I was wondering how many people work with operators that have been pumping for more than 7 years.  Is it just me, or is like a ten year vet far and few betwween?

In our area,lets see,operators who still actually run and maintain a pump truck,two at 24 ,another at 22.There are people who claim"to have been pumping" longer,but do not actually run a pump.With a Captains license it goes by days spent onboard a vessel,with a skydiver it goes by the actual number of jumps,so a pump operators time should be the number of hours either operating or maintaining a machine.I know of an operator who has logged over 50,000 hours,and still learns something every day

Here in Atlanta there are not a lot of people that, after 25 years, still operate a pump. I can think of three that I know that still run a pump every day. John Dukes (the master) Mike Neeley (his new 52m should be delivered in a week or so) and Henry Hunt ( as seasoned a professional as you will find.

I have been at it a long time, but I sure don't (and could not) run a pump anymore.

I wish that the ACPA would canvas their members and show some special respect for these deserving pros that are at it every day................... think of how many other operators they have trained and helped educate.

My hat is off to them; and those like them.

I LEARNED FROM A 22 YEAR VET IN OUR COMPANY, THAT WA TH BEST I KNOW. AFTER HE TRAINED ME HE GOT OFFTHE PUMPS AND JUST RUNS HEAVY EQUIPMENT FOR US NOW. BUT IF I EVER EED ADVICE EN AFTER 7 YEARS HE IS THE FIRST I CALL.

MY HAT IS OFF TO THIS MAN.

well this is year seven for me and iam still the guy on the bottom of the food chain and iam the only one running a blue trailer unit, ya its one of the best pumps in town.

Their are lot of guys around who have been in concrete pumping for a long time, who still go out every day. It's their responsibility to share that knowledge with the younger guys and rookies and help keep this business safe from stories like the ones that appear on this site. Tell those guys how you have managed to stay in this business so long. Those stories could definitely come in handy.

Dunnage

(More is better)

Russ

hear ya Bob about 34 years here and still learning

Hi guys! I started 4/04/74,and still run a pump!Can't say I know alot about how to run a pump ,but I sure as hell can tell you how NOT to run one! And that's anyones way but what YOU are comfortable with! I,ve run most every kind of pump that has ever been popular in their time( thompsen,whiteman,challenge,elba cifa,putz, schwing)and youngsters,just be glad that you have the iron you have today! What we did in the old days would have freaked you out,but it made the MFG.s build you better and safer equipment.I learned to pump in the S.F. Bay Area,where there isn't a hell of alot of flat ground left and I believe that if you learn there,the rest of the world is a piece of cake! Keep the dirty side down and stay SAFE

Hey Mudslinger

That is Awesome!! You have some of the most experience I have ever heard of! Could you maybe start a weekly topic on this site? It is the old schooler's that have all the knowledge!! You get good by being in the drivers seat. I have been running a pump only eight years and have said many times! There is no way I could have pumped concrete in the beginning!!  

almost fifteen years and still learning.  got five more to go and will leave it to the youngsters.  its certainly been interesting and some  times fun  like the saying goes  its been real and its been fun but it has not been real fun.  everybody play nice and be safe

OK Seed ... Here you go! Just how many of you look for "resources" when you pull on a job?I mean do you look for water,an air compresser or ANYTHING that can get you out of a tight spot should the need arise. I try to look around and also see what other trades are on my jobs,and try to strike up a conversation with at least one person.I'm not afraid to ask for help when I need it ,and on the other hand ,I am willing to lend mine when I can! I've had dozer hands help me change a blown pipe,or a welder weld up a transition that blew a hole in it!I once had a welder weld a mud piston in when the bolts stripped out on a 7th floor deck pour! if you need it help is ALWAYS there if you ask the right people! But remember there is no such thing as a free lunch! Kindness must be rewarded even in small ways!

Well said,

That is good advice ! It is true that the people out there will band together to help out the good guy that  appreciates their efforts. People do not respond very well too the bad attitude and jerks. I have had a lot of kind help over these short eight years. Resources, Resources, Resources, Thanks for the response Mudslinger. I will be looking for future post.

we have several who have pumped their whole career and about retire