Hello All,

This is my first post. I am new to concrete pumping and so far have found this site very helpful. Although I have many questions, my first is this:  What is the major differences/advantages/disadvantages between the traditional roll-n-fold and the z-boom boom styles? What is the best position to keep the boom while pumping for each of them.  I have some experience on a traditional Putz and normally kept the boom in an arch (not sure if that was even correct, just the way I was shown).  Was this correct and should I do the same for a z-boom?  Thanks in advance! 

Hey well for me I like the Z and you can pump in a A frame but it becomes wonky when you get close to the truck and I find the controls work much better in a Z pattern but it is what ever you prefer.

We have both. With the Z, pouring close to the truck is a little crazy but going into a tight space on a 2nd or 3rd floor building, give me the Z any day.

I think, that Z boom is more universal.

it seems to me both have there place in the industry,which one is better I think its all a matter of personal preference,Z's are good for tight places roll and folds are good for wide open spaces and seems to be a little more stable pumping I like both in certain situations and I dont think one is any better than the other

Thanks everyone for replying. Also thanks for the pictures. From what I am gathering Zbooms are used more when you have to "scope" into a place? Whereas a roll-n-fold is more for reach and open areas? Sound about right?

I think you are right my friend.

If you really learn how to run a z they rock. Personally I like the z-roll configuration. You go with your badass selves Concord. Oh and thanks PumpCo for letting me run such a fine machine:)

hey, after a couple thompsens and then a roll n fold for 8 years and now a Z i think the Z is the real deal. can do anything a roller can do and i have had 3 sections into a 4'by 8' opening, around cranes and under tight clearance cielinings.1st section at a 45, second section vertical, 3rd section vertical and the jib doing most of the work. Also I have found that when you run a Z in a Z then you get a lot less boom bounce and hose whip. Once you get good at a Z the rollers seem outdated.

I think the combo ZR is pretty great! I run a Schwing 47m,aka a cabcrusher,and I love it!! Folds & unfolds fast,no worrys about landing the tip hose and with a little work,I can put 3 sections in a building.

Ok so when you are running a "Z" do you try/prefer to keep the boom in a "Z" pattern when you can?

Well I prime out in an A-frame if possible always, so unless I need to be in a Z I start out roll and fold, If im bored and feel like a change when I get streched out where I can bring it back into a Z I sometimes do. Really running a Z boom is fairly simple. Think of it as running 2 A-frames. When I was learning the Z I would run out sections A-B only, then C-D only, and once you get the hang of that put them all together. I was really surprized at how smooth it is to run all the sections at once, it seems really forgiving and everything flows together nice. I didnt care much for it when I first got it, I hated having to use the second section, never had to with a Roll and Fold, always locked 1 and 2 together, but I wouldnt go back now.

a Z is a real B!@ch when you get in tight unless you are in a Z. So if most of the pour is way out there i run it like a roller. if I have to get close to the pump then I go Z. As for priming I do it dependeing on the above. It will prime in a tight Z or A frame but I have found that I prime faster in a Z... could be just nervous but have never plugged. but the fact that you can use the boom in both configurations shows how versatile a Z can be when you know how to run it.

I run a 38z 20 cell and its a nice machine for tight spots and once you learn how to run it you can pour slabs or whatever either in z or A frame it seems to me with the 20 cell its less boom shake in A frame,when your trying to pour drill shafts with a trimee there a bitch because its hard to recirculate but all in all I think the rolling Z is the best boom design and in a close second is the overhead roll and fold then roll and fold then z I have gotten my Z in some tight holes but nothing I couldn't have gotten by with a roll and fold and a few hoses,the one thing about the Z is the way the pipeline is ran it seems to be easier on gaskets and pipe wear is a little more even but ease of operation has got to go to the roll and fold or the overhead roll and fold.

I was one of the people who ran a rollie for a number of year and loved the but when I took over the lead role in my company as the "placing guy" they through me head-long into a 40m-Z kicking and screaming of course but I learned and adjusted to it and now I prefer it. My personal feelings are that once you hit that comfort zone in a Z they are easy to use and a little more versatile. As far as getting close to the truck: fold everything into the second section and go from there. the more you fight it and try to run it like a rollie the more stressed out you will be.

i agree with you zman i run a 24z and works way better in the z pattern. . .