Hello all! I have been reading here for a few weeks. I am about to dive into the concrete pumping business, the only problem, I have never pumped. Now I know most are already shaking their head, but I just ask that everyone goes back to their first day. My questions are quite simple. I am opening up a business with a family member that has been in cement finishing business for almost 30 years, clients are abundant and projections look good. I was just wondering how long would you take in learning the pump. I was thinking the first month would be working only for my family members company so I can learn the pump fully. Also we are purchasing a Putzmesiter V70 PRO mounted on a GMC T7500, anyone have one of working with one? Thanks any help appreciated!

the vs 70 are a nice pump some computer problems least the one i was on nice high pressure pump as far as reg 400 500 footers go not vertical sky towers or anything smooth easy to run and the truck well its a chevy plan on being at chevy alot

You are probably getting the unit from a pumping co/dealer.I know we used to train new people when they bought a pump from us,part of the customer service package.

I would want to learn from someone other than family.

So you have decided to go to the school of hard knocks. My best advice is get trained. You could really get hurt or hurt someone if you dont do it right. look at this guy, he took a clamp off while the pump was plugged to release the pressure. My best advice is get trained, wear safety gear, make sure those around your pump have boats, gloves, safety glasses, hard hat and so on. Learn to pump or have someone come out with you. Pumping Concrete is like being married, its all good until you have a problem than everything can get real bad really quick.

Did you notice the wound is in the shape of a clamp?

His other leg is all jacked up also, it got sprayed with concrete.

im sure you will get plenty of sound advise but remember you never stop learning in this industry just take every thing easy and never lose your head thats when mistakes are made

good luck vitulla

Contact Serre consulting they're very knowledgeable and offer the training you're looking for. Safety First!

v 70 pro, I assuming thats a line pump. What size hose are you buying? Make sure you get the right size for ease of handling. There's lots of little tricks. This site is great for advice. Good luck. Also mix design is important. Some mud is really hard to pump with system.

Sugestion- find a company who run similar set ups then offer your machine to do their work FOC in return for them training you, simple all they have to provde is an operator for their work and you get trained,  yes youll get all the crap goin but thats all part of it!!

Theres plenty of people out there willin to help someone whos just startin out, just ask.

Vitulla

My best advice to you is (RUN) FAR FAR AWAY.No really.Todd is right you need to get some training.Watch, listen, learn.There are some great operators on here to learn from.If you have a question ask. I've been doing this crap for 20 something years and still learning from these guys.Good group of guys.

Just be very careful.

Ruck

thank you all for your quick responses! Safety is definitely a priority. I'm a really meticulous person so I am not too worried about this part. I have worked with fork lifts, loaders, bob cats etc etc. We are aiming for the really small jobs, meaning a regular day for us would be 4 small jobs of 15 square meters or less per job. This means more setup time then actual pumping. The place that is selling us the pump is giving us a whole day of training. Also, between Nov-Feb, I will be working for only my family members business, basically training for that period of time, their employees will be a little more patient etc. Thanks for all the advice and keep it coming!

go find an out of work operator, offer him money to teach you about it. Let someone that has done it be there for some hands on training before you go at it alone. there is someone somewhere im sure is willing to show you stuff. its more dangerous than people make it look.

It'll be an ongoing learning experience.  Use lots of prime when you're a beginner.  Run a job or two and bring your questions here, we'll give you all kinds of ideas and tricks of the trade! 

Family and leaning to pump,no way hosa.If you wish to keep your family intact,why not jump off a building.If you think i'm kidding just remember this response 6 months from now.

If your dead set to pump concrete go to work for a reputable company,fail safe.Better yet hire one of the experienced out of work operators out there that can be a real asset to your endevor.

Take it or leave it,looks good from my house.

Vitulla

Where you at? Are you anywhere near Chicago? Hell, I will show you how run that thing,I just sitting on my ass wishing to get a job.A road trip might be good for me.I've been around the block once or twice.LOL

Ruck

Im in Montreal hahahahahaha Waiting for bank approval this week, should be getting my pump mounted on the truck first week of November if everything goes to plan!

Hey m8 good luck !!

Please think before you act!! i know it sounds simple but when customers start sreaming and things are going to shit just remember to think , take a step back and go over things before you jump in , be slow dont rush, i got thrown into it ! and all you can do is consentrate be alert and think lol!

I hope you do well!

Todd I wish you would stop showing these grissly pictures it just gives me the kripps

i know how you feel for sure, makes me sick.

better a leg today than a life tomorrow:

Well just be glad I did not post the picture of the guy trapped dead under his pump or the video of the guy in his pump dead while it was burning because he boomed into the power lines or or... Be save guys.

im pretty new to the fild my self man but my varry frist say was fun i must say my frist pump job i did a lintle but i dnt no how biz is over there but pick a crazy time to do so but gotta be safe cuz pumps will hurt ya seen the pic its wild but tak a corse on runin the pump and ask as much ppl u can wont no till u ask ya no but good luck man Cyaaaaaaaaaaaa

is that English ?

im with todd on this one dont jump in head first or u could get hurt or hurt some one at least hire a operateor to help u out on ur pump and jump on the end of the line and learn the right way

good luck to u bud hope it all goes good 4 u

HEY "V":  GET SOMEONE TO INSPECT IT GOOD BEFORE YOU BUY IT IF IT IS USED. 

BEST ADVICE: NEVER GET IN A HURRY AND WATCH YOUR MIXES.  KEEP YOUR MACHINE SPOTLESS AND  IT WILL HARDLY EVER BREAK DOWN. CHECK IT BEFORE YOU GO ON A JOB AND AFTER YOU RETURN.