Boom Makina Knowledge Centre

Frequently Asked Questions

Find practical answers about concrete placing booms, concrete pumps, product selection, installation and after-sales support. The most suitable solution is determined by evaluating the working area, required reach, pump capacity and jobsite conditions together.

Product Selection and General Information

What is a concrete placing boom?

A concrete placing boom receives concrete from a pump through a delivery pipeline and distributes it across the pouring area with an articulated boom. It helps place concrete accurately over a wide area and reduces the need to move hoses and pipes manually.

What is the difference between a concrete placing boom and a concrete pump?

A concrete pump pushes concrete into the delivery pipeline. A placing boom directs and distributes that concrete at the pouring area. Most placing booms work with a separate stationary or truck-mounted pump, although integrated machines can combine the pump and boom on one platform.

Which type of concrete placing boom is right for my project?

The correct system depends on the required horizontal and vertical reach, size of the working area, frequency of relocation, ground conditions, access restrictions and project duration.

  • Spider placing booms suit compact, freestanding applications.
  • Crawler placing booms suit projects requiring mobility around the jobsite.
  • Self-climbing placing booms suit high-rise structures.
  • Integrated tracked pump-and-boom systems suit specialist projects requiring a single mobile platform.
How is the required boom reach determined?

The horizontal reach shown in a catalogue is only one part of the selection process. The geometry of the pour, working height, boom position, potential blind areas and safe operating clearances must also be considered. Boom Makina can review site layouts and project drawings to support model selection.

Can a Boom Makina placing boom work with our existing concrete pump?

Compatibility is not determined by pump output alone. Pump flow and pressure, delivery-pipe diameter, pipeline length, vertical pumping height, concrete mix and the technical limits of the selected placing boom must be assessed together. Please share the make, model and specifications of your existing pump during the enquiry stage.

What information should I provide when requesting a quotation?

For an accurate proposal, please provide the project type and country, site-layout drawings, required horizontal and vertical reach, expected concrete output, details of the concrete pump, delivery-pipe diameter and approximate length, ground and access conditions, available power source and requested delivery date.

Spider Concrete Placing Booms

What is a spider type concrete placing boom?

A spider type concrete placing boom is a compact, freestanding concrete distribution system. It receives concrete from a separate stationary or truck-mounted pump and distributes it accurately across the pouring area.

Where are spider placing booms used?

Spider placing booms can be used for slabs, foundations, high-rise floor pours, infrastructure projects and confined jobsites. Their compact, freestanding layout provides flexibility where installing a larger fixed system may not be practical.

Can a spider placing boom move around the jobsite by itself?

Standard spider placing booms are not self-propelled. They are relocated with suitable lifting equipment using the approved lifting points. Where frequent movement is required, a crawler placing boom may be the more suitable solution.

What is the difference between a spider and a crawler placing boom?

A spider placing boom works from a compact freestanding chassis but is not self-propelled. A crawler placing boom can travel on its own tracks under suitable site conditions. Selection should therefore consider both working reach and how often the machine must be repositioned.

Crawler Concrete Placing Booms

What is a crawler concrete placing boom?

A crawler concrete placing boom carries the boom system on a self-propelled tracked undercarriage. Under suitable site conditions, it can move between pouring positions and reduce the need for repeated lifting and reinstallation.

Which projects are suitable for crawler placing booms?

Crawler systems are commonly considered for tunnels, mines, energy projects, infrastructure works, dams and large construction sites. They are particularly useful when pouring locations change frequently and a fixed installation would be inefficient.

Can a crawler placing boom operate on any ground surface?

No. Ground-bearing capacity, slope, surface condition and available working space must remain within the permitted limits of the selected model. Site conditions should be evaluated before operation to ensure safe travelling and boom use.

Can the machine travel with the boom open?

Travelling conditions depend on the model, boom position, ground conditions and manufacturer instructions. The operator must follow the transport and operating positions stated in the manual. The machine must not be moved outside the permitted conditions, especially with the delivery line connected.

Self-Climbing Concrete Placing Booms

How does a self-climbing concrete placing boom work?

A self-climbing placing boom rises on a mast fixed to the structure or to an approved supporting system. As construction progresses, the hydraulic climbing system moves the machine to the next working level so concrete placement can continue.

Which projects use self-climbing placing booms?

