Numerous general contracting companies lie in the geographical belt between Milwaukee, WI, and Chicago, IL. So far, there has been balance — there’s plenty of construction work to go around. One issue that has surfaced, however, is an obvious shortage of concrete pumps available for jobs in this area. General contractors have had to deal with the hassle and frustration caused by the lack of pumping agencies within the region.
That’s basically why Concrete Delivery Systems (CDS) appeared on the scene this past June. “We’re trying to fill a void more than anything,” said Todd Peyron, dispatcher, CDS. In addition to having to wait for an available pump, contractors in the Kenosha, WI, area often experienced hefty travel charges if they rented pumps that were not from the immediate area.
Concrete Delivery Systems took delivery of a one-of-a-kind truck-mounted concrete boom pump in June 1999 and opened its doors for business. The Putzmeister 32Z was acquired by CDS for a $400,000 price tag and is touted as the latest in pump technology. The “Z” boom articulates a full 360 degrees and differs from others in that it unfolds as opposed to unrolls. The model 32Z is named for its length and shape; the “Z” shaped boom has a full 32 meters (105.6 ft.) of vertical reach. It is the first and only of its kind on the market today and offers operators unparalleled versatility, according to the manufacturer.
Operators have the advantage of being able to shoot the boom of the pump into all types of areas. According to Peyron, the 32Z is mainly utilized for flatwork — such as pouring toppings on metal deck or slab on grade. Other common applications include formwork such as retaining walls and foundations. To a lesser extent, the pump is also used in a variety of smaller jobs such as pouring machine bases, structural columns and beams. The 32Z also comes with a line kit consisting of a 10.16-centimeter (4 in.) steel pipe and rubber hose, which could be used for pouring a small slab on grade job without the boom, for example.
Enclosed buildings can present quite the dilemma when it comes to pouring concrete, and the 32Z is a good way to overcome many obstacles in these types of jobs. The Putzmeister 32Z was recently used to complete such a job for Morton Manufacturing in Libertyville, IL. The unit was a definite asset when it came time to pour a machine base that was already enclosed within the wall structure of the building. The boom operator controls the unit via remote control, so he can maneuver himself and the boom around an area with ease. In this situation, the boom was routed around power lines, over the walls and down through a roof hatch to complete the pour.
Larry Hale has operated this type of heavy equipment for approximately 15 years, and serves as Concrete Delivery Systems’ certified operator. Hale had extensive training through the American Concrete Pumping Association not only in pump operation, but also in all mechanical and hydraulic aspects of the Putzmeister 32Z. In terms of on-site troubleshooting, this certification and training will prove invaluable.
The Putzmeister 32Z presents many other benefits to general contractors as well. “We have priced our rates below market to make our unit attractive to those who need it,” said Peyron, “In addition, the 32Z saves time and decreases overall labor costs on larger jobs.” According to Peyron, it is usually more cost effective to utilize a pump once a job reaches a certain size. In determining whether a pump is appropriate for a pouring job, factors such as site logistics, slab thickness and steel reinforcement need to be considered.
Concrete conveyors are the main competitors to concrete pumps. Peyron concedes that unlike pumps, conveyors have the ability to move stone and other aggregate, yet concrete conveyors are not suited for all pour jobs such as those within enclosed buildings. “The Putzmeister 32Z is simply one of the most versatile machines you’ll ever find,” he said.
Concrete Delivery Systems is working on building its clientele and hopes to continually help the other concrete pumping companies in the area in meeting the demand for pumping services. Concrete Delivery Systems is a division of Camosy Inc. in Kenosha, WI. Camosy was hesitant in publicizing the fact that they were the force behind Concrete Delivery Systems but after all, they are well-known as general contractors and boast a quality reputation of almost 100 years of superior service in the industry.
“This isn’t about competition,” said Raymond Camosy, third-generation president of Camosy. “It’s about a surplus demand in this area for concrete pumping services and our desire to invest in this equipment as a means of serving our needs, as well as those of other general contractors and pumping agencies in the area.” Camosy’s plan is to work together with other concrete pumping agencies to help maintain a high level of service in southeastern Wisconsin and northeastern Illinois.
Camosy is hoping that their reputation will help grow this side of their business, but as of yet there are no plans to purchase a second pump. “If we find it feasible to add an additional unit in the future, I think we will — but the demand has to be there before we even consider it,” concluded Peyron.
In the meantime, Concrete Delivery Systems is focused on current usage and needs in the area and on gaining the confidence of their new customers.
More information about the Putzmeister 32Z and Concrete Delivery Systems’ services and rates are available by calling 888/670-PUMP.
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