Proper Procedures For Maintaining Concrete Pumping Equipment

Owners should take the time to protect their concrete pumping equipment investment. Major repairs and replacement parts may be costly, and preventable with appropriate maintenance. When done safely and consistently, routine maintenance may be the smartest business decision an operator will make.

Air, water, and particulates may all cause significant damage to equipment. Air bubbles develop in bad hoses, from loose fittings, or from loose hose clamps. Air bubbles may also develop during cavitation, when a pump is starved for fluid. In addition, water particles, when compressed, boil and turn to steam. These tiny explosions may pit the metal and bronze parts of gears, or the pump piston. Also, large particulates may cause damage through friction, but small particles produce slits in clearances, which may cause wear, and eventually destroy pumps.

Operators must keep hydraulic oil free of air, water, and particulates. Operators should also remember never to pour oil into reservoirs using a dirty bucket. Also, operators must remember to change filters regularly, and to check oil levels, for all parts to function optimally.

Bad hoses are another serious maintenance problem. Bubbles on a hose\’s outer layer, in addition to abrasion, cracking, and rotting, are all signs that a hose needs to be replaced. Also, any steel or fabric poking out of a hose, or any leaks around crimps and fitting flanges, should be immediately addressed. When changing hoses, or tightening lines, operators must always turn off the machine. Operators must also check the working pressure of the circuit, to choose the proper hose size.

Electrical components, if not maintained, may result in expensive repairs. Many problems may be prevented if operators take care not to keep metal in the control panel, including screwdrivers, spare relays, and water nozzles. Panels should be kept clean, and seals should be in good working condition. Fuses and relays should be replaced with items of specified voltage and amperage, respectively. Operators should avoid cleaning with caustic chemicals, which create corrosion, and destroy seals and wire insulation.

An operator should know his or her owner\’s manual inside and out. Knowledge will improve communication with mechanics, and will allow operators to know their maintenance schedule. Operators should look for a variety of problem components, including bad gaskets, leaky hydraulic fittings, and blown fuses. Operators should also check for non-working electrical components and grout in the water box. Keeping parts greased, or using an auto greaser, is a key maintenance priority.

Safety is always a primary consideration when performing maintenance. Operators should always be wearing CSA-approved green patch safety boots, hard hats, and reflective vests. Also, operators should wear long pants and shirts with sleeves, in addition to goggles and ear protection. Operators should never perform maintenance unless they are well-rested, physically fit, and free of alcohol, medications, or illegal substances.

Maintaining concrete pumping equipment prevents expensive repairs down the road. Oil, hoses, and electrical components take top priority on the maintenance schedule. Safety is crucial, both during operation and during maintenance. Any questions about repair or maintenance should be directed to a professional, before a procedure is attempted.

Author Bio: Professional operators offer reliable concrete pumping Ontario to residents of Ontario. They are the concrete pumping equipment leaders, offering the highest quality in concrete solutions.

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