$50,000!! Should I Buy This?!?!

Tom gets to trial the Mud Demon and has to contemplate if he thinks it would be a good fit!
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[@1963RonTKiser]

Tom as a General Contractor, I can see it working for you. Less man hours and faster pace for other jobs. Also less damage to the lawns. Think about maintenance on the buggies against the pump. Think about how much you paid in pumping in the last year and how many jobs were pushed back due to no pump available. If you figured in your bids the cost of hiring a sub to pump for the job, cut that cost in half and put in the bid. You make the money to pay for it plus the right offs.

[@JamesKing-jw6hs]

Exactly

[@528Circle]

Nice cameo by Mike Morgan! And I loved the little guy - it’s con-qweet! That was awesome.

[@robertherzog2087]

I can see where the MuDemon can reduce costs and increase productivity. However, I think you should also consider the customer service aspects it can provide. I've watched episodes where you placed long paths of traction mats, saying it protects the lawns, which it does to some extent, but when you remove them the lawns don't look so nice. The same situation with a long 3-inch hose instead of traction mats will cause less lawn damage, which I'm sure will please the customer.

[@larrybryan8913]

Nice piece of equipment Major Tom. Some people that watch your channel don’t realize the hills and valleys in western Pennsylvania would work great especially in the rainy season not tracking someone’s yard

[@craighueber6182]

Hey Tom! Love the chanel! I’m a full time Philly fireman but I e been doing concrete for 22 years. I’ve used pumps on several jobs. If I may make a suggestion. Please avoid having anyone stand in front of that hose. If it gets clogged and then the pressure builds and unclogs itself the person standing in front of that line will be injured or worse. You may have addressed this already. If so, I apologize. If not, please make it a point to make it known to the fellas. I’d hate to see any of you get hurt. Great work brother! Have a blessed day!

[@Concretewiththehauses]

Very good point thanks

[@Tony-Rinaldo]

I was checking it out at Deco-Crete. I think it would be an awesome addition to your arsenal!!

[@asz030303]

I would buy a regular pump on a trailer, you should ask Anthony the best in the west. West Coast Concrete, he knows comcrete pumps well

[@randycarpenter2914]

It all comes down to the return on investment. If that works out, the answer is yes, buy it. The other factor is if it breaks down parts and repair costs along with a backup system. What parts fail the quickest and cost to repair it. That is the questions I would want to know. We all know that with equipment, it breaks at the most inconvenient time you need it to work.

[@tnolan3176]

Seems to be labor intensive ! Holding the hose and moving it will wear a guy out pretty quick! if you get a clog in the line ,which does happen now you have to spend time unclogging the line while concrete is setting ! I would leave the pumping to the professionals !!

[@jamescole1786]

5/27/24..MuDemon demo..Tom, agree with your approach to try it out on several jobs, on hilly terrain & long reach back yard projects. First instinct, too small, too expensive & not enough hose & clean up issues. Then yur SkidSteer screaming...Keep investigating...yes you do need some improvement to deliver mud in your hard to reach areas, maybe a small but dedicated pumper? Lots of $$ no matter, but thing must be reliable & capable of pumping long distances & also EZ maintenance, parts availability etc. Good luck on yur next several demo's. Thx for showing we loyal YT viewers. 👍⚙️🔧😊

[@ronallen6578]

Good morning Tom, Sounds like you have your mind made up already on this topic. Lots of questions I would have, but I'm not a concrete guy. Several that I'm sure have been asked down in your comments already. 1. At $600 a 20 or 25ft section with 1 connector, you could put another$5000 plus into hose and if you want 2 size hoses, then add a few more bucks. 2. What's the customer service like. Yea, I know what companies tell you, but when you need them things change---unfortunately. 3. Parts availability?? What part(s) are most likely to go bad? How long to get a new one? 4. Could you hire this out as a side business when not in use for yourself? 5. Looks like you might tie up a body or 2 using this. Extra labor involved?? Higher estimates for jobs?? That's my 2 cents worth. I'm sure you know what you're doing, but thanks for asking us viewers for a little input.

