Don’t worry if you’re new to concrete projects and find the thought of pumping concrete intimidating! You are not limited to using pricey commercial pumps. Instead, all you need are a few simple tools and materials to make your own concrete pump. It’s an excellent do-it-yourself project that can help you save money and feel proud of yourself. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to get your hands dirty with construction work.
Though it may seem impossible, building a homemade concrete pump is actually easier than you might think. A little perseverance and the correct advice can help you construct an efficient and productive pump. There are a few simple steps in the process, and the materials are probably things you already have or can get easily. You will be guided through each step of the process by this article, which will provide you with clear instructions.
Making your own concrete pump can be very helpful whether you’re working on a big construction project or a smaller home improvement project. You will learn how to assemble the pump and operate it safely and effectively by following this guide. Together, we can transform that concrete challenge into a doable, do-it-yourself project!
- Operating principle of a concrete pump
- Unit types
- Operation of the piston system
- Operation of the rotary system
- Unit mounting options
- Stationary pumps
- Pumps at a car base
- Concrete pump – buy or make yourself?
- How to make a concrete pump – production technology
- Use of concrete pumps in construction
- Advantages of automatic concrete pumps
- Recommendations
- Video on the topic
- DIY concrete pump. Concrete pump operation . manual concrete pump
- How does a concrete pump work. Overview of the concrete pump
- DIY concrete pump
- DIY concrete pump. For polystyrene concrete. part 3 . Answers to questions.
- Concrete pump from scrap metal
- Testing a homemade concrete pump.
- DIY stamped concrete. The whole process.
Operating principle of a concrete pump
The only job of a concrete pump is to prepare and move concrete from the mixing point to the desired location. The solution is transported to any location via the installation using concrete pipes or pipelines. The creation of reinforced concrete structures and monolithic construction are the areas where the greatest need exists.
You should be familiar with the operation of a concrete pump in order to comprehend the process of building the installation. The concrete pump’s working principle relies on the characteristics of the liquid, which fills and moves the system’s variable volume. The mixture is released into the concrete pipeline and then into the designated area if the volume is filled to the brim with the mixture.
A concrete pump’s construction and working principle can be categorized into multiple groups:
- piston. Perform continuous delivery to various distances. Modern devices are capable of displacing liquid to a height of 6-65 m. The volume of the supplied mixture reaches 180 m3/h. It is characterized by short service life due to the risk of small cement elements getting in. It has a jerky delivery principle.
- hose (auger). Ensure continuous transportation. A gerotor pump for concrete provides a large volume of transported material. The unit is distinguished by its silent operation when pumping compositions of any consistency. If a blockage is formed, it is broken through by reversing the engine. A gerotor pump for pumping concrete has one significant drawback – a short service life of the hose, but the design is easily repaired independently;
- with hydraulics. If there are hydraulic units for working with concrete, the devices become more durable and smoothly transfer the solution (without jerking or changing speed). Hydraulics help pump liquid to heights and long distances. The hydraulic drive is made as simple as possible, the device results in low energy consumption. Hydraulic pumps help pump mortar with light aggregates, they are easy to operate and maintain.
Concrete pump drawings that you can make yourself vary greatly depending on the kind. While each model has a unique design, they all have some of the same drawbacks:
- use of rolling stock is required;
- limited transportation range;
- demandingness to the composition of the solution.
The needed power and pipe diameter have a direct impact on the cost of a DIY concrete pump. The pressure drops in large pipes. Concrete pumps—which have the capacity to deliver concrete over a range of distances—as well as concrete pumps—which are smaller and more mobile—have grown in popularity recently.
Unit types
Devices are typically classified into two groups: those having a hydraulic element and those with a mechanical unit. Concrete pumps with rotary and piston motion each have benefits and drawbacks.
Operation of the piston system
All applications of piston systems work on the same principle. A specific amount of liquid and concrete receiver is drawn in during the downward movement stage; the solution is forced out into the transfer hose during the second work cycle. The working area receives the mixture via the pipeline.
A slide gate, which opens the concrete receiver during the suction stage and closes it during the ejection process, is necessary for the task. The direction of fluid flow is controlled by the gate. It is required to add machine oil to the working mixture during testing.
A hydraulic or mechanical drive system is included in the design. Concrete pumps of today operate on the basis of hydraulics; this highly productive system creates higher pressure and increases pump power. The hydraulic system offers more smoothness and a wider range of piston stroke than the connecting rod assembly. The piston’s loose contact with the chamber could be an issue. Cement microparticles that get in between the cylinder and the piston significantly speed up wear.
Single-cylinder devices are essentially non-existent since they cause the solution supply to pulse excessively. The system primarily consists of two cylinders that operate in tandem to ensure a smooth and continuous supply of concrete. Furthermore, the two-cylinder mechanism lasts longer.
Operation of the rotary system
Because pistonless systems are more dependable, rotary concrete pumps are used far more frequently. A rotor with fixed rollers (covered in rubber) serves as the foundation. The mixture is moved from the concrete receiver to the working hose by the rollers, which spin with the rotor. The ability to reverse a function and eliminate air pockets and obstructions is a significant benefit.
