I've been asked to shotcrete a project. I've never done it but the money is good... I'm looking for a pump that can be a multi-use pump; not a monster, a smaller trailer pump like a Schwing P-305. Will this have enough power to push 150' of 2" hose? (probably only need 100') also; Should I run 3" gear until the last 25-50 feet? Where is the best place to find a used 305? what is a reasonable price?

All responses are appreciated; Tim

Hey Tim - if you're looking for a good little shotcrete pump with a decent amount of horsepower (82hp), we've got several good used REED A Series Pumps - seehttp://www.reedpumps.com/used.htm

If you're looking for something even smaller than that (the P305 has 48 horsepower) - I know a guy who is selling a Putz TK30 for a really good price (40 horsepower, I think) - call me at 888-779-7333 and I'll give you his contact info...

Mike @ REED 

Buy a 50 yd/hr pump like a Schwing 750 or 1000, Putz TK50 or Reed. You'll be happier in the long run. In my experience, most people who buy a 30 yd/hr pump wish they would have bought larger. Good luck.  

I agree 50+ cy ph pumps are more user friendly that way if you ever need the extra volume and pressure you have it. In my case i love to shotcrete out of a these 2 pumps i used to run Putzmiester TS2070 and a Schwing BPL2000 i done 300+ feet of 2 inch on both pumps. 

E.T. check out your message box

for sure bigger is better, and as for the system,i always run as much 3" as possible and reduce down to 2" 50-75' before the nozzle, if its a small amount of hose then 2 or 3  sticks os 3' pipe,one hose and a 50'

;) ,oh by the way i just did 20 yrds today with 250' on

ET look at Transcrete America they make a really good S-tube pump there wear parts are the longest lasting  you can buy,Ball Valve pumps are good shot crete pumps also and are a little cheaper, wear parts are very cheap as far as cost and easy to change out, my pump that I run is very trouble free I can't say the name cause they don't advertise on this site so It wouldn't be fair to the one's that do.

honestly i use my olin 565 ballvalve peagravel pump on shotcrete all the time it wrks just fine. and as for system i feel bigger is not always better.on a 250 ft job ill run half in 21/2 inch pipe and the rest in 2 in hose.remember pumping is only as hrd as u make it.oh yeah a air adapter to hook up your hose to the compressor is always nice to have

oh and one more i did 450 feet of shotcrete with my onlin lst week

the line pumper I run the next size smaller than you 5/45

Thanks for all the reply's, you guys are pushing bigger is better; but my jobs rarely exceed 10 yards for block fill or small slabs. I'm only considering shotcrete because I can get set up pretty cheep. I only found a couple of the Schwing 305 for sale, anyone know the going rate for a pump? Best I found is at usedpumpsandparts and looks like a pretty good deal. Again; thanks for the info and PM's they were very helpful. BTW; can I pump a mix of 3/4 rock cement and water? It's designed to be a water permeable barrier for behind retaining walls. Thanks, ET

I bought a p305 two years ago with no regrets. The volume is fine, 30 yds an hour is plenty for what you need. It doesn't have the power a heavy model has, but if you know what your doing it works just fine I pump 3/4", 5.5 bag, 50-50 mix 200ft with mine no problem through 2.5" hose even. 2" is only good for sandy pea rock mix, only buy 2.5" or bigger. I have never tried to pump shot crete. If you plan on doing a lot of shot crete you might need a more powerful pump. No you can't pump rock and cement with any pump, you have to have sand 50-40%. 15-25 K for a used one, check the hours.

Well since the work you are getting is small then the 30-45 cyph rated pumps should do you good the smaller pumps will push shotcrete okay but they work alot harder then the bigger pumps.

I've always been told to reduce at pump. What is advantage to run 3" then reduce? Is it that much easier on pump?  Have you ever heard of anyone running 4" steel on ground off a boom then putting on a Tee and running two -two inch rubber hose and two nozzles? I've heard of it but have not seen it.