Concrete Pumps: Frequently Asked Questions

In the construction industry, time and precision are paramount. Proper and timely completion of projects is essential to avoid financial losses and delays. Faulty or inadequate equipment can lead to malfunctions or an inability to perform the required tasks on a concrete pouring site.

That’s why concrete pumps are a valuable addition to any construction equipment line-up, as championed by the concrete specialists at Utranazz. They offer numerous advantages that can greatly benefit construction companies. In this article, we’ll be exploring various topics related to concrete pumps, starting from answering the most basic questions to tackling more advanced queries for concrete pump owners.

What is a Concrete Pump?

In the simplest terms, a concrete pump is a machine that transports wet concrete from one place to another, allowing for precise and efficient placement of concrete at construction sites. It essentially "pumps" concrete to where it's needed, significantly speeding up construction processes and reducing manual labour.

Concrete pumps have played a pivotal role on construction sites for over half a century. They revolutionised the construction industry by expediting the construction of large buildings and structures, reducing reliance on manual labour, and minimising equipment needs.

Typically, a concrete mixer supplies the pump with concrete, and the pump imparts the necessary pressure to transport it at rates of up to 184m³ per hour. In contrast, a costly crane can manually move concrete at a maximum rate of 12m³ per hour.

Concrete pumps also allow you to transport concrete across large horizontal, vertical or downward distances. Even a compact trailer-mounted concrete pump like the Hydropump / Turbosol TB40/T can transport concrete over distances of 380m if additional ground line is installed. This efficiency and flexibility has made concrete pumps a vital piece of equipment for any construction venture.

Do I need a concrete pump?

The inherent features of concrete, characterised by its bulkiness and weight, stem from the need to ensure its strength and durability once it sets. Transporting concrete manually by crane or even by wheelbarrow across construction sites can lead to substantial time and cost inefficiencies. In many scenarios, opting for a concrete pump becomes the logical, and often the only, choice for conveying wet concrete.

Concrete pumps are indispensable for high-rise buildings and skyscrapers, where they can transport wet concrete rapidly and precisely to its intended location. In cases where accessing a site via crane or wheelbarrow is infeasible or impossible, concrete pump trucks or trailers, equipped with booms or groundline pipes, come into play. In tunnel construction and mining operations, concrete pumps provide a consistent flow of concrete, reducing wait times and boosting overall workforce productivity. For tunnelling work, Utranazz can supply its complete range of static concrete pumps in electric versions. 

What are the types of concrete pump?

Most concrete pumps can be categorised into three types:

1. Truck-mounted concrete boom pumps
2. Concrete line pumps
3. Trailer-mounted (a.k.a. static) concrete pumps.

Truck-mounted concrete pumps are typically suitable for projects requiring a large concrete output at height. Concrete line pumps are smaller, mounted on a 7.5 -12 ton gvw chassis, and have a lower output rate of 40-70m3/hour. This makes them more manoeuvrable and suitable for smaller, domestic jobs. Trailer mounted concrete pumps or static concrete pumps are similar to concrete line pumps but are able to pump vast distances away from the pump (100’s of metres!). They are ideally suited to tunnelling projects or high-rise constructions that require a slower rate of concrete.

Truck-Mounted Concrete Pumps

Truck-mounted concrete pumps are trucks with a concrete pumping machine mounted onto the back, with a placing boom that is operated via remote control. They are ideal for projects requiring high-volume concrete output at great heights or depths. For example, Sermac-branded vehicles such as the Zenith 5Z36 Truck Mounted Pump are renowned worldwide for their reliability and functionality.

These pumps are fitted with a folding boom that extends upward, outward or downward so that concrete can be pumped in difficult-to-reach places. They utilise ‘S’ valves to ensure superior performance, even in challenging conditions; the ‘S’ valve modulates the flow of concrete, creating a pumping effect. Additionally, they come equipped with stability control systems to prevent unsafe operation of the pump.

The advantages of truck-mounted concrete pumps include:

1. Variety of Sizes: They are available in various sizes, with boom lengths ranging from 20 to 65 meters, allowing concrete to be pumped over great distances and heights
2. High Pressure Tolerance: They can withstand pumping concrete at high pressures, up to 80 bars, at 184m3/hour, allowing a large volume of concrete to be pumped in a short period of time.
3. Hydraulic Stabilizers: Hydraulic stabiliser legs are used to support concrete pumpd and keep them level and stable during operation. Utranazz’s truck-mounted boom pumps are fitted with SCS stability control systems, ensuring safe operation of the concrete pump at all times.

Concrete Line Pumps

A Concrete Line Pump offers an affordable alternative to a Truck Mounted Concrete Pump and is used with a series of groundline pipes and hoses. A line pump is ideal for jobs where concrete needs to be pumped at distance but where access is restricted. This is due to their compact size, mounted onto an agile 7.5-12 ton cab/chassis, they can access small sites and city centres with ease. A concrete line pump is invaluable for residential jobs where country lanes and narrow access points can be impossible for larger boom pumps. Utranazz’s range of TB40 City Pump Concrete Line Pumps can pump 40m3/hour, up to 35mm concrete or shotcrete at a horizontal reach of 200m, vertical reach of 100m (dependent on concrete quality, slump and aggregates).

Trailer-Mounted (Static) Concrete Pumps

Trailer-mounted concrete pumps, or static concrete pumps, are the more compact alternative to truck-mounted or concrete line pumps. These smaller pumps can be towed for easy transport to or from a construction site, but they can also stand alone if needed for longer periods of time.

Trailer pumps can be powered by an electric or diesel engine, which means they can be used in tunnelling projects or remote sites. Since they are more manoeuvrable and smaller than truck-mounted pumps, they’re a great choice for DIY construction projects, smaller bespoke projects, as well as large construction sites that require a slower concrete output rate.

