How does a concrete pump truck work?

A concrete mixer truck backs up to the back of a pump truck and discharges its load into the hopper. The hopper feeds the concrete through a pump which applies pressure to a column of a pipe, forcing the concrete through a lubricated hose. Concrete pumps are often used to reach places that are difficult or impossible to reach by other concrete placement methods, such as backyard swimming pools or high-rise buildings. Pumping is also used when the space available for construction equipment is limited. Approximately 1/4 of all concrete placed in the United States is placed by concrete pumping. What are the advantages in using Concrete Pump Trucks? • Pumping placement is faster than placement by other methods (wheelbarrow, tailgating, or a skidster loader) • Pumped concrete can be placed in areas that are difficult or impossible to reach by other placement methods. • Pumping often results in a savings in manpower, equipment cost and cycle time. • Pumping can take place under any weather ...  more