From guys who have operated both Schwing and Putz., what are the advantages of the Schwing? I hear nothing but great things from those that do operate them, but would like to hear the point of view from those who have run both, and what it is that you like about each. To me, Putz. seems to have tighter outrigger footprints, more versatile boom configurations, and operator friendly decks for hose and accessory storage (just my biased opinion). And I am sure that Schwing also has some advantages over Putz. Not intending to start any brand bashing, just have a general interest concrete pumps and always like to learn more about the different machinery out there.

S for Schwing, S for strong.

P for Putz, P for practical.

It's been said that the Schwing is there for the concrete, while a Putz is there for the operator. As to smaller footprints on the Putz', that may be true, but it may tend to lift an outer leg while at full reach, while the Schwing stays fully planted. A rock-valve is easier to wash out, but you learn different techniques for each. They both pump concrete. It's really about which one has the best dealer service and support in your area.

The differences between each aren't inherently good or bad, it depends on you (application, type of mud pumping, size of company, climate).  Putz's hydraulics are all controlled by the pumps through signal lines.  The result, fewer hydraulic leaks because as much of the pressure as possible is confined in the pumps, and most of the hyd. lines that you see are low pressure signal lines.  Also, if your cooling system is functioning properly, putz will stay cooler in hot climates because when pumping tough mixes, instead of pushing hyd. oil over the relief when it reaches max pressure which creates heat, it simply shuts the pump off, then turns it on, then off, etc... (that's why you hear that noise only in putz.)  One thing that I think is hands down better in a putz is the e-stop system shuts off the electrical, but still allows the hyd. system to resist pressure.  This is FAR FAR superior when you've got pumps scattered all over.  Operators cannot always locate the dump valve bypass and it's just all around better in practicality.  Schwing's advantages are the S-Outrigger, I don't know why you think putz has a smaller footprint.  That's true on the old, but Schwing's got the S-Outrigger now, and putz cannot get around the patent.  Also, maintenance is cheaper and easier.  If you're a small operation with one mechanic, or an owner operator, I have no idea how you could run a putzmeister.  Labor intensive, and the majority of the stuff that you have to do requires two people.  I won't get into specifics because it would take too long to catalog all the differences in maintenance but believe me, schwings are much easier to work on, and the work takes half the time with half the people.  But, since Schwing's hydraulics are contolled by spools in the brain, you have more hyd. lines and more hyd. leaks.  Also, Schwing's major benefit before were that the hyd. pumps weren't tandem.  Tandem pumps are so fcking dumb.  When you lost a schwing hyd. pump in the past, you could drop it out in an hour.  Also, if you needed the pump, you could just fabricate a plate to cover the pto hole and run it on one pump.  With tandem pumps (which both have now) you lose a pump, and you have two guys working 8 hours to drop the things out.  You have at least a $3000 bill to rebuild.  And you have Another two working eight to put it up and in and bleed.  Also, schwings I think are just tougher (everything about them.  How the hydraulics were engineered, the seals, etc....)  So, don't listen to people who say that one is hands down better than the other.  It's all about your specific the situation.  Quite frankly, they are the only two pumps to buy and they are both quality built. 

bravo cp1 well said i agree 100% theres too many differences to list its all about what you need and what kind of support you can get from the dealers

they are both the Mercedes and BMWs of concrete pumps, with that said each has its own certain advantages i myself after many years of being a schwing man I have to say I would rather run a putz, they eat up harsher mixes,they operate smoother, now a schwing cleans out much easier and to me is a little more dependable, but I will still stick with my putz for now, but both are top notch in my book.

after reading cp1s post he has it enuff said. 

I to have run both from a 17mtr to a 61 mtr schwing and a 20mtr to a 63mtr putz.but ill stick with the putz.you can set up a big boom putz in a tighter place with the oss on a putz and be safe doing it.there are pro's and con's on both.both are verry good pump's.ill stay with my 63.(just need a little more horse power to move it down the road) LOL

SCHWING HANDS DOWN

Thanks for the breakdown cp1, great info! And your absolutely right about Schwing longs booms having a really tight footprint.. I believe there 52-61's are only 29ft. wide on the front end. When I mentioned Putz. having tighter outrigger footprints I was thinking more in the 32-40 meter range, although Northwest 63 raises a good point about the Putz. OSS, it is real asset to have on a big boom, I am betting that we use it on at least 50% of the pours we do with our 58Z.

putz all day much smoother

FORD OR CHEVY?? Both good not sure which is better.

Ford, much better. Schwingmeister

Rock valve, rock valve, rock valve!!!!  Run a 32m schwing and thompson tomcat line pump (old school s-valve).  Boom pumps a breaze to clean, seems to hold up maintenance wise better than the old 32 putz we had.  Absolutely hate to clean that damn s-valve.  Pain in the arse.  Schwing pumpers beware, watch that kidney seal.  Never stroke her dry.  Found that one out the hard way after sending two trucks home and finding what was left of it in my number 2 section.

As a former mixer driver, we like the Putz's much better. They are quieter and smoother, have a much lower hopper, and don't spit out the hopper nearly as much. No idea how either operates, but that's my experience.

putz the best aint no opr if ya cant run a putz i must say i mean theres all kinds of good pumps but its all how u main tane em ya no but id go with putz any day b4 a swing