I hear we have 10% less pump companies now than we did a few years back, we have around 30% less pumps. Over the last couple years we estimated we have shipped around 1500 boom pumps over seas and 500 or so have been sitting for the last few years and can not pump concrete unless you spend 30k or so on them to get them running again. Its estimated that we have around seven to nine thousand boom pumps in the USA.

 Here is a list of things and problems I see happening and could happen to our industry right now if things pick up. 

1. Manufactures might have a hard time keeping up with wear parts.

2. Due to the fact that so many pump companies have gone out of business we have a glut of used concrete pumps but many of them are going over seas and others are just sitting wasting away. Once things start picking up there will be a run on new pumps and it might take up to 6 months to buy a new concrete pump.

3. Many Operators have now found jobs doing other things and they might have a hard time giving up their jobs to go back to concrete pumping, we might have a shortage of operators.

4. Because people tend to neglect upkeep on their equipment in down turns many will have to spend much of their profits on wear parts and repairs. As things pick up we have to remember costs are going to increase until all the equipment maintenance is completed.

Remember that growth can kill a company and a proper growth plan is needed to succeed. Pumping at cost will not allow you to handle any type of growth.

 Best wishes

Todd Bullis

www.concretepumping.com

That does bring to light new challenges

30% less pumps? perhaps,would be nice to see how many have been exported.If one checks the used pump sales inventory it is at record levels,still alot of pumpco iron for sale.Companies will rethink new purches vs rebuild,they should have been doing that all along.10% less companies? least not forget the ones devoured be the giant and got a new name,I can go along with 10% less due to the economy (sure thing).It takes a manufacturer less time and money to stock repair parts over building new pumps,we shall see more diversity.The operators that are top notch never have to worry about a job,there compitition already knows there names.Some (like me) just got fed up with the bs and backstabbing.The others were on borrowed time anyway,nothing personal.

This is the best time ever to get there rates where they belong,rebuilds will come as the $$$ allows.There was in fact alot of lessons learned from this go around

Many. With ya bud, but Americans have short term memory when it comes to learning a lesson about business.

I can remember in the early 80's when we were in a hole and intereste rates were up to 20%. Guys saying never again. I will be more overhead aware. Then money starts to flow. Fancy trucks, then the pump industry started to grow in the mid late 80's as house foundations went from Block to poured wall everywhere.

Then late 80's early 90's we took a slide again. Agreed neither like this one and not even close but still bad. Guys all learned a lesson. Now look. If and when we get out of this and work starts up which will not be soon. you will see the same thing.

If the banks did learn a lesson and do not lend like they did the manufactures will find away to finance them. And then we will be in this four to five years after work gets going again.

I see guys now bearly staying alive in business but have the big ass pick ups brand new sitting in the driveway and bearly able to make the payments on it.  Ego. We are an ego nation. Our cars are to expensive, trucks that work on site look like dress whores with the lipstick on pigs.

Look at the pumps everywhere in the world outside North America. Simple rims, simple paint sceems, and they look like construction equipment. Not off a show room floor. EGO. We need all to get back to basics. Good business sense, work ethic, and simplify our lives a bit. Get back to basics.

Oh and Many. Do not tell us you do not remember the past three recessions either. I know that would be the first place you would try and go. I know we are both older than 40, 50 and ???????

grinning,your on target there ( i'm in the ??? group ) it was starvation in the 80's.Remember the duck,stay calm on top and paddle like hell underneath

wow , this is one awesome post from all 3 of you . i really enjoyed the read.

quote from Todd "Its estimated that we have around seven to nine thousand boom pumps in the USA."

and to think only about %10-20 of that number ever see a boom inspection. Sooner or later pump owners will start seing the benefit of a certified inspection report ,specially after they have a visit from there attorney/osha/or an injury.

Plenty of great used pumps on the market to buy at 25 to 50 cents on the dollar of what they cost brand new. Anyone thinking of buying a new pump should consider the used market first and consider what a rebuild would cost. I agree that parts will be an issue in the future, so maybe if you are a dealer you try and start replenishing your inventory now for the future demand. Many people in this industry are driven by there EGO, and are unrealistc with what they buy.  I don't see a problem being creative with how you represent your company as a bells and whistles stand point, but if your going to lose your ass to look pretty, then wait to pretty up your next pumps you might purchase. I myself like when companies are uniform and look professional, but its not for everyone.

I get so angry when I see pictures and hear that late model trucks are not kept up with, or not properly maintianed.  If you take care of your equipment it will take care of you. I get disgusted when I see pictures of used pumps beaten up and that have concrete splatter, dented hoppers, concrete underneath on the frame, and grease and oil everywhere.  We need to respect the units we run each day because I feel like some operators think they are a giant toys that you just put away when your done at night. I mean I usually run a 1985 Schwing 36, and it still looks like we just got it reconditioned from CPR in 2000. It doesn't ever hurt you when you have time on a job to examine your truck and check it for cracks, hydraulic oil, grease, and etc. And, I strongly agree that you should always have a boom inspection, no matter what.  IT SHOULD BE THE LAW!!!

I know I'm young and inexperienced in this industry right now, but someone let me know if I'm wrong or agree with me please. Thanx