To go over, or not to go over...
dreaded_pumper 07-20-2015
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so, as I have said before, I am a rookie (9-10mos on my own) But I was confronted with a challenge friday night. Finished a delayed footer at 7pm and when I got done washing up they directed me to another job 45 mins away. I didn't think anything of it so I obliged. 

Arriving to the site I found that concrete was there, and I was to park my 32m in the driveway and boom over the house for a footer on an addition, 11 yards. I know that booming over houses is a gamble if you don't know the condition of your boom pipes, and the other option would be line pump around the house. But it makes me nervous to be doing it. Was curious what you all think, or what the best practices would be.


StreamlinePumping 07-20-2015
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Never mind pipe condition. I'd be more worried about putting my outriggers down on the lawn. 

Stupid move. Those outriggers could sink quick and could be water lines that could burst.  I'd say you got lucky this time, but better think twice next time. 


Bangincups43 07-20-2015
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I've only been pumping for a Lil over a year, but if it were me Ide defiantly be more worried about the ground conditions underneath your outriggers. Going into a situation like that Ide defiantly get some dunnage underneath them just to be safe. A little grout on the roof is better than a boom. If possible I would have put my pressure side on the pavement up under the plywood your tires are sitting on. Yes it is possible to Crack the driveway but any customer ordering a pump should understand the risks.


Farmboy72 07-20-2015
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Looks like you did fine. If there is concern about your outrigger footing, you can get some 3'x3' pads to put under your normal pads.  That would help distribute your weight better, with less worry of pushing thru the yard.  


Farmboy72 07-20-2015
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On a side note, how did that crew get a concrete company to deliver at 8 pm?  Most would complain about paying for late day (after 5 or 6 pm) delivery fees.


dreaded_pumper 07-25-2015
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ok, quite helpful, thank you! While I understand (and use from time to time) my ability to say no. I told the builder on site that a line pump would have been a better option, and I do think that I got rather lucky in that situation as far as outrigger placement. This is why I am so in love with this job though, through the grueling hours (though I know I will see worse as time goes on) and the stupid people I encounter, (due to be more of those as well) it demands that I think and pay attention to what I am doing. its never the same on every job. That is honestly what I believe is not only going to make me a better operator, but a better person as well. Not to sound too cheesy...

 

Thanks for not blasting a newbie completly out of the water guys...

 

and as far as getting the concrete to deliver that late, I don't even know. all I really cared about at that point was how old is the concrete, and how can I set up safely with the situation I have been given, outrigger mistake accounted for.


MVCP 07-26-2015
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Maybe were taking more of a risk than I realized but were called pretty regularly to pump over houses for patio and addition work. Thought that was just part of pumping concrete??


dreaded_pumper 07-26-2015
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seeing as I don't own a company or know the risk over profit potential, I'm going to leave that answer to those who have the knowledge...


mudcup 07-27-2015
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You're fine just ask the home owner where septic tank is or where old one was & ask where pipes are