Benefits of Straight-Forward Gypsum Mixer-Pump Design for Your Operations
Let’s face it, no one wants to pay for things they don’t need. Avoiding markup packages can be difficult, especially in the equipment world, where some OEMs take advantage of any opportunity to tack on extra bells and whistles. This approach drives up initial purchase price, but it can also end up costing contractors more in the long run since more moving parts often equate to more training, more maintenance and more downtime.
Until recently, equipment for use in high-flow material applications — such as gypsum underlayment, grouting, cellular concrete, plaster and stucco — fell into this category. But with the introduction of the RS180 Mixer-Pump, contractors are finding it easier than ever to expand their services with dedicated gypsum equipment.
Concrete contractors looking to make the most of their investment will find that operating on the principal that “less is more” provides increased efficiency and faster ROI. In addition to reducing the initial cost, selecting a reliable gypsum mixer-pump that does the basics and does them well often results in a user-friendly unit that’s easy to operate, maintain, and keep clean.
Stress Less Design
Selecting a gypsum mixer-pump with the essential components and no frills minimizes training, downtime and stress. To get your money’s worth out of any equipment purchase, you need to be able to use it as often as possible. Unnecessary features might seem like a good idea on a spec sheet, but they are just something waiting to go wrong that will require more attention to operate and maintain. For example, a machine with a small hopper that can only be loaded by individual bags of cement might employ a skip hoist to charge the mixer. This could save crews a number of injuries from climbing up and down the equipment with bags of cement to fill the hopper. On the other hand, a machine with a larger hopper that can be loaded by skid steer eliminates the risk to employees and an additional mechanical system to clean and maintain.
Machines with a simple, intuitive design, are easy to operate with minimal training, as well, making them ideal for contractors looking to provide a variety of gypsum applications on multiple jobsites with multiple crews. With a “no frills machine” contractors can expect quality results with almost no training, opening up the door for maximum productivity.
Just the Bells You Need
Instead of a bunch of unnecessary features that will end up costing more in the long run, focus on the bells and whistles that will increase efficiency. Adjustable rotor-stators with inline pressure gauges, available exclusively on our RS180, are the newest innovation in gypsum pump technology and are revolutionizing the longevity and ROI of gypsum equipment. This pump design allows contractors to adjust flow to meet a project’s unique requirements. Tightening the rotor-stator results in maximum pumping distances, which is ideal for high-rise and long-distance jobs. When the job requires shorter pumping distances — between 200 and 300 feet (61 to 91 meters) — contractors simply loosen the rotor-stator. This flexibility results in optimum pumping pressure for the application. Adjusting the pump to fit the application specifications results in less wear and tear on the rotor-stator — doubling or even tripling the life of these components.
Mixed Signals
Fewer moving parts also means less mess and less maintenance. A unit’s mixer is a good example of this. Most gypsum units feature either a paddle type mixer or a hydraulic spiral mixer. Both work quickly, mixing a full load in about two minutes. However, hydraulic spiral mixers offer a key benefit over paddle mixers — they can operate at higher speeds without splashing or throwing material out of the mixer. This leads to increased productivity since crews are not spending unnecessary time cleaning. Additionally, the paddle-style mixers used in gypsum equipment usually have two mixer shafts, doubling the moving parts. Compare this to a single planetary gearbox driving the spiral mixer, which limits possible maintenance issues and unnecessary downtime by minimizing moving parts.
Clean Slate
These time savings aren’t limited to major maintenance. Proper cleaning is vital for any concrete pump, but especially those used with gypsum products. The less there is to clean, the faster the process. Models that offer easy access to internal components make daily cleaning as efficient as possible. Blastcrete Equipment engineers have gone a step further to simplify maintenance by adding a removable mixer and pump kit to the RS180. Simply remove only four bolts for complete detachment and maximum maintenance efficiency.
Choose Wisely
The surest route to success in any business starts with investing in equipment to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Look for a gypsum mixer-pump that has the features to provide maximum productivity without a lot of “extras” that will drive up price without increasing efficiency. With a “no frills” machine, you can rest assured you are only paying to replace vital components. And, thankfully, with a simple design, there are very few to replace.
Contact our knowledgeable staff to walk through what features are necessary for your specific operation and stop paying for more machine than you need.