In Texas, it’s not uncommon to find yourself in a situation where you have to make a choice between a concrete truck and a sand truck. On one hand, you have the concrete truck, a long-haul vehicle that is capable of carrying large loads and can move quickly when activated. On the other hand, you have the sand truck, which is lighter and has a smaller load capacity. You must decide which one is better for your needs. Let’s examine the differences between the two vehicles to help you make the right decision.
Concrete Vs. Sand Tractor
The first thing you need to know about concrete trucks is that they are used to move large quantities of concrete, otherwise known as bulk concrete. Concrete is commonly used in construction, either for interior walls or as a base for buildings. So, it’s not surprising that most concrete trucks are used in construction sites, where they’re frequently needed to mix concrete and transport it to where it’s needed. This is typically because concrete is heavy, and it takes a lot of effort to move it by hand. Therefore, the more expensive the truck, the more it can be used for concrete. It’s almost like a status symbol. A concrete truck is considered an expensive piece of equipment, and only the most prestigious companies can purchase them. As a result, most concrete trucks cost around $100,000 and up. That’s a lot of money for a construction company, which already has a large fleet of trucks.
Why Are They Important?
There are many advantages to using concrete trucks for moving concrete. To begin with, they can carry a large quantity of concrete, which means they can fill multiple delivery rounds. This is ideal for construction sites, where concrete is needed frequently, but it’s also an advantage for moving large amounts of concrete for events and festivals, such as block parties or barbecues.
How Do They Work?
When the concrete truck is parked and not in use, it is typically laid down on its side, much like a traditional automotive fuel tank. The concrete then forms a cushion that helps protect the truck’s occupants from the cold. However, the concrete truck’s biggest advantage is how it reacts when it is activated. When the switch is turned on, a small electric motor activates a pair of hydraulic pumps that create a tremendous amount of pulling power, much like that of a locomotive. As a result, the concrete truck can generate enough power to move large objects, such as concrete slabs, retaining walls, bridge decks, and more.
Depending on the configuration, a concrete truck can either pull or push. If you need the ability to push, then you’ll need an additional set of tires and gear to move the concrete slab. Typically, you’ll find a conventional gear set in the front and a set of hydraulic pumps in the rear. The front tires will push the concrete while the rear tires will grab it and then guide it. Most often, the truck will travel in a tandem manner, with one person operating the controls on the hood while another drives. This ensures that the concrete is moved in a safe and responsible manner. When the task is finished, the driver will pull over and shut off the engine, allowing the truck to come to a halt and then park. To prepare for the next task, the operator will have to exit the vehicle and then re-enter when the motor is turned on again. This is called shuttling concrete, and it can be a tedious and time-consuming process. However, the operator can be fully protected from the elements and accidents by using personal protective gear, such as safety helmets, high visors, and hard hats.
Who Uses Them?
It would be a missed opportunity not to mention that concrete trucks are often used in high-risk environments. This is because of their significant size and weight. Due to these reasons, they are frequently seen at construction sites and around dangerous or slippery areas, where they can protect the workers from accidents. In addition to this, concrete trucks are also commonly used at airports and seaports, where large amounts of concrete are needed to construct new terminals and runways.
Range
The range of a concrete truck is measured in miles and is determined by the size of the batteries installed. The longer the range, the more the truck can be used for. Batteries are heavy, so heavier trucks have a longer range. The size of the battery also determines how much electric power the truck has. The larger the battery, the more power it will produce and the farther it can travel. The weight of the vehicle also affects the range, as heavier vehicles will have a longer range. As an example, a 40-foot concrete truck will travel up to 15 miles, while a 20-footer will only go 10 miles. A concrete truck’s range is typically determined by the size of the battery, which weighs around 12 to 15 tons. As a result, the heavier the truck, the longer the range.
Capacity
The capacity of a concrete truck is determined by the size of the engine and the number of axles. The larger the engine and the more the axles, the more the truck can carry. Depending on the manufacturer, the capacity of a concrete truck can range from 5,000 to 8,000 pounds. A 40-foot concrete truck can carry 8,000 pounds, and it has a 75-horsepower engine. This gives it a load capacity of 4 tons. A comparable 20-footer has a 35 horsepower engine and a load capacity of 3.2 tons. Remember, the weight of the truck determines its capacity, so the bigger the better! In general, the larger the truck, the more the capacity (weight x number of axles).
Load
The load of a concrete truck is measured in pounds and is the total weight that the truck is capable of carrying. The larger the load, the more the truck can be used for. A 40-foot concrete truck can carry up to 12.8 tons and has a 75-horsepower engine, which gives it a load of 7.2 tons. A similar 20-footer has a 35 horsepower engine and can carry 6.4 tons, which makes it a lighter, safer, and more convenient option. Remember, the weight of the truck determines its load, so the bigger the better!
As you can see, there are many advantages to having a concrete truck in your fleet. They are heavy, they are large, they are stable, and they are built to withstand extreme temperatures. If you’re in the construction or demolition industry and you’re searching for a new piece of equipment, then you should consider a concrete truck. With their high demand and limited availability, it’s no wonder that they are considered an expensive vehicle to purchase. However, the time and effort that you’ll have to invest into maintaining them is well worth it.