REED B50HPG, Technical Manual, Page: 18 / 235

OPERATION and MAINTENANCE
Rev 1.2 17 of 80
www.reedpumps.com
(909)287-2100
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The operation of the concrete pump encompasses the use of hydraulic and electrical
systems. The concrete pump is designed to safely pump wet concrete through a
delivery system of pipes and hoses within its published ratings and specifications.
Stability of the concrete pump during operation is provided by the outriggers and front
jack. Controls for the outriggers are located on the sides of the concrete pump.
The pumping system employs an S-Tube design valve system. This system
incorporates material cylinders linked to hydraulic cylinders that cycle alternately. With
concrete material in the hopper and the pump operating, a material cylinder retracts,
drawing material into the cylinder. At full retraction of the cylinder, a signal is sent to
both the S-tube swing cylinder and the drive cylinder directional valves causing the s-
tube to shift position to the fully loaded material cylinder and the drive cylinders to
change direction. The concrete piston of the loaded cylinder then pushes the material
through the s-tube and into the delivery lines. The shifting from one cylinder to the other
cylinder takes place providing a continuous flow of material through the delivery piping
system. The pump can be operated at the control panel or can be operated from the
remote control.
The hydraulic oil flow created by the hydraulic pump pushes the drive cylinder pistons
inside the drive cylinders (1) alternately back and forth. Because the drive cylinders and
concrete pistons (2) inside the concrete cylinders (3) are linked together, the pistons
move synchronously.
When a drive cylinder retracts along with the concrete piston, concrete will be sucked
from the hopper into the concrete cylinder. Simultaneously, the other drive cylinder and
concrete piston are extended toward the hopper. The concrete piston will push concrete
from the concrete cylinders through the S-Tube (4) and out to delivery system (5).
Next, the pump switches at the end of the stroke, causing the s-tube valve to shift to the
other concrete cylinder which has sucked and filled the cylinder with concrete, starting
the next cycle.
Reverse pumping links the concrete piston in the suction stroke and S-Tube valve to
suck concrete from the s-tube instead of the hopper. As a result, the concrete piston
pumps concrete into the hopper.