It is simpler to operate and repair equipment. Wear on the hose or seals is the weak point of the construction, and both issues are easily fixed by hand. Low power (in comparison to the piston type) and poor tolerance of coarse filler are two more drawbacks.
For pumping a concrete pump, screw pumps are also available, but their performance and durability are lower. Their basic working principle is as follows: a screw is inserted into a through chamber, and as it rotates, the substance is displaced.
There are numerous variations of rotary mechanisms available; the primary distinction is in how they are positioned: stationary or mobile.
Unit mounting options
Stationary pumps
Choose the kind of base that your DIY concrete pump will use before you start building it. A distinct station for pumping the material is a stationary option. There are concrete pumps for both small-scale and large-scale industrial facility construction, and the dimensions vary greatly. For mobility, a chassis is frequently installed.
When building a large-scale structure, usually a high-rise building, it is advised to use a concrete pump to supply the material because a mobile structure without a chassis typically has high power. A chassis is meant to be moved within a single location; long-distance transportation is not provided.
A new type of device has emerged recently called a trailer device. It can be identified by its strong chassis, which enables the installation to be moved over long distances using a tractor. For the construction of residential buildings or private homes, a miniature concrete pump with a piston mechanism—and less frequently, one with a pneumatic drive—has been developed. It is useful in situations where space is limited or when handling small orders.
The pneumatic unit requires a steady supply of solution, low power consumption, and the requirement to connect a compressor. It is intended to operate with homogeneous cellular solutions.
Pumps at a car base
The most prevalent kind of pump in all of construction is the car type. The auto concrete pump is similar to another method of gardening on wheels in that it can be moved independently with ease and has distinct features.
- A stationary station with high capacity is applicable exclusively for large -scale construction, it is a road to maintenance and considerable. The car version is able to drive up to most objects;
- For stationary units, special nutrition is required, in the construction conditions it can be difficult to create suitable conditions. In the auto -concrete pump, power comes from installing the machine;
- A small pump is low, and the cost of installing far from pockets not to all contractors. From the point of view of saving, renting an automobile unit is cheaper, and in addition it helps to perform work many times faster;
- modern auto complexes have a built-in retractable boom, which simplifies the delivery of the solution to target areas with difficult access or located at height. If the boom is not applicable, a linear pump is used, which helps to pump the solution over a distance of up to 1 km and 120 m in height;
- thanks to a professional operator in the equipment cabin, the customer is relieved of all risks of equipment breakdown.
Concrete pump – buy or make yourself?
There are plenty of offers on the market for used special equipment, but you should consider whether purchasing is really necessary first, as you can make a concrete pump by hand. The installation will require some basic skills to create. When constructed correctly, homemade installations are less powerful and have a straightforward design, but they function as intended.
Choosing the concrete pump’s operating principle—piston or hydraulics—is crucial at first. The piston type is the simplest, but because of the continuous friction, the unit elements wear down quickly. Although they perform substantially better, hydraulics are more challenging to produce. Although they are not as strong, automatic concrete pumps are still conceivable.
Give the gate careful consideration before beginning to assemble the concrete pump by hand. This type of valve guarantees superior adhesion between the concrete pipeline and the pump. The right gate selection is essential to the structure’s functionality.
How to make a concrete pump – production technology
Auxiliary tools will be needed for the task; thermal insulation is a desirable precaution. You can make a gerotor pump by hand using a single scheme. What you need to know to put together a concrete pump is:
- Assessment of the feasibility of manufacturing. For large-scale construction, it makes sense to purchase your own installation. For small and medium volumes of work, it is profitable to order a rental of a concrete pump. A homemade concrete pump is a relatively complex and expensive process.
- Creating a drawing. The concrete pump diagram is simple; its preparation will require minimal design skills or use existing diagrams. Self-production is a more difficult method, but allows you to create a design for specific needs. Using ready-made schemes is convenient due to reduced time costs and the ability to study reviews of the shortcomings of the drawing or find ways to improve the design in them.
- Selection of a cylinder with a piston. The key element of the system should be selected with a power reserve. The maximum cylinder diameter is 400 mm, it is better to choose smaller models. Evaluation of the piston stroke – from 50 cm. If the parameters do not match, the number of working cycles increases, as a result – rapid wear.
- Fitting the piston, cylinders. In order for the pump to last a long time, it is necessary to perform a high-precision fit and eliminate roughness.
- Selection of the type of unit. An electromechanical pump will help reduce the complexity and cost of manufacturing the device. The hydraulic option can be prepared manually, but this will lead to increased costs and complication of the process.
- Installing the gearbox. The mechanism must include a gear ratio to reduce and convert rotary motion into linear motion.
- Installing the kingpin. The element is connected to the mechanism. A metal angle is used to prepare the welded frame. Check valves made of alloy steel are introduced into the system, it is resistant to wear.
It is still necessary to verify the pump’s functionality after the components have been assembled and prepared. Without concrete or a specific starting mixture (manually made from cement with water and the addition of motor oil), the device cannot be started.
