One of the critical points of building construction is pouring the cement. The contractor has to make sure that the cement dries evenly to achieve a strong and even bond; for this to happen, the mixture must be poured with consistent timing. Performing this task at ground level is simple; pouring it above ground requires a different kind of approach that relies upon equipment similar to knuckleboom trucks in a particular version called the concrete boom truck.

This vehicle is used to pump wet cement from the ground to sites that are above the ground, such as the second or third level of a building under construction. This type of equipment is important in the construction of a building as it allows for a consistent application; this is an important requirement when constructing critical parts of the building such as flooring and supports. Consistence and proper timing are important factors when laying the cement for these vital components. Even a subtle delay in the pouring of the mixture can result in uneven drying which could lead to a weak structure.

Major Components

The concrete boom truck sits on a regular frame that has been modified extensively to accommodate the components for the concrete pump. Having a standard truck frame is an important feature of the equipment since it has to be mobile in order to travel on public roads to get to various construction sites.

Although the equipment is called a concrete boom truck, it is important to note that it does not carry concrete at all. It only serves as a conveyor for the cement and works in tandem with a mixer that transports the actual substance. The following are some of the major components of this piece of equipment.

• Truck Frame – The equipment is usually mounted on a double axle frame which is powered by a massive diesel engine. This same engine powers the cement pump and the hydraulic system via the power take-off (PTO).

• Hopper – The hopper is located at the end of the chassis. It is a large funnel where cement from the mixer can be poured. Inside the hopper is an agitator; its function is to strain the cement so no large particles can clog the cement pipes. Underneath the agitator lies the cement pump which pushes the wet mixture entering the hopper into a long channel of pipelines.

• Outriggers – The truck has a set of four metal legs that are hydraulically powered. These metal legs, also known as outriggers, can drop down and lift the entire truck a few inches above the ground and serve as a secure foundation.

• Boom – The boom that is found on the equipment is made up of four sections, each one joined by an articulating joint. Its base is a large turret that permits the entire assembly to rotate, depending on which direction the cement is to be poured. The position of the boom is adjustable and is moved by several hydraulic rams that are also driven via the main engine.

• Controls – The equipment comes with several sets of controls for the operator to have the best visibility in controlling the boom. While on board the equipment, the operator can use the main control panel or may choose to use a cable or a wireless remote control to operate the equipment.

• Concrete Pipeline – The concrete pipeline is made up of a set of metal tubes that run from the end of the pump along the chassis and alongside the boom. It serves as the passage for the concrete mix.

Like knuckleboom trucks, the concrete boom truck has been an important piece of construction equipment, particularly for the creation of buildings that require concrete to be poured many feet from the ground. Without this vehicle, it could depend upon manual labor to get the important structural parts of massive buildings built – what an important function for the concrete boom truck!