Had a nightmare week in Phoenix last July when the concrete pump broke down on day two of a four day slab pour.

We lost 12 hours waiting on a replacement pump and ended up having to pay overtime for a second crew to come in at night to get the rest done before the temp dropped, did anyone else have a job where the equipment failure cost more than the original bid?

2 comments

2 Comments

schmidt.grace2d ago

Overtime and double time always wreck the budget on those hot pours. Keep a spare pump contract in your phone for next time, even if it costs a little extra upfront. Had a buddy who lost a whole foundation because his main pump guy ghosted him during a monsoon season. Always have two backup numbers ready, and make sure they know the exact mix design you're running. That kind of prep saves your profit margin when things go sideways.

schmidt.eva2d ago

Oh come on, is that really necessary though? I've been doing hot pours for fifteen years and never needed a backup pump contract on speed dial. Planning ahead is good, but tying up money on extra contracts that might never get used just eats into your margins for no reason.