A
concrete pump can be an instrumental piece of equipment that easily delivers
concrete when and where you need it for a construction job. Like any piece of equipment you use, the better you take care of it, the longer it will last, and the more effective it will be.
Once you develop a consistent boom
pump maintenance schedule, you should have no problem executing the essential steps required to maximize your equipment. Here are some helpful
concrete pump maintenance tips to get you started.
THE IMPORTANCE OF
PUMP MAINTENANCE SCHEDULING
Schedule routine inspections to keep your
concrete pumps operating at maximum efficiency and safety. Your
pump maintenance procedures help reduce the risk of breakdowns, saving you time and money in the future. Fewer emergencies and less downtime mean a safer, more reliable working environment.
Many people fall into the mindset of only completing the necessary repairs to maintain operations. However, preventive
maintenance is a sustainable option for any machinery. A
pump maintenance schedule will protect your investment in your equipment. For construction companies, office administration and customer project deadlines often take up most of your time. Scheduling ensures your
concrete pump receives proper care even when you get busy with other demands.
Concrete pumping saves you time, allowing you to complete more work in a day and even visit multiple sites. You want to ensure your construction projects receive all the benefits of
concrete pumps for as long as possible. Following a routine
maintenance checklist will extend your
concrete pump’s lifespan
Your
concrete pump preventive
maintenance checklist should include the following tasks.
EVERY DAY
Lubrication is an essential aspect of daily
concrete pump maintenance. At the end of each day or after an eight-hour shift:
Grease the back end of the
pump.
Check the oil.
Inspect the pretension on the gas of the accumulator.
Check the wash-box for grout and dump the water.
Replace any blown fuses.
Check the truck diesel, oil, power steering fluid, radiator fluid and tires.
EVERY WEEK
At the end of the week or after 40 hours of use:
Check the grease pod.
Check oil levels in the
pump and water levels in the wash-box.
Make sure the boom filter gauges are in the green.
Make sure all the prop switches are working.
Inspect the truck alternator, lug nuts and belts.
EVERY THREE WEEKS
Or after about 100 hours of use:
Grease the entire boom, ensuring the turret is not under or over greased.
Look for damaged gaskets or leaks on the boom.
Check the hydraulic hoses for bubbling, dry-rotting, cracking or abrasion.
Inspect the switchover cylinders.
Check the cutting ring pretension.
Examine the truck brake pods, air lines and the tension on the belts.
Get the truck to 100 PSI, shut it off and press the gauge until the switch pops out to make sure the brakes work at low pressures.
Make sure the truck’s bolts are tight in the frame.
EVERY SIX WEEKS
Or after about 250 hours of use:
Change the oil in the boom
pump.
Repack the differential cylinders if there is oil in them.
Look for wear fatigue on the water tank.
Check for leaks and adequate water levels in the wash-box.
Change the boom filter and two primary tank filters.
Check the boom hand valves for leaks and rust on the end caps of the coils.
Inspect the blowout hose for dry-rotting, cracking or other problems.
Look for leaks in the outriggers.
Look for pretension on the outrigger chain.
Check the cutting ring pretension.
Make sure the compression seal inside the cutting ring is intact.
Examine the wireless control.
Inspect the hard line box.
Additionally, it is crucial to perform preventive
maintenance on the truck:
Change all the truck filters and dump the fluids.
Check the shift tower.
Inspect the belts thoroughly.
Check the exhaust pipe system, including the turbocharger and muffler.
Grease the transmission and check the fluid inside.
Ensure there is no play in the output shaft.
Make sure the universal joints and carrier bearing are in good shape.
Check for oil in the first and second drive axles.
Examine the air tanks, air lines and dryer.
Inspect the clutch pretension.
Check the radiator by blowing air from the engine to the radiator and back.
Make sure the slack adjusters can move.
EVERY THREE MONTHS
Or after about 500 hours of use:
Inspect the boom in its entirety.
Check the material cylinders.
Make sure the turret has adequate torque.
A complete
pump inspection should include careful examination of all elements, including the boom, pipework, pistons, hydraulic controls, electric controls, cutting ring, stabilizers, spec plate and hopper. A professional can also check the
pump’s
maintenance to ensure proper lubrication and sufficient oil and water levels.