[@Freddie2598]

Tom, I would say it’s a big yes this piece of equipment would come in handy many times throughout the year…. I would say the best way to determine if you think that you need this equipment is to figure out how many times you have to have a pump truck come out and assist you with some of your pours plus this piece of equipment may come in handy on smaller jobs where you have to buggy all the concrete to the pour area…. Keep up the good work Tom and crew 🇺🇸👊🏼👊🏼🔨🪚

[@barryhoneycutt3894]

Enjoyed this video as Always Tom. Good to see Mike Morgan [Out Doors With The Morgans] on the channel. Great Guy. He is going to pour some concrete soo i believe. That machine was fantastic, here where i live in SE Texas, if i remember right, a concrete pump truck was a flat rate, then per hour rate and so much per yard of concrete. It was not cheap and i', talking 35-40 years ago. This machine looks like it will become a favorite, especially on all the steps you guys pour, and basements etc. Looks like a win win. You may end up with 2" hose and 3" hose both, you guys do a lot of different types of pours, good luck Brother i like it. Not my 50 Grand but i think it will pay for itself not only in pump trucks but labor as well. 💯👍🙏

[@mikebarushok5361]

There are a number of questions to answer to decide to buy. How much time is saved compared to buggy or wheelbarrow and shovelling. Is having to bring the machine plus a skid steer going to tie up equipment and a trailer that could be prepping the next job? Does the minimum number of people to operate exceed the minimum crew doing a pour by shoveling? What are the annual maintenance and repair costs likely to be and are parts readily available with minimum down time when something breaks? Is the manufacturer a new or an established company? Have there been jobs you didn't bid that you could have with this piece of equipment? Does 15 yards an hour maximum limit the size of job to ones your able to charge enough to make enough to be worth while? How often have you had delays because a pump truck wasn't available, and couldn't be productive getting another job started or moved up? (Delayed jobs that only reshuffle scheduling aren't usually losing money when you have other work lined up). There's way too much more to a decision and the worst thing is to end up paying for a nice looking tool that can't earn it's costs back. And, Tom, I believe you know every bit of how to decide whether to buy much better than any viewers. I just wanted to let the viewers know that there are a lot of non obvious factors involved.

[@hj8607]

For sure you need to design a shoulder harness so the weight of the hose could be held by the legs leaving the arms to only direct the flow. The pump could also be used to get the mud to a distant location ( inaccessible by truck) to fill wheel barrels to finish distribution. A good investment but maybe research other models. (larger etc)

[@kenpool8507]

Interesting piece of kit. I can see how it could help you on certain jobs. I was surprised when they said the hose was sold separately. Personally I’m a fence sitter on this one. The price tag is a little steep, but having a pumper at your disposal at all times could be invaluable. Great video, keep them coming.

[@joesixpack8305]

I was a manufacturing engineering manager and did many equipment justifications using ROI (return on investment). Not sure I heard everything right and certainly hands on is the only way to be sure but based on what I could tell that machine has a 1-2 year payback. That would translate into a very nice ROI. That's pretty darn good. Also, if you're getting jobs done quicker it gives you more time to take on more jobs.

[@davidbishop4015]

Great piece of equipment Tom. I enjoyed the demonstration. Stay safe.

[@jimhunt5259]

That's a lot of money, with the hose or hoses. I wonder how many jobs it would take to pay for. Great idea, not sure what a pump truck cost but it's your pocket book. 🤑

[@MuddyfeetConcretePumping]

The same size pump that’s mounted on a trailer is twice the cost of this machine.

[@jakeschisler7525]

Hardest part is deciding what size hose and how much hose you would need to buy. Moving the extra hose all the time would be the most pain in the arce. It's only money!

[@MuddyfeetConcretePumping]

I carry 350’ of hose on my truck. They are 3”ID x 25’ long.

[@Z-Bart]

That was kind of a unique pour. Long and narrow, moving the pump hose a lot. On a back yard patio it would be mostly side to side. I say go for it!

