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Promotions by manufacturers are common, but when it comes to the real value of a product, it’s the feedback from front-line operators that matters most. They work closely with the equipment, and their experiences provide the most accurate insights. In this article, we interviewed a pump operator, Mr. Yang, who has over six years of experience operating concrete pumps, including models from SANY, Zoomlion, and Putzmeister (commonly known as "Elephant"). He currently operates a Zoomlion ZLJ 5417THB concrete pump, a 52-meter 6-section RZ boom pump mounted on an Isuzu four-axle chassis. Below is Mr. Yang’s evaluation of this equipment.
Purchase Background and Usage
The customer company that owns this pump has been in the construction machinery business for many years and has substantial financial strength. They have purchased multiple pumps from both SANY and Zoomlion. This particular 52-meter Zoomlion pump is one of eleven pumps the customer bought from Zoomlion in a single purchase. The market price for this pump is approximately 3.8 million RMB.
Operator Experience and Work Site
Mr. Yang, a pump operator from Hebei, started working with pumps around 2007 and has accumulated rich experience. He operates this pump alongside another worker, typically used in construction of residential buildings in Changping District, Beijing. The floors are not too high, so the pump does not need to move frequently. It only requires scheduled feed from the concrete mixer trucks.
This pump was first used at a real estate site in Shuozhou, Shanxi, earlier this year. Due to tight project timelines, regular maintenance was not performed, leading to uncleaned cement residues on the boom. However, the pump’s performance improved once it reached the Beijing construction site.
Performance Evaluation
1. Operational Stability
During operation, Mr. Yang noticed that the pump’s delivery cylinder caused some strong vibrations in the chassis when changing direction. Although this vibration does not significantly affect the discharge at the end of the boom, he pointed out that compared to the Putzmeister pumps he has operated, both Zoomlion and SANY pumps lack the same level of stability in their boom arms.
2. Delivery Speed and Precision
Mr. Yang was generally satisfied with the delivery speed, noting that the pump’s maximum delivery speed was fast. However, he mentioned that the precision in controlling the discharge amount was not ideal. Specifically, when the discharge chute neared full capacity, it was difficult to reduce the output, often resulting in concrete spillage.
3. Cement Splashing at the Inlet
Mr. Yang observed that occasionally, the hopper at the end of the pump, where the concrete mixer truck connects, would spray cement outward. While this did not happen frequently, it had a significant impact on the workers near the discharge area. Cement splashing on the workers could cause injury, especially if it gets into their eyes. The cause of this issue could be a design flaw, operational methods, or the concrete mix itself. It is strongly recommended that the manufacturer address this issue to avoid safety risks.
Fuel Consumption and Operating Costs
Fuel consumption is another major concern for operators. Since this pump operates mostly at a single site without frequent transfers, it works about 10 hours a day, resulting in a daily fuel cost of approximately 2,000 RMB, with an average fuel consumption of 25.8 liters per hour. The pump is mounted on an Isuzu four-axle chassis, which is known for its fuel efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and availability of spare parts, making it a preferred choice.
After-Sales Service and Parts
Although the pump performed well, Mr. Yang had some feedback on Zoomlion's after-sales service. He noted that the response time for after-sales support could be slow. When they contacted the manufacturer, they were informed that the service personnel would be available in 2 to 3 days. This delay could affect construction projects. As for parts replacement, Mr. Yang suggested that Zoomlion standardize the boom elbow models, as having a more uniform specification would make parts more easily accessible.
Additionally, Mr. Yang mentioned some inconvenience with the maintenance of certain components. For example, replacing the delivery cylinder piston and pump tubes requires using an Allen wrench to remove screws, which becomes difficult over time as these screws can become worn.
Conclusion
Overall, Mr. Yang expressed a positive view of the Zoomlion ZLJ 5417THB concrete pump. While there are some areas, such as discharge precision and certain design aspects, that could be improved, the pump’s high efficiency and operational stability are significant advantages. Zoomlion, by listening to the feedback from operators like Mr. Yang and making timely product improvements, can further enhance its market competitiveness.
Purchase Background and Usage
The customer company that owns this pump has been in the construction machinery business for many years and has substantial financial strength. They have purchased multiple pumps from both SANY and Zoomlion. This particular 52-meter Zoomlion pump is one of eleven pumps the customer bought from Zoomlion in a single purchase. The market price for this pump is approximately 3.8 million RMB.
Operator Experience and Work Site
Mr. Yang, a pump operator from Hebei, started working with pumps around 2007 and has accumulated rich experience. He operates this pump alongside another worker, typically used in construction of residential buildings in Changping District, Beijing. The floors are not too high, so the pump does not need to move frequently. It only requires scheduled feed from the concrete mixer trucks.
This pump was first used at a real estate site in Shuozhou, Shanxi, earlier this year. Due to tight project timelines, regular maintenance was not performed, leading to uncleaned cement residues on the boom. However, the pump’s performance improved once it reached the Beijing construction site.
Performance Evaluation
1. Operational Stability
During operation, Mr. Yang noticed that the pump’s delivery cylinder caused some strong vibrations in the chassis when changing direction. Although this vibration does not significantly affect the discharge at the end of the boom, he pointed out that compared to the Putzmeister pumps he has operated, both Zoomlion and SANY pumps lack the same level of stability in their boom arms.
2. Delivery Speed and Precision
Mr. Yang was generally satisfied with the delivery speed, noting that the pump’s maximum delivery speed was fast. However, he mentioned that the precision in controlling the discharge amount was not ideal. Specifically, when the discharge chute neared full capacity, it was difficult to reduce the output, often resulting in concrete spillage.
3. Cement Splashing at the Inlet
Mr. Yang observed that occasionally, the hopper at the end of the pump, where the concrete mixer truck connects, would spray cement outward. While this did not happen frequently, it had a significant impact on the workers near the discharge area. Cement splashing on the workers could cause injury, especially if it gets into their eyes. The cause of this issue could be a design flaw, operational methods, or the concrete mix itself. It is strongly recommended that the manufacturer address this issue to avoid safety risks.
Fuel Consumption and Operating Costs
Fuel consumption is another major concern for operators. Since this pump operates mostly at a single site without frequent transfers, it works about 10 hours a day, resulting in a daily fuel cost of approximately 2,000 RMB, with an average fuel consumption of 25.8 liters per hour. The pump is mounted on an Isuzu four-axle chassis, which is known for its fuel efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and availability of spare parts, making it a preferred choice.
After-Sales Service and Parts
Although the pump performed well, Mr. Yang had some feedback on Zoomlion's after-sales service. He noted that the response time for after-sales support could be slow. When they contacted the manufacturer, they were informed that the service personnel would be available in 2 to 3 days. This delay could affect construction projects. As for parts replacement, Mr. Yang suggested that Zoomlion standardize the boom elbow models, as having a more uniform specification would make parts more easily accessible.
Additionally, Mr. Yang mentioned some inconvenience with the maintenance of certain components. For example, replacing the delivery cylinder piston and pump tubes requires using an Allen wrench to remove screws, which becomes difficult over time as these screws can become worn.
Conclusion
Overall, Mr. Yang expressed a positive view of the Zoomlion ZLJ 5417THB concrete pump. While there are some areas, such as discharge precision and certain design aspects, that could be improved, the pump’s high efficiency and operational stability are significant advantages. Zoomlion, by listening to the feedback from operators like Mr. Yang and making timely product improvements, can further enhance its market competitiveness.
