There are three regularly applied methods to pouring concrete… Tailgating, Buggying, & Pumping
1) Tailgating
Tailgating is the method of pouring concrete straight down the chute from the concrete truck. Most concrete trucks come equipped with multiple chutes that can reach up to fifteen feet in length. Chutes can be added & deleted depending upon the range of the pour.
Positives: Cost effective. Fast.
Negatives: Only good for small pours with plenty of access.
Cost: Free with purchase of concrete.
2) Concrete Buggy
(Also called: Georgia Buggies & Power Buggies)
Concrete buggies are motorized vehicles that carry concrete from the concrete truck to the point of placement. Most buggies carry between a quarter of a yard and up to one yard of concrete. Concrete buggies are often much easier and more cost effective than the labor required to use wheelbarrows. It takes approximately sixteen wheelbarrows to move one yard of concrete.
Positives: Cost effectiveness and ease of transportation.
Negatives: Typical buggies only hold a half yard of concrete. Time consuming.
Cost: $150/day
3) Pumping
There are two main types of concrete pumps. Line pumps and boom pumps. Pumps are used when there is no access for a tailgate or concrete buggy.
Boom Pumps
Boom pumps are the most expensive option for pouring concrete and are typically used for larger commercial projects. Concrete trucks pour concrete into the pump and concrete is pumped through a boom system to the point of placement. Boom sizes range from 28 meters to 61 meters.
Positives: Efficient method for transporting large amounts of concrete to areas that are not easily accessed.
Negatives: Expensive.
Cost: $150-300 per hour with four-hour minimum. Other fees apply.
Line Pumps
Line pumps are used more commonly in residential concrete construction. Most line pumps can be hauled right behind a truck and pulled up to the job site. The concrete truck pours concrete into the pump and concrete is pumped through the hose to the point of placement. Special concrete mix designs are needed for line pump systems due to the size of the hose.
Positives: Fast and cheaper than a boom pump. Gain access to hard to reach areas.
Negatives: More expensive than tailgate or concrete buggy.
Cost: $120 per hour, usually with a four-hour minimum. Other fees not included.
