The trailer boom pump, on the other hand, is put on a trailer. Also called trailer-mounted or a line pump, this type of concrete pump involves attaching large hoses to the unit. Operators then position the hose to where the concrete needs to be poured. Generally the truck-mounted pump is used for large-scale applications that require significant concrete, whereas the trailer or line pump is used for smaller jobs.

Depending upon the type of concrete pump you’re looking to buy, consider the following basics:

Maintenance. Look for signs of regular maintenance. Evidence of this could be new grease, the level of hydraulic oil, and all parts are where they should be (e.g. nuts and bolts). Look for such things as small holes or indentations on the pipeline that could cause leakage?

• Log Book. Does the pump come with a log book that’s been updated frequently? The log book should show such information as: routine maintenance; checks prior to usage; and, frequent checks of pipe thickness.
• Safety. This is an important consideration when it comes to pumping concrete. Does the pump have signs attached to it (such as a warning sign)? Look for any possible hazards on the unit that might cause the operator to lose footing or block access onto the pump. Are safety chains attached to the drop hose?
• Manual. The operator’s manual will provide best practice and advice on set up, operation and maintenance.

The purchase of a concrete pump truck is a big investment. Your initial pre-purchase inspection can really help to raise any red flags regarding the condition of the unit. However, by going through a first-class, reputable business, such as Cole and Lambert, who perform meticulous and comprehensive inspections on all their pre-owned concrete equipment, you can be assured you’re purchasing top quality items.