Old timer at the batch plant changed my mind about pump trucks

I've been hauling concrete for 8 years and always thought pump trucks were a waste for small residential jobs. Last Tuesday this guy Jimmy, must've been 70, watched me dump a load into a wheelbarrow for a backyard patio. He just shook his head and said 'son, you're burning an extra hour every pour'. He showed me his setup pumping 3 yards in 15 minutes flat. Made me wonder how much time I've thrown away. Anyone else switch to pumping and never look back?

2 comments

2 Comments

cora_ramirez1mo ago

Pretty sure Jimmy's been saying the same thing since the 80s though. Those pump trucks cost a fortune to rent and maintain, plus they break down all the time if the mix is too stiff or has big aggregate. Three yards in 15 minutes sounds great until you're waiting an hour for the pump guy to show up or cleaning out a clogged hose. Bet that patio job had zero rebar or tricky corners too (which is usually where pumps actually save time). Wheelbarrows let you place concrete exactly where you need it without fighting with hose lengths or worrying about the truck getting stuck.

avery6291mo ago

People always defend old methods like that's the same as them being better.