Our range of static concrete pumps have concrete outputs ranging from 30-120m³ per hour, meaning we’re sure to offer something that will suit your needs. With additional groundline, they can manage concrete delivery over distances of 380m and could become one of the most vital pieces of equipment in your concrete arsenal thanks to their incredible versatility.

Buying vs. Hiring Concrete Pumps

If you are contemplating expanding your construction business to take on larger or more demanding projects or are dissatisfied with the outcomes of traditional concrete conveyance methods, it's essential to explore the option of purchasing a new or used concrete pump. At Utranazz, our knowledgeable sales representatives are available to assist you in navigating our extensive product range, ensuring you select the ideal concrete pump for your business needs. Don't hesitate to contact us today to get started.

Should I buy a new or used concrete pump?

If concrete is a significant part of your business, investing in new concrete equipment is a wise choice due to the longevity of so many of our offerings. For less frequent use, consider a quality second-hand concrete pump, but ensure you research and buy from a reputable source.

Investing in a new concrete pump can lead to long-term cost savings by enabling you to undertake a broader range of construction projects. However, purchasing used concrete equipment from a reputable construction equipment supplier can further reduce your expenses. Through a second-hand concrete pump solution, you can obtain a top-quality machine in perfect working order at a reduced cost.

How reliable are second-hand concrete pumps?

If you're contemplating the purchase of second-hand concrete pumps, you might have concerns about their reliability and cost-effectiveness. There's often a perception that used equipment may carry the risk of frequent breakdowns or the need for constant parts replacement, making a new machine seem like a better investment. However, when you partner with a leading industrial concrete equipment company like Utranazz, those worries are alleviated.

Utranazz offers a wide selection of used and ex-demo concrete pumps, with the majority having been part of our own hire fleet. This ensures that the entire service history of the pumps is known, and that they have received professional and expert maintenance throughout their operational years. Before these concrete pumps are sold, they undergo a comprehensive reconditioning process and can even be repainted to meet your specifications once the purchase is finalised. Furthermore, all Utranazz concrete pumps come with a 12-month warranty, subject to a full rebuild, providing you with additional peace of mind. Shipping arrangements can also be swiftly and conveniently made with the assistance of our experienced staff.

Utranazz extends a variety of services alongside our second-hand concrete pumps, including lease and finance options at competitive rates. You can even hire concrete equipment with the option to purchase it at a later stage if you wish to evaluate the equipment or need additional time to secure the necessary capital.

Are concrete pumps safe to operate?

Like any construction machinery, there are inherent risks involved in operating a concrete pump. However, having trained and experienced staff on hand to operate the machinery properly and address potential issues significantly minimises these risks.

What training is needed to operate a concrete pump?

Companies typically provide on-site training for concrete pump operators. Inexperienced operators are guided by more experienced users. Certificates in safety and advanced usage of concrete pumps can be pursued later.

Different types of training are required for different types of concrete pumps, a CPCS training course can be completed in operating a truck mounted concrete pump and also a trailer mounted concrete pump.

Utranazz provides certified operator training on all concrete pumps it supplies.

What are the most common problems with concrete pumps?

One of the most common issues with concrete pumps is blockages and clogging in the pipeline, which typically occurs when the concrete is not adequately hydrated or when the pipeline hasn't been cleaned and maintained correctly. Regular concrete pump maintenance and cleaning are essential to keep your concrete pump in good working condition and ensure its safety.

Another common issue with concrete pumps involves the concrete mixture, an incorrect concrete mix design, i.e. one that is too thick or has low workability, will not flow correctly through the pipeline. Proper management and use can minimise these problems. Treat your concrete pump with care to enjoy years of trouble-free operation.

Additionally, some may be concerned about the safety of using truck mounted concrete pumps on uneven ground. This problem is alleviated by the hydraulic stabiliser legs. In addition, most truck mounted concrete pumps are now fitted with stability control systems that ensure safe working in any situation.

Additional Considerations for UK Buyers

For UK buyers, additional considerations include:

• Compliance with UK Regulations: Ensure the pump truck meets all safety and emission regulations set forth by UK governing bodies.
• Availability of Service Technicians: Having access to qualified service technicians within a reasonable distance is crucial for minimizing downtime in case of maintenance needs.
• Parts Suppliers: A reliable network of parts suppliers can help ensure a steady supply of replacement parts to prevent delays caused by breakdowns.

Making an Informed Decision

By carefully evaluating these factors and considering your specific project requirements, you can make an informed decision when choosing a concrete pump truck. Consulting with a reputable concrete pump rental company can also be beneficial. They can assess your project needs and recommend the most suitable pump truck for optimal performance and cost-effectiveness.

Concrete pumps from Utranazz

At Utranazz, we offer a complete range of reliable and durable concrete pumps that are guaranteed to handle even the toughest jobs efficiently and effectively. Utranazz specialises in concrete pumping equipment and provides a wide range of sales packages, including part-exchange and hire with option to purchase, allowing you to try before you buy.

Whether you're interested in hiring or buying concrete pumps, we can provide you with the equipment tailored to your project's needs. We have a full range of concrete pumps, from line pumps to boom pumps, and we can even tailor our offerings based on your budget. Whether you’re looking to expand your professional construction venture with top-of-the-line, new equipment, or you’re just looking for something to supplement your independent concreting needs, Utranazz has you covered.

To get in touch with us about our range of products, you have a number of choices:

• Make us an offer on any of our used equipment advertised on our website.
• Submit a hire enquiry form if you’re interested in renting our equipment.
• Contact us by form, email, or phone to discuss your needs and find out how Utranazz can help!