4. IMER BOOSTER20: The Ferrari of Concrete Pumps

What does innovation look like in the field of concrete line pumping? Things haven't changed much since the invention of the swing tube, with most pumps remaining loud, rudimentary-looking machines with an ever-increasing price tag. The only thing that seems to change (aside from government mandated environmental regulations) is they get bigger and consequently more expensive; but if you're a General Purpose Concrete Pumper using a 2” line and have a reasonable understanding of the limiting factors of reduction, then you know that “bigger” isn't better...and neither is “more expensive”. Not since the mid 1980's, when Farran Equipment Company began working with manufacturers to develop smaller, more efficient machines, has there been much effort to innovate the equipment used by the General Purpose Concrete Pumper. But things are changing and necessity has lead to invention as the Imer Booster20 has made its way to the United States.

Born in Italy, where tight spaces dictate the need for compact design, the Booster20 is the European answer to the question of how to put BIG power in a small package. The tight European streets and lack of 4x4 trucks created the need for a lightweight, well balanced machine that could be utilized in the smallest of spaces while still packing a punch! Powerful enough to pump distances of 800', but light and well balanced enough to be pushed around a shop one-handed, the Booster20 utilizes a specific combination of physics and ingenuity to compete with pumps almost twice its size.

So how does the Booster20 pump such long distances? By maximizing the ratio of piston face pressure to horsepower. The Booster20 is equipped with 4.5” concrete cylinders, which are small compared to larger pumps, but this size difference allows for the generation of 1000psi of piston face pressure! The smaller the internal diameter of a concrete cylinder, the more piston face pressure an engine can generate and the further it can pump. And considering the Booster20 has a 4” outlet, that means there is only 0.5” of internal reduction the concrete experiences before entering the hose, so there is little effect on the yards per hour the engine can produce.

If you are a General Purpose Concrete Pumper, then chances are you use a 2” line; and if so, you are aware that the limiting factor to the amount of yards per hour you can pour is ultimately dictated by the size of line you are using. If not, then you should know that a 2” line is limited to around 25 yards per hour. The Booster20 is a 20 yard per hour pump, so using a 2” line will never be a limiting factor like it would be for a 35 or 50 yard per hour pump. Larger pumps cost significantly more money; and if you predominantly use a 2” line, then that money has been wasted!

So how does the Booster20 fare in the cost department? Coming in under $55,000...it is the least expensive line pump on the market! Not only that, it is also one of the most well equipped pumps with standard features such as an automatic greasing system, casted steel hopper with agitator included, vibrating grid, and radio remote with volume control. In addition, there is a list of rather innovative optional accessories like an attachable power washing system designed to run off the hydraulic pump as well as an available chemical additive pump for doing shotcrete. Yes, the Booster20 can do shotcrete! To top it off, it has a fully insulated and lockable hood making it immensely quiet and secure. With features, fit and finish like these, the Booster20 truly is the Ferrari of Concrete Pumps.

Line pumps are in high demand, with waiting lists of up to five months for new machines. Prices are going up across the board and so are associated construction costs. Understanding your need and not paying for features and performance you will never utilize is becoming more and more critical. The Booster20 is ideal for 2" linework and its price tag can't be beat! Imer is a global equipment provider with efficient manufacturing facilities to keep up with demand, so acquiring a Booster20 is much simpler.

For more information regarding the Imer Booster20 or to see one in person, please contact Farran Equipment Company at (843) 552-6433.

Farran Equipment Company, Inc was established in 1984 and has since grown to be a leading equipment and service provider in the Concrete Pumping industry. Serving clients across the United States and overseas, Farran Equipment Company specializes in all things concrete from pumps and parts to hose, tools, and service. Located in North Charleston, South Carolina Farran Equipment Company is dedicated to quality service and customer satisfaction.