Why do so many of you guys run your Z booms as a roll and fold?

it's not a knock on anyone's skills or anything. but some people can't think abstractly.
also, i can attest that until the putz rep came out and told me the best configuration for one, i didn't get it either.
then again some guys just don't want to operate more than two functions at a time.

Unless the job needed to be in "Z" configuration I used to run it like a roll and fold because it is already shaped that way for prime and then again for water wash. Just makes it go a little quicker.

I think fopr the most part familiarity Bob, until one gets use to it or has a need for it or you get a non english speaking crw you dont want to go out and beat up the hose man. I recently got off a big pump for the Putz 5section 31z and I dont run it as a z unless I need to or feel like it. Most of my jobs consist of power lines or jobs where this some type of overhear obstruction and I am forced to run it as a Z...

I'm sure thatsome  guy's don't like having the boom sections that much closer to people,dirt piles wall forms etc. But in my experience with one of our 38's it runs more predictable in the z because  you are usually using more than two functions  witch keeps the hydraulic pump wellunder load.   The 38z in a r/f mode is a jumping jack when your pumping low slump mud so if it is ran in a z it usually oscilates instead of  a bounce ,which I think easier to run regardlessof slump or output

I am certainly no pro on a z. More of a stone ass rookie. I am pretty observant and [just watching] it seems to me like the boom is much more stable when run as a z. If you are going to slam the yards - it had better be "Zeed up" Am I right?

Bob-

I operate in a 'Z' configuration whenever possible.  Once in a while, you have to operate in a 'Z' - So, I find that being familiar and comfortable with the controls and the boom's different reaction while pumping 'Z' vs. roll-n-fold helps out...and having a 5 section boom, some of the controls on the remote box are completely backward when in 'Z' - so it makes it fun.  I like being able to run either configuration without having the look on my face like I have to poo.  When some guys are in 'Z', they have that look.

You guys know what I'm talking about....

Running in z or roll and fold totally depends on the job. Z booms are alot more stable in z formation but can be really slow when booming back to the truck. Unless you need to be running in z because of over head hazards or your inside a building, it usually depends on how far you have to reach out. If the job is real close to the pump z makes sense because it is quicker to do. plus getting close to the truck running a z as a roll and fold is awkward. I personally run z all the time. But if i have to stretch the boom all the way out i will boom in like a roll and fold because its easeir to get a sponge back that way.

Well just got my first 45Z-5 section, depending on the job, as already mentioned,will determine the configuration used. If I'm pumping a floor where I'll be flat sticked, I'll set 3 sections inline and work off the 4th and Jib, so I don't get caught with my pants down on the way out and the return. When I'm doing a wall or anytime I won't need to flat stick, I run in a "Z" cause it seems to be the "Cool" thing to do and looks neat, but generally when in a "Z" I will set Main and 2nd at about half way over the job and work off 3rd,4th, and jib and use the 3 sections as a R/F, but I've only had this 5 section stick 2 weeks, so lots to learn still.

I agree, it depends on the job. I run a 40m putz and prefer it in Z. Sometime if I go out and have just 1 or 2 trucks to unload and you don't need to pump fast, then I will run it like a roll and fold since I like to prime in roll and fold, But if I have alot of yards to pump, put it in Z and turn it up! If you run a Z boom than learn to operate it in Z. You will need to be comfortable sticking 2 or 3 sections into buildings, going under overhead obstructions, ect. Z booms are fun!

if i am going to run my 38z close to full output it better be roll and fold the boom is moving everywhere in z I have tried both and the 20 cell operates better in roll and fold it may be the settings and also it doesnt like to move 3 and 4 when pumping almost wide open in z I only z when it needs to be a frame for priming a frame for sucking back the pig just easier to keep it in roll and fold

I was trained on, and my first boom was a Cifa 31 Metro, and I ran it in the Z configuration whenever possible. It seemed to me it pumped a lot smoother in the Z configuration. I primed in the A frame position when possible, and never had any problems priming or sucking a sponge. When I had to do inside pours with limited overhead clearance, I was good to go because I had always been running in the Z config.

It seemed that people who had run roll and fold booms before running a Z boom just ran it like a roll and fold because that was what they were used to.

NOT TRYING TO PLUG TODD
but if you go to the putz web site, they have animations on how to operate some of the more complicated bigger pumps. it's worth checking out for a refresher.

i just followed my own advice and according to the animations on the website, they are designed to operate "roo and fold". it's worth looking into if you are new to Z-fold booms.

was trained on a roll n fold, now run a 31 5section and the only time shes in A frame is primin a boney mix. other then that its a flat prime and z all day.  the one disadvantage to the z5section (espacialy with big boom), the boom moves so slow when doin big movment runnin 3 or more sections at once. and if its freezin out, tell the boys to take a coffee break.

had big boom operators say that some mixs dont take well to the z, but ive only had problems with lean-crete.  had lots of hose guys say that z is alot easier on the back when goin hard all day.

but in the end its all what works best for the operator.

Bob,

I think Pink Panther hit it on the nose when answering your question.  During prime and clean up you have the boom in an arch.  Depending on how close the work is to the pump it is easier to leave it in the R & F configuration.  But....  Once you get closer to the pump you are forced to "Z" it.  Also, anyone coming from a R & F to a "Z" Has to make some adjustments and that my friend creates the look of having to "poop" on the faces.

My 60m is a ZR Fold you can run it either way just fine. It depends what kinda mood I am in, you can roll it in all the way to the pump or z it in.

i been running concrete pumps for 13 years and a z fold for about 7 years  any way i find it that its always better to  run in z fold postion less boom bounce smoother flow all the recoil is in the boom none on the hose man .i also prime every time in a z position and have yet to plug up so i know it works i also suck backin a zpostion .but by far a z boom is way beeter than a rold n fold but its all in whoever sets the box if u have a experienced guy have him set that box i myself am the best my z boom is a cadilac.once u mastered the z boom ull never want a roll nfold ever again any question feel free to ask   .oh btw i have a putz 38z.

 smoothoperator.TX

been runnnin a pump 4 years, run rf, rz, and z. you like the small boom 4 section z, if a small boom 5 section ever comes your way, tis the boom for you. so smooth, prime folded up, suck back folded up, pumps all twisted up. and did i say so smooth.

fun times