What concrete line pumping means to me:

 

What is it like being a line pump operator? 

It's way more than pushing concrete through a system.  

It's about being a courageous, determined, pragmatic problem-solver, most days.  It's being able to see the shortest distance between points A & B and making the near impossible happen on a daily basis.  It's the rare ability to withstand the worst weather, most physically demanding punishment of any construction job, and to show up and do a job most people can't possibly comprehend.      

What does it take to make it in this industry?  Hard work, putting in the long hours away from home & family, hustle, and a work ethic from days gone bye.  It requires nerves of steel, balance, fearlessness, bravery, superhuman strength/endurance, the ability to think quickly under extremely stressful situations, and an open mind that realizes you never stop learning about this trade.

With a mixture of shade-tree-mechanics and operating high tech equipment, it's being able to troubleshoot problems on the fly and get the job done no matter what it takes regardless of the terrain, weather, or circumstances.  Meanwhile working with people from all across the spectrum of professional tradesmen/finishers all the way to Youtube-it-homeowners. 

Concrete doesn't always cooperate.  Adjusting to different pump mixes is a balance of chemistry, physics, math, and old fashioned common sense.  Either way, you know how to just "send it" and how to hammer it...

Pumping comes with a mixed bag of emotional ties to your equipment, ties to those few who are the only ones to understand what to really takes to move concrete through steel pipes and rubber hoses, and a sense of pride knowing you are part of an elite circle of truly exceptional workers.  Pumping can build your self-confidence one day, and leave you doubting yourself the next, but it will never leave your thoughts day or night.  

Pump on...