P.I.A. Job

[alexwright]

If you end up getting a pump I suggest you look into the 1" "Big Rock" Trailer pumps. You can do Shotcrete with these, as well as pump 3/4 inch rock, or even pump 3/8 " "peagravel" rock with it. The Reed is the best for shotcrete applications. The Schwing brand is a nightmare for maintenance. I don't know about maintenance for the Reed but, I know that for wear and tear if doing shotcrete it's the way to go. It has loads of power. I just did a small courtyard of 3 yards about 75 ft. from curb and I used a pump, paid $175 and we were done pumping in about 20 minutes from start to finish.

[alexwright]

Out here in San Diego they are everywhere. My old boss has about 5 and another friend from church has 2. Out here we don't have regular alleys like most places and it is difficult to get a truck in anywhere so pumps are always used, even for driveways most times.

[takenforgranit]

I know more about rocket surgery than I do placing concrete, does gunite work well in cold areas like yours without spalling and cracking?

[NS'Creter]

To be honest, I am not aware of any gunite here...yes there very well could be a good reason for that. I haven't really done a lot of research it's just something that I would like to look into. I've seen pics of very natural looking pools and it's not only the color but the shapes that can be done. Shotcrete is used here for bridge repairs and that sort of work. I've been nosing at it some but not enough to get into trouble yet.

[NS'Creter]

To have a trailer mounted pump, like the Reed, or even a Bobcat attachment pump would not only be great for when we place patios and driveways but if we get our ICF thing goin'. With a fair amount of work of our own and the possibility to hire it out with an operator I can darn near justify getting one. The Bobcat one, if it can do the volume, is my preferance at this point because the Bobcat is something we need anyway. Versatility is important when you're small.
Also, a pump would speed up my placing jobs, cut down on labor (wheelbarrows) and make for a better end result. I need to seriously investigate this.

[alexwright]

Pumps are pretty awesome in what can be done with them as far as placing and speed. Twice I pumped 400 feet with a 565 Olin Peagravel Pump. Scary, but can be done. If you ever need any advice or help in how to's give me a call. I can honestly and humbly say that I believe I am or was at least one of the best pumpers in the world. I have seen numerous scenarios in my days as well as nightmares that by the grace of God we overcame through trial and error. With all of that said, we learned from all of our mistakes and became one heck of a pumper. A friend had a big job the other day and called me to run his pump for him, long story short, my back just can't take it anymore. I did it but regret it, that's how I know my back is shot.