We always start FNG on a line pump. How else do they lern.

I like the idea that the trainers have a voice in whether or not the new guy makes it. That can not ever be an easy decision. I also like the idea of designated training operators. I wish we had that program in place.

The problem I seen with training guys on line pumps then moving them to booms is most guys who come to the company with a cdl wont run a line pump and the ones who come to run a line pump are usally younger kids who dont stick around long enough to gain enough experance to be moved up

Anybody can drive a truck, and there are lots of jobs where you are a driver because of a fancy cdl. The issue/skill here is pumping concrete, and there is no better way to learn than a line pump. If a driving job is what they want, there are lots of alternatives where a seperate, more involved skill is not part of it.

Much better to learn on a line pump. You can have all the problems you want but at least it is on the ground and not in the air. Also it teaches you real fast how not to pump concrete and do it the right way.I had the pleasure of learning on a line pump in Houston...loved that five inch system. *yeah right*

I can tell you it is harder to get it through 5 inch line on the ground then it is up in the air. I was taught a few things about concrete from being on a line pump. I got to learn what I could and could not do with concrete. This message was edited by dieselman on 10-8-05 @ 7:41 PM

We used to have a conversation about the 1,000 pour and who would you send. It was 1,000yds 1,000 miles from the shop. The mix sucked - the contractor would rather backcharge than help and the pump was an old yard dog. It made for interesting discussions.

I know a operator on a 42 who never fails to prime a boom. But when line is involved he always get in trouble