| y dangerous thing that is seen in the concrete | | | | hydraulic filter, motor oil filter, air filter and fuel |
| pumping industry from time to time is people | | | | filter. Check all your hydraulic hoses and fittings, |
| having their arms, fingers, etc. amputated in the | | | | loose nuts and bolts, loose wires and fittings, etc. |
| field due to cleaning out the pump with their hands | | | | Also, always keep an eye on your accumulator |
| while the pump motor is running. Remember, | | | | pressure. Don’t pump with low accumulator |
| never put any body part in the hopper, outlet | | | | pressure. If you are running low on pressure, |
| valve or lubrication box while the pump is running. | | | | charge your accumulator according to your pump |
| Many of these amputations are caused because | | | | manufacturers guidelines. By maintaining your |
| the operator thinks that just because the remote | | | | pump you will be able to offer your customers |
| is off everything is all right. However, what | | | | quality and well maintained equipment. Then down |
| happens is they press the stop button on the | | | | the road if you decide to sell your pump |
| remote and then they stick their arm or hand into | | | | you’ll be happy you maintained it. Just keep |
| a moving part on the pump and then they lean up | | | | this in mind. A well maintained pump gets top |
| against the pump or whatever and the remote | | | | dollar in the used concrete pumping market. |
| button is pushed on and their arm is chopped off. | | | | Check your hitch. |
| It happens just like that, fast! | | | | Once a guy told me that his pump came off his |
| Remember to read the pump | | | | truck while driving down the freeway. No one was |
| manufacturer’s operating manual before | | | | injured! But it could have been bad, very bad! |
| cleaning or repairing your concrete pump. If you | | | | Check your hitch everyday. |
| have to service the pump and need to put your | | | | Where do I purchase washout bags? |
| hands near moving parts, always shut off the | | | | The bags generally used are 3 mil contractor |
| pump engine and remove the key and make sure | | | | bags. You can purchase them at hardware stores |
| all pressure is at zero. | | | | such as Home Depot, etc. Don’t use the |
| Most pumping companies will see a steady growth | | | | basic garbage bags, they’re too thin. Make |
| in pump jobs due to the summer months ahead. | | | | sure you use the 3 mil bags. Only fill about1/4 to |
| This is a great time of year to service your | | | | 1/3 of the bag or you won’t be able to lift |
| pumps and equipment. With more pump jobs it | | | | it. |
| means more money. Don’t forget to | | | | Where do I buy bentonite slurry for the pump |
| invest back into your equipment. Don’t get | | | | hose? |
| out on a job and have a problem that could have | | | | Most concrete pump operators agree the best |
| been avoided. | | | | slurry for the hose is bentonite clay. Bentonite |
| Check your hoses for wear spots, and holes in | | | | sometimes can be a little hard to come by if you |
| the hose. Also, check the hose ends including the | | | | don’t know where to purchase it. Look in |
| inside. Look for thin metal. Check your reducer | | | | your yellow pages under clay. If you have no luck |
| and the ends of the reducers. Periodically lightly | | | | there, try looking under Water Well Supplies or |
| tap your reducers with a hammer. You can | | | | Drilling Supplies. Bentonite is used for drilling |
| actually hear a very bright ting if the metal | | | | purposes and you can generally buy it by the bag |
| is getting too worn. When this happens, replace it. | | | | or pallet. You can expect to spend between $5.00 |
| Here’s a little side note. Did you hear about | | | | to $8.00 per 50 lb bag. You can also use |
| the guy who lost his vision due to the hose | | | | cement or masonry fire clay. You |
| exploding open in his face. His employer had no | | | | can also check with your pump manufacturer and |
| workman’s comp and either did the | | | | see if they offer pump hose slurry for sale. There |
| general contractor. Don’t gamble in this | | | | are a few companies that sell slurry by individual |
| business. People can get injured and killed. | | | | packages. One small bag for each job. It can be a |
| Here’s a good habit to get into. | | | | little more money but some people really like it. |
| Start off with good hoses and clamps. When | | | | Just remember when you use slurry, pump it into |
| setting up a job, roll out the hose from one end | | | | a bag or someplace other than into the concrete |
| and when rolling it up, roll it from the other end. | | | | forms. |
| That way you can inspect both ends daily. If you | | | | I’ve noticed sometimes that the first 2 or |
| come across a bad hose, spray paint it to mark it | | | | 3 concrete hoses from the pump moves a lot |
| and put it aside. Then either fix it, cut it into two | | | | while pumping. Is that normal? Yes, but try this. If |
| hoses, or throw it away. If the concrete hose | | | | you are using a smaller hose, for instance a 2 ½ |
| clogs, a damaged or worn hose could burst with | | | | inch hose, start off with 25 ft. to 50 ft. of 3 inch |
| the possibility of causing property damage, | | | | hose and then add the 2 ½ inch for the |
| personal injury or even death. Same thing with | | | | remainder. The bigger hose will relieve some of |
| the reducers or elbows.. Don’t take | | | | the pressure. If you are using a concrete grout |
| chances. Fix it or throw it away. Once again, | | | | pump with a 2 inch hose, try starting off with 25 |
| invest in your equipment. | | | | ft. of 2 ½ inch. If you’re really noticing a |
| Pump Maintenance / When was the last time you | | | | lot of hose movement, slow down the concrete |
| changed your hydraulic oil? | | | | output. Don’t slow down the engine, just |
| Don’t forget to check your pumps | | | | the concrete volume. Always remember to keep |
| owner’s manual on when to change the | | | | the hoses from being damaged by rubbing against |
| hydraulic fluid, motor oil and all your filters including | | | | sharp objects such as corners, sharp rocks, etc. |