so here is the deal, i have been really into pumping the last 2 years, done tons of research and just kind of looking for some answers. i have major interest in starting a pumping business. there is only one other major pumping company in my area with 3 pumps. i am in a town of around 70k population, it is a growing city. i know many contractors etc. etc. those are just a few things to get me started. would it be stupid of me to buy an older used pump...saying that...a 91 schwing 1200/32 with 6000 pump hours, mack 690s chassis. pump had a major rebuild in April of 2005. has new wear parts, hard surface rock valve, new concrete barrells, agitator bearings, differential seals and cord remote. i recently looked at the pump and it seems to be in excellent shape for a 91. pump would also come with complete boom inspection and dot inspection, new pipe, new tires, 30 day parts warranty and possibly paint. all for under 100K is it a bad idea to go with rack and pinion and non-proportional boom? i would really appreciate some feedback. thanks, richard

The machine you mentioned would be an excellent choice for someone just entering into the business.  There is nothing wrong with rack and pinion slewing and black and white controls.  The electronics are very simple to troubleshoot (a testlight is all thats needed) and the price is right. 

Here are a few questions that you need to answer.  You mentioned an inspection, who is going to perform it, what are their credentials, will repairs be included?  How are your finances?  Is it going to be a cash purchase or financed?  DO NOT LEASE OR FINANCE A 15 YEAR OLD MACHINE.  Can weather several bad months without losing everything?  How mechanicaly inclinded are you, do you understand basic hydraulics/electrical systems, how about truck repair; brake and clutch adjustment, changing a wheel seal, u-joints or brake chamber?  It sounds stupid but any of these simple repairs can keep you from making the pour that YOU committed to.  And aslo save you tons of money and days of down time.  I used to get a $100Hr. + travel + expenses +parts with a 4Hr. min. and most of the time it only took 30 min. to diagnois and fix the problem.  How about the operator, will it be you or someone that you hire?  What type of training do you/they have?  Remember that if someone else is running your equipment that they are representing you.  You can also count on the fact that they will not show up at least once so you will be forced to operate the machine in order to keep your committment to your customer.  What kind of precautions will you make to limit your personal liability if there is an accident?  Every time one of these machines drives down the road or pumps a jobs there is the potential for injury or fatality.  And in the event that you make money how will you limit your tax burden? I am not trying to scare you but these are just a few of the many things that need to be considered before your purchase.  It is a great way to make a living, it's the only thing I have done in my adult life and it's been very good to me.  But it requires both complete committment and dedication to be successful.

REMEMBER SAFETY FIRST AND FOREMOST!

wow, thanks for that response. now to answer some more questions. as for inspections...pump would be coming from a certified schwing dealer and they are certified to do inspections and repairs through schwing...they are not just some joe blow off of the street! my finances are fair but could not be purchased in cash and still be able to live although i do other work in the construction field...building houses and electrical and excavating. why do you say not to finance a 15 year old pump? i am a mechanically inclined person, i know how to take stuff apart and put back together in a timely manner and also have some experience working on construcion/heavy equipment, cars, and trucks etc. as for minor repairs such as stated, i have tools (welder, air tools, torch, hand tools etc.) and a shop to work in. i would personally operate my own pump, i have some experience but not much. the pump that i stated would also come with 3 day of operator training to become more familiarized. i also have become llc with my construction company and would more than likely form another for the pumping itself. well hope that helps out some more and thank you again for the quick response. also, safety, customer satisfaction, how you present yourself and how the work is completed is very high on my list.

call me i started up two years ago,it's been interesting 909-229-9157

Sorry, I meant to say don't finance a 15 yr old machine for more than three years.  I say this because the intrest will kill you, but that's for you to decide, I hope you have done the math.  Have you done any kind of market study for your area?  What are the projections for cement consumption for the next 3,5,10 years?  Can your market keep another 32 meter busy?  You are talking about a significant investment and you need to cover all your bases.  Do your research!

Regarding the boom inspection, are the repairs covered?  I don't care how large the dealer is you still need to know the qualifications of the inspector/welder.  How many inspections have they performed, who qualified them, have they passed the CWI exam (all Schwing inspectors/welders are required to pass this test) ? These are the questions that you need to ask.  I have worked for two very large outfits, owned my own pump company and worked for Schwing so I know what I am talking about.  I am just trying to help.

I don't know where your location is, but I was an operator for 20yrs, and shop manager for 5 yrs for 2 major pump companys in So. Calif. I went independent this yr. as Mobile repair for all concrete pumps. I'm also a schwing independent mecanhic. I'm in San Digeo I'll help with any ?'s you may have 760 716-8266