Use of concrete pumps in construction
Nearly all monolithic high-rise construction projects use a concrete pump during construction. The units facilitate the quick and inexpensive delivery of concrete to any floor.
The situation is a little more complicated when it comes to private construction because there is restricted access to the site for specialized equipment, and manually preparing the solution takes a very long time. Car installations are pretty big; when the equipment is in use, it can be up to 12 meters wide. When a boom is used, even more room is needed—up to 70 meters. Small concrete pumps will assist in resolving the issue, making the task easier and accelerating construction.
For a small construction, you can order concrete with a concrete pump in addition to a KamAZ, which has two pipes with connecting clamps fixed as the main line. The largest known concrete pump is an amateurish device equipped with a KamAZ.
In the event that no truck arrives at the location, assembly must be done by hand, requiring the assistance of two or more persons. Possible issues during manual installation:
- rupture of the main line. There is a lot of pressure in the system, the clamps are not always able to withstand the pressure. Tearing out the fastening creates a hole. You will have to stop the system, clean the pipeline and make a stronger fastening;
- relaying the main line. When changing the work location, it is necessary to move the pipe, but it will not be possible to do this together with the solution. You will have to disassemble, clean and re-assemble the main lines.
Even so, setting up the apparatus takes a lot less time than mixing the mixture by hand.
Advantages of automatic concrete pumps
Automatic production lines come with a lot of benefits.
- a built-in electronic control unit that monitors the correctness and continuity of operation. The operator selects the operating mode, and the unit independently regulates the functioning of the unit;
- independent flushing system for pipes and pump. Reduces time spent on maintenance and eliminating blockages;
- illumination of the adjacent area for working with the concrete pump after dark;
- audible alerts about major events;
- adjustment of gaps in the concrete distribution unit;
- all pumping units are supplied with a flushing system, special software and a concrete pipeline up to 80 m;
- as an option, manufacturers offer a concrete distributing boom, which simplifies the delivery of concrete to the target location;
- full compliance of engines with EURO-4 standards;
- reliable spare parts are used to increase durability and reduce maintenance costs.
Constructing a DIY concrete pump can be a gratifying endeavor that not only saves money but also offers a useful instrument for a range of concrete applications. This tutorial will take you through all the necessary steps and supplies to build a basic, functional concrete pump, with an emphasis on useful tips and clear directions. By the end, you’ll have a working pump that can handle modest to medium-sized tasks, streamlining and improving the effectiveness of your concrete work.
Recommendations
Even tiny structures need to be built with a range of instruments and methods:
- the most common area of use of a concrete pump is the formation of a foundation. For the pile type, it is convenient and inexpensive to use a TISE hand drill;
- a metal base is always used as the basis of a monolithic structure. A tying gun for reinforcement will speed up the creation of a frame;
- concreting is often combined with the use of other building materials. If the volume of work is large enough, a machine for making cinder blocks or a machine for producing building blocks will come in handy;
- after the construction of the structure, it is always necessary to drill holes for electrical wiring, fixing equipment, etc.p. Drilling concrete with diamond core bits is a simple and reliable way to lay communications in walls; the method is applicable to any other drilling work;
- at the final stage of the construction of the building, a crown for socket boxes will come in handy, with its help the holes will be even, the box for the socket easily fits into them.
Step | Description |
1. Gather Materials | Get a pipe, a motor, a hopper, and some basic tools like a wrench and screws. |
2. Build the Hopper | Create a funnel-shaped hopper to hold and direct the concrete into the pipe. |
3. Attach the Pipe | Connect a sturdy pipe to the hopper to transport the concrete. |
4. Set Up the Motor | Mount the motor in a way that it drives the concrete through the pipe. |
5. Connect Everything | Ensure all parts are securely connected and sealed to prevent leaks. |
6. Test the Pump | Run a test with water to check for leaks and ensure it works smoothly before using concrete. |
7. Make Adjustments | Fix any issues you find during testing to make sure the pump functions well. |
If you enjoy do-it-yourself projects and have a knack for tinkering, building your own concrete pump can be a rewarding endeavor. Whether it’s for small-scale projects or just for fun, you can make a pump that suits your needs by following the steps listed. Remember that although the procedure might initially appear difficult, it can be considerably simplified by splitting it up into smaller, more doable steps. Prior to beginning, always make sure you have the necessary supplies and safety equipment.
Never forget that working with machinery and concrete requires the utmost safety. To avoid mishaps, make sure you wear safety equipment and adhere to recommended procedures. Don’t rush the process; instead, take your time at each step. It’s advisable to speak with an expert or look for more resources if you have any questions about any aspect of the build. An excellent concrete pump can be a great asset to your toolbox, enabling you to handle a variety of tasks more easily.
Ultimately, building a concrete pump yourself will save you money and provide you with a better understanding of how these devices operate. Take pleasure in the process of starting from scratch and producing something useful, and enjoy the result. An enduring tool for many years can be your homemade pump, provided you plan and execute it carefully.