Concrete Pump Trucks: How They Save Your Time & Money 

Introduction

Concrete is one of the most essential components of construction. Proper concrete mixing and pouring are crucial to ensure a consistent and strong structure. Manual labour or a standard mixer can be inefficient, time-consuming, and yield inconsistent results.  A concrete pump truck is a viable option, offering numerous benefits that help save both construction time and costs. This blog will explain what it is and why you need a concrete pump truck. 

What Are Concrete Pumping Trucks?  

A concrete pump truck is a specialised vehicle used to transport and pump concrete mixture on construction sites. It is also known as a ready-mix concrete (RMC) truck. A trained and certified professional should operate concrete pump trucks to ensure operational efficiency and safety.  

Given their versatility, trucks can be used for small—and large-scale projects. They are commonly used at construction sites with difficult-to-reach areas and where large concrete volumes are required. Examples: high-rise buildings, bridges, basements, etc.  

What Are the Different Types of Pump Trucks?  

1. Boom pump truck  

   The truck is equipped with a remote-controlled robotic arm, the boom. It attaches to a truck or a trailer to move large volumes of concrete on the job site. The boom features a hopper at the back, which mixes the concrete. It generally uses an auger to keep the concrete mixture in a liquid state.  

   The concrete flows through the pipe attached to the boom, which deposits it on the site. But before it passes through a grate, large chunks present in the mixture are filtered out. This prevents the system from clogging and maintains the mixture’s consistency. 

   The boom pump truck can distribute large amounts of concrete in a short span of time. It can move both vertically and horizontally. Hence, it is great for filling up large concrete forms. You can use it in the construction of high-rise buildings.  

2. Line pump trucks  

   Line pump trucks are also known as ground pump trucks. Their structure and workings are similar to those of a boom pump truck. However, the only difference is that they do not have a robotic arm. It uses a series of steel or rubber hoses to deposit concrete in hard-to-reach spots. 

   The hose can be manoeuvred along the ground to navigate corners and reach deep into ditches on the job site. Like the boom pump truck, this truck features a hopper, grate, and a twin-cylinder hydraulic pump.  

   The line pump truck is suitable for small jobs such as building low-rise buildings, sidewalks, and swimming pools. It also works well for underwater repairs, filling fabric forms, and building bond booms. It can also transport concrete and other building materials far away.  

3. Conveyor pump truck  

   The conveyor pump truck is often used as an alternative to the boom pump truck. This is because both trucks are slightly similar. However, both trucks have distinct designs that make them unique and suitable for specific applications.  

   As the name suggests, the conveyor pump truck features a conveyor belt in its design. The RMC truck uses this conveyor belt to move concrete on the job site. However, the belt can only move the concrete horizontally. Additionally, it can also deposit concrete under and over obstacles present on the job site.  

   Given the vehicle's nature, it can be used only for applications that require a horizontal deposit of concrete. It can also transport coarse materials such as gravel and small stones to various sites.  

How Do Concrete Pump Trucks Help You Save Time and Money? 

• Saving money  

  Traditionally, you would buy two vehicles. One would mix the concrete, while the other would pour it. This would increase your total cost. Furthermore, you would have to employ a dedicated set of labourers for each truck. This would further increase the total labour cost.  

  However, you can save significantly by employing concrete pump trucks. This is possible as the truck offers to mix and pour the concrete. This means you need to buy only one truck, not two. You also need only one trained professional to operate the truck, cutting the labour cost.  

• Saving time  

  As mentioned previously, you would use two trucks to mix and pour the concrete on job sites. This means you must wait for one truck to finish before starting the next step. You would need manual calculations to prepare the concrete mix ratio. You would also spend hours trying to deposit concrete in hard-to-reach spots. Overall, this was a time-consuming affair.  

  Employing concrete pump trucks eliminates the need to wait for other vehicles, as the same truck is capable of mixing and pouring concrete. An efficient system simplifies concrete mixing calculations. It also ensures even distribution and makes it easier to reach difficult spots.  

Summing It Up  

Proper mixing and pouring of concrete are crucial to ensure the concrete performs as intended. Concrete pump trucks or RMC’s systematically mix and pour the concrete on the job sites. The benefits of concrete pumping include reduced costs, time-saving, and superior quality output. 

For those in the construction industry, finding commercial vehicles that enhance operational efficiency while maintaining cost-effectiveness is crucial. Tata Motors South Africa offers a range of vehicles that deliver outstanding performance and reliability at competitive prices, helping you optimise productivity and maximise profitability.

FAQs

How much does it cost to use a concrete pump truck? 

The cost of using a concrete pump truck depends on the type of truck and the size of the job site.  

How does a concrete pump truck improve efficiency on a construction site? 

Concrete pump trucks help you save time and money, improving the overall operational efficiency on construction sites. 

Can concrete pump trucks be used for both residential and commercial projects? 

Yes, concrete pump trucks can be used for all kinds of construction projects.