Concrete trucks are the unsung heroes of the construction industry. They tirelessly transport the lifeblood of any construction project: concrete. But have you ever wondered how tall these behemoths are? Well, wonder no more! In this blog, we’re going to delve into the heights of concrete trucks, both front-discharge and rear-discharge and everything else you need to know about them.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Why do I care about the height of a concrete truck? I’m not planning on marrying one!” But trust me, it’s important information to have if you’re involved in construction. For example, if you’re planning a project in a city with low bridges or narrow streets, knowing the height of your concrete truck can save you from a disastrous encounter with an overpass or a pedestrian. And let’s face it, nobody wants to explain to their boss why they destroyed a landmark with a concrete truck.
So, without further ado, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of concrete truck heights!
what is a concrete truck?
A concrete truck is a vehicle designed to transport ready-mixed concrete from a batch plant to a construction site. The truck is equipped with a rotating mixer drum that continuously mixes the concrete while in transit to prevent it from setting. Concrete trucks can be either front-discharge or rear-discharge and come in various sizes and configurations. They are essential for the efficient transportation and delivery of concrete to construction sites.
Concrete Truck Basics
Before we get into the heights of concrete trucks, let’s first understand what they are and how they work. A concrete truck is a specialized vehicle designed to transport ready-mixed concrete from a batch plant to a construction site. The truck’s drum is used to mix the concrete while in transit, and the concrete is discharged through the truck’s chute or concrete pump.
There are two main types of concrete trucks: front-discharge and rear-discharge. Front-discharge trucks have their mixer drum located at the front of the vehicle, while rear-discharge trucks have their drum at the back. Each type of truck has its advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right one for your project can make a big difference.
But enough about the basics, let’s get back to the heights! Concrete trucks come in all shapes and sizes, with varying heights depending on their configuration. So, let’s dive in and explore the heights of both front-discharge and rear-discharge concrete trucks.
types of Concrete Trucks
- Front-Discharge Concrete Trucks: Front-discharge concrete trucks have their mixer drum located at the front of the vehicle, which allows the driver to have a better view of the construction site. This can make it easier to maneuver the truck and pour the concrete exactly where it’s needed. Front-discharge trucks are also generally shorter in height than rear-discharge trucks, which can be an advantage in areas with low clearance.
- Rear-Discharge Concrete Trucks: Rear-discharge concrete trucks have their mixer drum located at the back of the vehicle, which allows for a quicker and more efficient discharge of the concrete. This can save time and labor costs, especially on larger construction projects. Rear-discharge trucks also tend to have larger drum capacities than front-discharge trucks, which can be useful for large-scale projects.
Both front-discharge and rear-discharge concrete trucks have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between the two will depend on the specific needs of the project. Other types of specialized concrete trucks include mini-mixers, volumetric mixers, and truck-mounted concrete boom pumps, which all have unique features and capabilities for different types of construction projects.
Height of Concrete Trucks
Now that we know the basics of concrete trucks, let’s talk about their heights. The height of a concrete truck can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the tires, the axle configuration, and the chassis type.
For front-discharge concrete trucks, the height typically ranges from 10 to 12 feet. Rear-discharge concrete trucks, on the other hand, are usually taller, with a height range of 12 to 14 feet. However, these are just rough estimates, and the actual height can vary depending on the specific model and manufacturer.
Now, you might be wondering, “Why does the height of a concrete truck matter?” Well, knowing the height of your concrete truck is important because it can affect the route you take to the construction site. If you’re driving a tall truck through an area with low bridges or overpasses, you could cause damage to both the truck and the infrastructure. Plus, nobody wants to be the person who gets stuck under a bridge because they didn’t check the height of their vehicle.
So, make sure to check the height of your concrete truck before hitting the road. And if you’re ever in doubt, it’s better to take a detour than risk a costly accident.
Choosing Between Front-Discharge and Rear-Discharge
Now that we know the heights of front-discharge and rear-discharge concrete trucks, let’s talk about which one you should choose for your project. Each type of truck has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider your specific needs before making a decision.
Front-discharge concrete trucks are known for their maneuverability and efficiency. Because the mixer drum is located at the front of the vehicle, the driver has a better view of the construction site, which can make it easier to maneuver the truck and pour concrete exactly where it’s needed. Additionally, front-discharge trucks are generally shorter in height than rear-discharge trucks, which can be an advantage in areas with low clearance.
