If you’re looking to buy a concrete mixer pump then you’ve probably given some consideration to whether you want a trailer-mounted pump or not, whether you would prefer gas, diesel or electric, the type of valve, and the output rate as well as the type of mix that you can use with the pump. Many people think that using a boom pump(bomba de concreto tipo pluma) is the best idea because of the long range and the high throughput, but it isn’t always the most sensible option.

The thing that you need to remember is that boom pumps, while capable of reaching huge distances, are best used for large pour jobs and for structural jobs. If you’re a business that specialises in, say, stamped or decorative concrete, then you’re likely using the wrong tool for the job.

The workplace of a concrete boom pump, ideally, is a big construction site with obstacles in the way, uneven ground, and high volume requirements. That’s where those things shine, and that’s where you’ll find the best p3erformance. If you’re wanting to do pressure grouting or slow pours for a stamped driveway, then you’ll need different tools(diferentes equipos) for that job.

The Right Pump for the Right Concrete

Some pumps are versatile, multi-purpose machines that can be used with a huge range of mixes. Others are engineered precisely for a specific kind of mix. Again, you’ll want to make sure that you get the right mix for the job(mezcladora correcta para el trabajo).

Take, for example, line pumps – some are designed for coarse aggregate and are best used for placing concrete slabs. Some are designed for 1/2-inch top aggregate sizes, and are good for self-leveling overlays, shotcrete and repair grouts. If you have a specific mix that you like to use and that you have found to be your ‘never fails us’ specialty, then you need to make sure that the pump you are working with is OK for the job that you want to do.

Valve Types

Another thing that you want to consider is the type of piston system or valve(válvula) that is used to pump the concrete through the delivery line. In general, as long as the specifications are up to scratch you’ll find that any type of pump can get the job done. Why care, then? Well, some pumps are commonplace and easy to replace or repair if necessary. Some are proprietary, though, and this will lock you in to a specific repair company or mean that you might struggle to get spare parts when things go wrong. If your pump is mission critical and you’re operating out in a remote area, then you want to make sure that you can get the bits that you need relatively easily. Don’t bank on the pump being reliable and not breaking down, because we all know how disruptive it can be when a pump does get damaged. You don’t wan to end up with a job stalled out, losing money every day, because of something that could have been avoided.