I was just checking out Schwings German website, more specifically their mixer/pump. The specs say there is a sensor in the hopper to monitor the level as to not overfill the hopper while discharging the concrete from the barrel into the pump.

I got to thinking wouldn't it be nice for us operators to have such a device in our hoppers that sent a signal to our remotes with perhaps a progressive light or warning tone when the hopper level gets dangerously low?

Sounds like a great idea ! but probably would give me a low hopper sensor warning at least 100 times a day. There seems to be alot of new mixer drivers over the last 5-8 years from all different age groups. I used to know alot by name , but many have retired , etc. I try to spread the word about the importance and safety of keeping my hopper full. But never seems to work. It seems this different generation of drivers just dont care. So I will continue to due what I always do , and thats use my eyes and ears.

OE-3

Do y'all use your horns to let the drivers know what you are doing? Honk once, count to five and then start pumping; and the same when you stop?

Sure do Bob, I even put a strobe light on top of my hopper that goes on when I'm pumping forward. They still don't get it. No professionalism in driving a mixer out here with you younger generation.

That is sad.

The hopper holds 3/4 of a yard. It always seemed to me like keeping the hopper level correct was a very easy task.

go figure?

All the new pumps that Pochin have delivered come with level sensors in the hopper fitted by Putzmeister one sensor just above the S valve the other sensor just below the hopper grill. These sensors can be turned on or off to operators requirements they are also fitted with a light system just on top of the hopper green for on and red for off. When I get back to work I will post some photo's for you.

to make the situation worse we have R.M. companys buying trucks with radio remotes so the drivers can walk around. they don't pay attention as it is.

Hey Bus !

How goes it ? Well we have something in common, I tell the drivers the same. As a matter a fact, at work today I had a driver appologize for over filling the hopper and spilling on to my tarp ? (go figure)  I said to him "thats one of the reasons I tarp it, keep it nice and full, and dont worry". He still felt bad and wanted to wash the tarp ? who knows... most the redi-mix trucks out here are outfitted with a wireless remote also. Seems like they tend to wander around bit.

Happy New year

Brian

OE-3

Gee you guys really make me feel lucky here. The only company I have problems with is the one with front discharges. Everyonelse is really good here. Granted some will have off days and, spill on occasion. Who makes the most mess at my pump are the testers, They just sling the chute over full and get mus everywhere.

over hear in safford az our pump company has its own batch plant and our drivers are very self conscious of the hopper level, i've mounted on the vibrator what i call (noise maker) when i am pumping and viberbating and the hoper is low it makes noise untell the driver fills it "the noise is just loud enouff to encourge the driver to fill the hopper" this has worked for me just fine, full hopper, no air sucked and everybodys happy