Correct Operating Procedures for Truck-Mounted Pumps
Release time:
2026-08-13
Source:
Author:
Summary:
A truck-mounted concrete pump is an engineering machine composed of a vehicle chassis and a pumping system, offering both mobility and pumping capabilities. Proper operation not only ensures the continuous and efficient execution of pumping tasks but also serves as the foundation for safeguarding both the equipment and the operators. A standardized operating procedure typically encompasses pre‑job preparation, positioning on the job site and vehicle stabilization, pump start-up and parameter configuration, monitoring and adjustments during pumping, as well as post‑pumping cleaning and vehicle retrieval.
I. Pre-Assignment Preparation
Before each start-up of the truck‑mounted pump, operators must perform a preliminary inspection to ensure that the vehicle is in proper condition for operation. The inspection shall verify that fuel, engine lubricant, hydraulic fluid, and coolant are adequately replenished; that the hydraulic fluid level is within the normal range indicated by the dipstick and that the fluid is clear with a slight yellow tint; that the water tank is fully filled to meet the cleaning and cooling requirements during pumping; that the mixing drum is free of debris and that the protective grid on the hopper is intact and securely closed; and that all connections along the delivery pipeline are tight and properly sealed.
In the electrical control system, before operation, ensure that the emergency stop buttons on both the control panel and along the vehicle body are released. Verify that all solenoid valve connectors are securely plugged in, and test whether the corresponding actions of each solenoid valve function properly.
II. Venue Selection and Vehicle Positioning
The parking location of a truck‑mounted pump directly affects the safety and stability of pumping operations. The equipment must be positioned on a level, solid, hard surface, free of obstacles and with no high‑voltage power lines overhead; it is strictly prohibited to park the pump on slopes. When positioning the pump, strive to place it within the boom’s working reach to minimize bends and extensions in the delivery pipeline. After the vehicle is securely parked, engage the parking brake, shift the transmission into neutral, and shut off the engine. Exit the vehicle to verify that the parking location meets all requirements. Remove the power‑take‑off switch key and store it safely to prevent accidental operation.
III. Extension of Support Legs and Machine Leveling
The stability of the outriggers is critical to ensuring safe pumping operations. After positioning the machine, extend the outriggers as specified and use support plates or auxiliary timber blocks to increase the contact area between the outriggers and the ground, thereby preventing foundation settlement during operation that could cause the entire machine to tilt. The outriggers must be extended and locked into their designated positions; typically, the front outrigger arm should align with the alignment arrow on the front outrigger extension. Once all outriggers have been fully deployed, adjust the vertical cylinders of the front and rear outriggers to level the machine, raising the tires approximately 50 mm off the ground to eliminate the influence of the tire suspension on the machine’s overall stiffness and ensure stability throughout the pumping process.
Before operating the outriggers, set the mode selector switch on the electrical control cabinet to the outrigger‑operation position and verify that no personnel are present within the outrigger work area. Only after unlocking all outriggers mechanically may they be operated.
IV. Power Switching and System Inspection
After the vehicle has been properly supported, switch the transfer case to the operating mode, set the vehicle’s transmission selector to direct drive, and verify that the “Operating” indicator light on the instrument panel is illuminated. Start the chassis diesel engine and check that the engine speed, coolant temperature, hydraulic oil pressure, and oil temperature readings are within normal ranges. Before commencing pumping, perform an idling run; only proceed to the concrete pumping phase once you have confirmed that all components are functioning correctly. If the hydraulic oil temperature falls below 15°C, extend the idling period as necessary to raise the oil temperature, thereby preventing damage to the hydraulic system caused by high‑load operation at low temperatures.
V. Operation of Pumping Operations
Before pumping, the delivery pipeline is typically lubricated with cement mortar; only after the mortar has been pumped out may the mixed concrete be continuously fed into the hopper. Activate the pumping system by opening the pump‑start lever, and adjust the pumping rate and pressure settings according to site conditions. The pumping rate can be regulated via dedicated buttons or knobs on the control panel; modern truck‑mounted pumps often employ electrically controlled proportional valves with wireless remote adjustment, allowing operators to flexibly manage all functions of the pump truck from a safe distance. During pumping, closely monitor changes in system pressure and flow rate, as well as vibrations in the concrete delivery pipe; if any abnormalities are detected, immediately stop the machine and address the issue.
Precautions: During pumping, avoid the boom’s natural frequency as much as possible to prevent resonance‑induced fatigue damage to structural components. From a safety standpoint, refrain from extending the boom when it forms an angle of 80° to 90° with the longitudinal centerline, and minimize horizontal boom extensions to reduce the risk of overturning caused by excessive outward displacement of the boom’s center of gravity. Operators should continuously monitor all instrument readings and immediately stop the machine for inspection if any abnormalities are detected.
VI. Cleaning and Vehicle Retrieval After Pumping Operations
After completing pumping operations, first stop the concrete supply and gradually reduce the pumping rate until pumping is completely halted. Open the hopper discharge gate and thoroughly clean out any remaining concrete from the hopper. Then, fill the hopper with an adequate amount of clean water and activate the pumping system to flush the delivery pipeline. Alternatively, use a sponge ball in combination with water flushing to clean the pipeline until no residual concrete remains and clear water flows from the pipe outlet. This procedure effectively prevents concrete from setting inside the pipeline, thereby avoiding blockages during subsequent use due to incomplete cleaning.
After completing pipeline cleaning, shut down the engine and disconnect the power supply. Retract and fold the boom in the reverse order of deployment, then return it to the main boom support. Lower all outriggers and lock them into position. Switch the transfer case back to travel mode, remove concrete residue from the equipment’s exterior, and move the vehicle to a safe parking area.
VII. Safe Operation and Routine Maintenance
Vehicle-mounted pump operators must strictly adhere to safety operating procedures. Prior to each operation, the equipment should be inspected, and any suspected malfunctions must be rectified immediately. During pumping, if sudden pressure fluctuations, unusual noises, increased vibration, or obvious slurry leakage from the pipeline are detected, pumping must be stopped at once and the issue investigated. The mixing hopper must be kept clean, and foreign objects are strictly prohibited from entering it. The hydraulic system requires regular checks of the filter condition; monitor the filter indicator—green indicates normal operation, while yellow or red signals that the filter element needs replacement. The lubrication system should be periodically inspected to verify the proper functioning of the oil distributor and the oil flow at each lubrication point, ensuring adequate lubrication.
Upon completion of the work, the operation log shall be accurately completed, recording the pumped volume, equipment operating conditions, and details of any abnormality handling, thereby providing comprehensive technical documentation for subsequent equipment maintenance and servicing. By establishing standardized operating procedures and a maintenance ledger, the service life of truck-mounted pumps can be effectively extended, and overall equipment operating costs can be reduced.
RELATED INFORMATION