just started to operate 32m putzmeister pump last week and i have a few questions,what is the best way to make the concrete in good slump while waiting for the truck? this is what i usually do as i see to my co operators here swingback the hose in the hopper, add water and circulate it,is this proper? although i add water that makes the quality of the concrete weak,there are times im pouring a pitch roof i have no choice but to add waterwhen circulating the concrete, but i will hear bad words from the contractor why its so wet pouring a pitch roof here is 3" slump, if the truck will arrive after 30 mins, a lot of build ups in the hopper, ive seen other pumps raise their boom up high and pump the concrete back and forth, but seems im afraid to do it,  the same thing for me because the stiff concrete is only in the pipe just keep on moving, if you circulate it the wet and dry concrete will be mixed together,

also what is the best ,fast and easy way when you go to the next job after you finished one? as i see them they just suck the ball take it out and keep  pumping reverse untill they reach the job site and circulate the concrete ive done it once but my pipe blocked,as i set for another job im ready to circulate the concrete and i never think that the concrete in the hopper is not enough to circulate it so i add water and segregation happens, luckily my pipe didnt blow i found one elbow full of rocks, so it didnt happen again, everytime i transfer i drop my concrete maybe just thinking that i can do what they can but i fail,

And one thing more when pump was set in paved ground they dont want want any mess on the ground as i swing back my hose in the hopper,

i really appreciate any suggestions or comments on how i do my job as a rookie pump operator,

Welcome to the site brother! If you browse this site as often I do you will learn some very valuble information on safety and pumping procedures. I must say that Concretepumping.com has helped me become a safer and more professional pump operator. Keep on pumping!

I am a rookie as well and I always swing my boom hose around and circulate it back through the hopper. I don't usually add water because the concrete is always moving and I slow the pace down as well to keep down the splatter. Adding water not only can cause segregation but it also weakens the strength of the concrete.

As for pumping on asphalt I always use a tarp between my hopper and the truck and if I need to swing my hose around I just stick a sponge ball in the end after most of the concrete has finished dropping out then swing it around.

This is only what I do though and it seems to work for me. Like I said I am a rookie as well so I am open to new ideas all the time. 

   The best way to become proficient is to,visit this site often,spend lots of time on a pump,ask questions.You will make mistakes,just learn from them.Just prior to the boom being in the air,ALWAYS,stay away from POWER LINES,make sure the outriggers are fully extended and down.

Listen closely......Since you are new to pumping, circulate the concrete as soon as the truck leaves. Be awarw of power lines and riggers that are shrt rigged. Just circulate slowly. And NEVER EVER go to another jobsite with concrete in your pump. If you do this I will fly out there and spank you for doing so. When in doubt wash it out. Dont be a hero. It is only a few minutes out of your time. Heck you get paid for it.

Hey Guys: Let me warn you about something! ALWAYS add water when you recirculate! You are creating HEAT with the friction of the mud being re-pumped! Think of a mixer on full charge,it de-hydrates (loses slump)! The same thing is happening when you recirculate! I've seen pumps flashset because the operator didn't wet up when he recirculated. If the contractor has a problem with you adding water to your hopper,have him provide a place to dump your hopper load when you get fresh concrete, or have him sign off on the hopper and the pipe! When they realize there is $10,000 invested in those parts,they will probably see things differently!

Don't wait until the crete is beginning to set. Swing your boom around to your hopper as soon as you see that there is not another truck waiting. Add a little water at a time while recirculating. Keep the slump the same all through your boom and hopper. Dont add too much water, just keep it like you want it. Don't let it get too dry and then try and fix it. Be proactive. Stay ahead of the potential problems.

appreciate it much bri, about travelling with concrete with hopper when i came here thats usually they do, as you have said better dump the concrete on the hopper,

and thank you guys youre really the best teachers,keep in touch,

make a wire ring and kink the whip hose then swing back to hopper