On the other hand, rear-discharge concrete trucks are known for their speed and capacity. Because the mixer drum is located at the back of the vehicle, the concrete can be discharged quickly and efficiently, which can save time and labor costs. Rear-discharge trucks also tend to have larger drum capacities than front-discharge trucks, which can be useful for large-scale projects.
Ultimately, the choice between front discharge and rear discharge will depend on your specific project requirements. Consider factors such as site access, project size, and required capacity before making a decision. And of course, don’t forget to check the height of your chosen truck before hitting the road!
What Is the Height of a Standard Concrete Truck?
A standard concrete truck typically has a height of around 13 feet. However, the height can vary depending on the model and manufacturer of the truck. Factors such as tire size, axle configuration, and chassis type can all affect the height of the truck.
It’s important to know the height of your concrete truck before hitting the road, as it can affect the route you take to the construction site. If you’re driving a tall truck through an area with low bridges or overpasses, you could cause damage to both the truck and the infrastructure. Plus, nobody wants to be the person who gets stuck under a bridge because they didn’t check the height of their vehicle.
So, make sure to check the height of your concrete truck before heading out on the road. And remember, a standard concrete truck height may not be suitable for all construction projects, so always choose the appropriate truck for your specific needs.
What is the Reach of a Concrete Truck?
The reach of a concrete truck refers to the maximum distance that the truck’s chute or pump can extend from the truck. A longer reach can be useful for pouring concrete in hard-to-reach areas, such as over fences or into deep excavations. The reach of a concrete truck can vary depending on the model and manufacturer, but it’s generally between 50 to 100 feet.
Some of the largest and most impressive concrete trucks have a reach of up to 227 feet, such as the Putzmeister 70Z-meter truck-mounted concrete boom pump. This type of truck is often used for large-scale construction projects such as high-rise buildings and bridges.
When choosing a concrete truck for your project, it’s important to consider the reach of the truck in addition to its height and capacity. A longer reach can be a useful feature for certain types of projects, but it may not be necessary or practical for others.
The reach of a concrete truck is an important factor to consider when choosing a truck for your construction project. Make sure to choose a truck with an appropriate reach for your needs, and always operate the truck safely and according to manufacturer guidelines.
What is the Largest Concrete Truck?
Now, let’s talk about some of the largest concrete trucks in the world. These monsters of the construction industry are truly impressive in both size and capacity.
One of the largest concrete trucks in the world is the Schwing Stetter XCMG V7G, which has a drum capacity of 15.6 cubic yards and a total weight of 94,000 pounds. Another impressive example is the Liebherr HTM 1204 ZA, which can hold up to 13.2 cubic yards of concrete and has a maximum gross weight of 66,000 pounds.
But the crown jewel of concrete trucks is the Putzmeister 70Z-meter truck-mounted concrete boom pump. This beast has a reach of 227 feet and can pump up to 210 cubic yards of concrete per hour. It’s no wonder that it’s often used for large-scale construction projects such as high-rise buildings and bridges.
While these trucks are certainly impressive, they may not be practical for every construction project. It’s important to choose a truck with the appropriate size and capacity for your specific needs.
Concrete Truck Dimensions and Capacity
Now that we’ve covered the heights and types of concrete trucks, let’s take a closer look at their dimensions and capacity. The standard height of a concrete truck is around 13 feet, although this can vary depending on the model and manufacturer. Front-discharge trucks typically have a length of around 30 feet and a width of 8 feet, while rear-discharge trucks can be up to 39 feet long and 8.5 feet wide.
In terms of capacity, a typical concrete truck can hold between 8 to 10 cubic yards of concrete. However, some larger trucks can hold up to 12 cubic yards or more. The capacity of a concrete truck is determined by its mixer drum size, which can range from 7 to 16 cubic feet.
Another important factor to consider is the reach of the truck. The reach refers to the maximum distance that the truck’s chute or pump can extend from the truck. A longer reach can be useful for pouring concrete in hard-to-reach areas, such as over fences or into deep excavations. Some concrete trucks have a reach of up to 100 feet, making them ideal for large-scale projects.
Knowing the dimensions and capacity of your concrete truck is essential for planning and executing a successful construction project. Make sure to choose a truck with the appropriate capacity and reach for your project, and always check the height to ensure safe and efficient transportation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the height, dimensions, and capacity of a concrete truck are essential factors to consider when planning and executing a construction project. Knowing the height of your truck can help you avoid accidents and damage to infrastructure while choosing the right type and size of a truck can save time and labor costs.
We hope that this blog has given you a better understanding of concrete trucks and their heights. Remember, always check the height of your truck before hitting the road, and choose the appropriate truck for your specific needs. Happy building!
