So you are trying to talk yourself into buying a used concrete pump. Where do you go, what do you look for?

There are lots and lots of used pumps out there today; and some good deals to be had. And then there are the deals that if you buy the wrong machine, you will be had. How do you figure out the difference?

Company ‘A’ has two machines for sale. Before looking at the machines, look at the company. These boys are in the wall business and bought pumps because they thought it was a good idea at the time. They had a mechanic that fixed form trucks and repaired skill saws and vibrators… and worked on the pumps. They never figured out what a real maintenance program was and the operators were responsible for doing the day to day ‘fixing’ when they did not have a pump job. As the money crunch hit them the operators were held back on how much shop time they could spend; for some reason the pumps have been less dependable than they used to be. Some of the operators quit and now they have six pumps and three operators. No one operator is assigned to a specific pump so they just run which ever one happens to be working that day. It doesn’t really matter, they are all 38 meters. Except for all the concrete on the ass end and the filthy cabs and bent bumpers they look pretty good. Replacement pipes are not painted and the wear parts need changing and there are some wires dangling. Low hour machines and maybe all they need is the hydraulic oil filled up, tape a few wires, chip the crete and paint the pipes…………. Maybe. And maybe not.

Company ‘B’ Is a 10 pump company that has been in business for nine years and the son of the owner is the manager. He is a young guy and has grown up in the business. His father also owns a 50 truck ready mix company, where he spends most of his time. He originally bought pumps as more of a sales tool to better serve his customers and has grown the fleet as needed. The pumps spend most of the time pumping their own concrete on small to midsize commercial work and residential slabs and walls. The shop at the ready mix company does the mechanical work on the trucks and pumps. The pump company has a fair reputation. The operators are all ready mix drivers and pilot mixers when the pumping is not needed. The pumps are not as clean as the company ‘A’ machines. The two 38 meters they have for sale will not be replaced in the fleet.

Company ‘C’ is a larger company running about 150 machines. They are regional and shift the trucks where they are needed within their area. This is a stand alone business that derives 100% of their income from pumping. They have been around for 25 years and have area managers running all of the branches. All managers are paid a salary with commissions paid on quarterly profitability. Major truck repair is done at the dealer and all major pump maintenance is done in house at a central location. Day to day repair is done at the branch where the truck is located. The preventative maintenance program is in place as much as it can be fit into the schedule. These pumps are high hour machines and need paint.

So… what kind of questions do you need to be asking yourself as well as the owners of these machines? Which circumstance will give you the pump that you need (not want). How do you decide?

Is the company culture really important to you? Do you care where the machine came from? Do you have the knowledge and experience to pick the best deal?

No one has all the answers !  What are the questions you need answers to?

tebequip

It probably should be. Good idea.

Lots of used iron changing places out there these days. I just want everyone to realize that "What you see is often times not what you get". All pumps are not created equal - or maintained equally.

To me the same requirements fit, as when a truck or similar used piece of equipment is being considered - unless you are highly trained in the function and repair of said machine you should try to have a qualified technician inspect the unit for you. Couple of hundred $ spent at that point before commiting goes a long way to ensuring the right choice is made. You are also afforded a chance to gain insight and knowledge on that item if it does happen to be the one that is purchased so the road to successful operation gets a better start.

I guess I would look at the pump a bit more than truck for sure.Wear parts,barrels,boom insp cert,pipe.These are the things that would sink your boat really fast (memories of an iceberg).

The carrier in most instances is more forgiving,but not a given.I for one wouldn't want to just start out and look at $25k plus just to stay in business.

Just some ramblings

We have all seen it while looking at autos or pickups. Two of the same model; both look about the same. One was driven by an old lady to the Indy 500 every year (1500 mile road trip) and the other by a 17 year old to the grocery store (3 blocks) where he was a check out clerk. Similar mileage and outward appearance. The difference was how they were used and or abused; sort of a “nature –v- nurture” deal.

It would be excellent if we could compile a Buyers Guide for a used concrete pump……….. just a thought. ;~)

First question, why is some of the words in Bobs messages unreadable or is it just me? Everybody else is ok. Second question, give me answers Bob. I am looking for a used pump. I see a nice looking rig in your town but is it a pig with lipstick on it? I think if it is clean it was took care of BUT blasting and paint makes me look good also. So is the one with 3 yards of concrete on it better cause they are not hiding anything? Answers is what I need, answers. Signed confused.

79xlch

I am the guy that doesn't have the answers. That is why I posed the question.

I could be stupid and ask "What words can't you see?" So there is another question I can't help you with.

If the seller will allow (& if they won't, that would indicate something) do what you can to confirm pump condition then. (The truck, as Many has mentioned is more of a routine entity to have a mechanical report compiled for and tends to have more economical repairs available by reason of the huge numbers out there)

Knowing a pump technician familiar with the model you are interested in and having them scrutinize it first hand is a good way to fast track directly to the "idiosyncrasies" of that family or type and general state. Some offerings just fall short of what can be deemed "well built". Other things like hydraulic system oil sampling, availability and checking over of service records (if they can't say when the last time was that the hydraulic oil was flushed/ changed then proceed cautiously), an electronic thickness measuring tool for pipe and elbows, date of last boom inspection/ truck inspection, etc.  

