Four Factors to Consider Before Renting a Concrete Pump
Posted on: 9 June 2017
Some homeowners may wish to hire a concrete pump in order to ease the process of pouring concrete during the construction of an extension to the home. It is important to consider the suitability of your site before you spend time to look for a concrete pump for your project. This article discusses some of the factors that can help you to assess the suitability of your site for concrete pumping.
The Presence of Power Lines
For safety reasons, concrete pumps should be set up at a reasonable distance away from overhead power lines. Different jurisdictions define how much clearance should be maintained between the boom of the concrete pump and any power lines. Find out what the required clearance is in your area so that you can be sure that it will be possible for a concrete pump to be used at your site.
Space for Ready-Mix Trucks
Ready-mix trucks require a staging area so that the concrete pump can be able to deliver sufficient quantities of concrete during a pour. Do you have ample space for this staging area on your property? Remember that sufficient space should also be reserved for truck egress and entry as they bring in more concrete. Go ahead and hire a concrete pump if reserving space for these delivery trucks will not be a problem.
Stability of the Ground
Ready-mix trucks can be very heavy when they are fully loaded with concrete. Is the ground on your property stable enough to take the weight of those vehicles? Avoid taking risks in case your property has unstable soils. For example, it would be unwise for the trucks to park where your sewage tank is buried because the soil above the tank may cave in.
Visibility
Concrete pumps can only be cost-effective if they are used throughout the time that they are at a construction site. This is because you are likely to be charged for every hour that the pump is at your site. It is therefore advisable for you to ensure that there is sufficient lighting so that the pump can be used during the day and at night. Floodlights are an excellent option when you want to pump concrete during poor visibility conditions, such as when there is fog.
It may not be easy for you as a layperson to evaluate the factors above on your own. It is therefore helpful for you to ask a concrete pumping professional to visit your property so that he or she can advise you about the best way to use a concrete pump during your project.
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