They are designed for high-rise residential buildings, skyscrapers, towers and large structures with repetitive floor pours. They provide an efficient solution when concrete must be distributed regularly on the same project over an extended period.

Does a self-climbing system completely eliminate the need for a tower crane?

It can significantly reduce tower-crane use during climbing operations. However, lifting equipment may still be required for initial installation, dismantling, mast handling or project-specific operations. The final method is determined by the project plan.

Does the building require special preparation for a self-climbing system?

Yes. Mast position, anchors, slab openings, structural loads and climbing stages must be evaluated before the project begins. Installation details must be engineered and approved in accordance with the structure and jobsite conditions.

Concrete Pumps and Integrated Systems

What should be considered when selecting a stationary concrete pump?

Required concrete output, maximum pressure, horizontal and vertical pumping distance, delivery-pipe diameter, concrete mix, aggregate size and available power source must be considered together. Selecting a pump only by its maximum output may not provide the correct solution.

Does pumping distance affect concrete-pump performance?

Yes. System resistance increases as the pipeline becomes longer, rises vertically or includes more bends. Concrete mix and pipe diameter also affect the required pressure. Pump selection should therefore be based on the actual pipeline layout.

How do I choose between an electric and a diesel concrete pump?

Electric pumps can be advantageous where a suitable power supply is available, particularly for lower-noise or enclosed applications. Diesel pumps provide greater independence where electrical infrastructure is limited. The final choice depends on site infrastructure and the operating plan.

Can the pump, crawler undercarriage and placing boom be combined in one machine?

Yes. Boom Tracked Pump solutions combine a concrete pump, tracked undercarriage and placing boom on one platform. This can reduce the installation and coordination required between separate machines, particularly in tunnels, mines and difficult-access projects.

Does the concrete mix affect pumping performance?

Yes. Aggregate size, cement content, consistency, admixtures and overall pumpability directly affect system performance. An unsuitable mix can cause excessive pressure, blockage or irregular concrete flow.

Installation and Safe Operation

How much space is required for installation?

The required area depends on the selected model, boom reach, outrigger or crawler arrangement, pipeline connections and safe operating clearances. A decision should not be based only on the machine dimensions; the complete site layout must be reviewed.

Who may operate a concrete placing boom?

The machine must be operated by authorised personnel trained for the relevant model and familiar with jobsite safety rules. Operators must understand daily inspections, emergency-stop functions, boom movements and permitted operating limits.

What should be checked before daily operation?

General checks include hydraulic leaks, delivery pipes and couplings, safety pins, outriggers or tracks, emergency-stop functions, remote control, hoses and the surrounding work area. The full inspection procedure is provided in the operating and maintenance manual for each model.

Can standard machines be adapted to project-specific requirements?

Depending on the technical requirements, engineering studies may be carried out for the mast system, delivery pipeline, connection components, power system or machine layout. Every modification must be approved by Boom Makina engineering for safety, performance and feasibility.

Delivery, Training and After-Sales Support

Do you provide installation and commissioning?

Installation, commissioning and on-site support can be planned according to the scope of supply and project location. The installation area, schedule, travel conditions and responsibilities of each party should be agreed during the quotation stage.

Do you provide operator and maintenance training?

Depending on the project and scope of supply, training can be arranged for machine operation, daily inspections, safe working practices and basic maintenance. The programme is defined according to the selected machine and jobsite requirements.

How are spare parts and technical support provided?

Technical support can begin with the machine serial number, a description of the issue, photographs, video and remote connection where applicable. After identifying the required parts or service, an appropriate support plan is shared with the customer.

What is the warranty period?

Warranty duration and coverage may vary according to product type, sales contract and delivery conditions. The applicable warranty terms are stated in the quotation and sales agreement. Consumables, normal wear parts and operation contrary to the instructions may be excluded from warranty coverage.

What is the delivery time?

Delivery time depends on the selected model, production schedule, project-specific engineering requirements and destination country. The current production and delivery programme is confirmed during the quotation stage.

Do you deliver worldwide?

Yes. Boom Makina supplies machinery to customers in different countries and regions. Transport method, export documentation, delivery terms, customs procedures and responsibilities at destination are agreed during the order process.

Let Us Identify the Right Machine for Your Project

Share your site layout, required reach and concrete-pump details. Our sales and engineering teams will help identify the most suitable concrete placing boom or concrete pump solution for your project.

Contact Our Sales Team