A knowledgable pump technician can cover quite a lot of territory in a short time period running through a pump test that is not all that unlike the proving tests we conduct when ensuring new equipment is fully dialed in and "bug" free prior to a delivery from factory. How the used machine behaves on a cold start up, various noises or sluggish behaviour can provide valuable clues into the internal condition of many areas of the machine.

So, my advice on potentially such a large investment would remain with having a thorough inspection performed. Barring that, and taking on a unit that has no service records, current boom inspections, or an unwillingness of the seller to really participate in an honest provision of info and history should be a red flag to run away or negotiate a reduced price.

LW

Do you feel that the way a pump has been treated, year after year is important? Can a say.... 5 years of neglect be cleaned up and made to seem as if it has had a good childhood? Is a current boom inspection and repair a substitute for never having been inspected before?

My questions are endless ;~)

Bob

Yes I would access and that in consideration the word PIG to operators that refused to take care of the cosmetics.When one looks at costs between truck and pump there's a huge difference.

Having worked and paid some of the differences I can say pump repairs are 2-3 times higher than truck.For the sake of arguement (I like these) lets compair.

1) Rock valve rebuild (all wear parts and )

2) Transition elbow

3) Piston heads/barrels

4) Boom pipe/elbow

5) Boom cert

After a quick walk around a soul can come up with a pretty good idea of what did or did not happen.I found out a long time ago in the Army for IG inspections.They may not run but if they looked good on line,I'm in.

BS'd to many generals not to know,in 10 years.

Do you feel that the way a pump has been treated, year after year is important? Can a say.... 5 years of neglect be cleaned up and made to seem as if it has had a good childhood? Is a current boom inspection and repair a substitute for never having been inspected before?

Well Bob, your points are well taken - a cosmetic make over can frequently cloud the real deal (much like the purchase of a new home where everything might tend to look great till you've lived there for a few months when you start to see fine detail that you glossed over).

Having an univolved party access the unit, someone who isn't swayed by the emotion of the deal to me is still the safe way in a process that is made more difficult by detailing and fresh paint. My opinion is that process is like a murder mystery where you figure it out sooner by paying attention and gathering the evidence.

I believe in machinery, and I guess that includes the ability to rehabilitate many ailments. So, coming up with a diagnosis of the odd broken bone but no cancer might just translate into a potentially viable cause. This has worked for me with mechanical endevours through the years, but that's just me (and at times the learning curve was painful and steep but valuable if recognized). 

Perhaps others out there have had direct experience with their used pump purchases that might provide good example of what did and didn't work in regards to making that choice.

I am of the opinion that the year to year care of a pump is very important; much like an automobile. There are some people that are expert at the application of ‘lipstick’. Caveat emptor is alive and doing very well. But beware is not often times enough.

I suggest that everything said by the owner, salesman or any representative of either be taken with a large grain of salt. Finding a sufficiently knowledgeable individual that has absolutely no reason to tell you anything but the truth …. After his inspection of both the machine and the accompanying paperwork becomes the challenge. Paying that individual a suitable wage is to your benefit. I am not talking about an assessor; rather an inspector.

This individual needs to perform the structural inspection, the flow-test at pressure as well as a complete examination of the components and systems that make up your potential purchase. There are not a lot of these folks running around that don’t owe allegiance to this one or other.

It is an interesting proposition, buying a used machine.

It is also many times an expensive education.

Take your time & do it by the numbers

Bon Chance ;~)

Many

I just reread your post.

Well over 50% of the cost of maintaining an old (used) pump is due to the needs of the carrier (truck)

Hi Bob

I'm in the middle of watching a guy trying to purchase an older 900 as we speek.

Stieble making oil,interesting.Also look at couplers while in there?.Then you get to thinking mmm,what about the shift fork,do or not do.

Wear parts?.Rock needs resurfacing,tool steel cutting ring,plates worn,and that pesky kidney ring some foreget to oil.

Boom pipe is estimated at 40% remaining.

I only glanced at the agitator seals,mmmm.

I know this pump,used to run it and work on it years ago.I'm 99% certain the boom insp was last done by old George,we know how long he's been gone.

Truck -- engine seems to run out ok,clutch,trans,diffs,driveline seems ok.Downside,needs rear springs and batteries.Tires about 70%.

You know me,mums the word.I see some serious bank for my purse.Then again this guy is one of those been there done that.Otherwise your correct,the truck would be on the higher end of costs.

Reputation of a company? Is something to consider. Some have one mechanic, and 50 trucks. Others buy new and run them into the ground, then sell. A good list of what to look for, should be written. Mechanics know...