[@user-wf8nv2ok3s]

The man holding the hose is probably worn out in no time

[@jnich17]

Tom, as a retired fire fighter, I have a method that we used to handle large diameter hose (LDH) and we would take a rope and tie it to a 4 foot loop. Put a sheep bend around the hose and then loop the remaining rope over your shoulder. This way you could hold the weight and let your body weight pull the hose where ever you want. Just an idea to help the guys manage the hose.

[@Concretewiththehauses]

That’s a great idea

[@snomofilms]

I have a mud demon- my dog in the back yard in spring 😅

[@WestCoastCustomConcrete]

Compared to that pump, your method is better💯plus there is no where for you to wash out. Asking for trouble with that pump. 55k plus hose? Is absurd

[@Concretewiththehauses]

I think you could come in handy from time to time, but you’re right over 55K

[@william9835]

Would you actually use it enough to justify purchasing? Most of your jobs are direct pour or buggy. I don’t recall a lot of pumping jobs. But it’s your money. 🙂

[@NSResponder]

I've seen them pump several basement and garage floors. I think it just comes down to the hourly cost of renting a pump truck versus the amortized purchase cost of this smaller machine. I wouldn't be surprised if TSH makes it back in a year or less just from being able to bid more jobs at lower cost.

[@tnolan3176]

It is fine when you are on level ground or going down hill but pumping up hill could pose a challenge dont think it has the power to do that ! Especially if it is going any type of distance !

[@MuddyfeetConcretePumping]

The sp500 is the next size that Schwing builds. It’s the pump that I use. Pumping up hill isn’t an issue. The rating on my pump is 330’ vertical or 1100’ horizontal and still pump 45 yards an hour. That’s the rating. I’ve never achieved 45 yards an hour but there was other factors also. I would expect 200-250’ vertical would be an easy accomplishment with this pump. It is recommended that you do not exceed 300’ total of hose though.

[@longleglegend8418]

I was wonder when y’all would get pump that’s awesome proud of yall

[@DC8FD]

This machine is a game changer for your business and would be a huge investment for you!!

[@miltonhurd1016]

Mike identified the issue. handling the hose seemed awkward and heavy.

[@robertnorris1808]

Well it does have cement flowing through it and the hose has to be heavy duty to withstand the pressure and abrasive product going through it. Ask anybody that does this kind of work and uses these hoses and i'm sure they will say yes the hose does take a strong person to use it .

[@johnpyle8027]

Everyone keeps saying it eliminates tearing up the yard. The yard is still tore up and need backfilled and seeded. The buggies wouldn't have tore up the yard, a pump truck wouldn't have torn it up either. At $55k it has to be passed on to the customer. I would like to know what they charged for the curb at 4 yards or would have to charge if they spent $55k. I am not a fan at all of the Mud Mixer, but I would buy it for $4k for jobs like these.

[@domangst8232]

Love trying new equipment. I think that you could use that instead of your buggies. Tom, thanks for sharing

[@philiplackey3302]

Tom, I have watched you channel almost from the beginning and I think this has a place in your business. The men have to move hose makes no difference if it is yours or someone else’s. This way you don’t have to wait on a pump truck. I believe as soon as you get comfortable with the operation of the MuDevil that you just pull the trigger and go for it. I believe you will pay for it in maybe one years business not more than a year and a half.

[@welderman1221]

ABSOLUTELY!! You can sure put that machine to good use.

[@sbkhider]

Very cool machine!

[@randyharmon280]

30 YARDS an HOUR ?!? Sister Mary Francis !! Whoa ....

[@greglancaster1079]

Fantastic job. Not a patio or driveway. New machine is nice too.

[@bryanlloyd1099]

Seems to be a good machine!

[@williamfenner9915]

It looks like it works out well. You should definitely think about how much you have to get work like this done. You can get it done right away. You don't have to worry about getting a pumping company coming.

[@theskunkvalleyfarmer3134]

I could see some advantages to it. In terms of labor savings. Once it's set up, one guy could run it, essentially doing the work of two power buggy drivers. Less damage to yards, not driving buggys across them. $50,000 isn't an expensive machine for someone that will use it.

[@78jog89]

Don't know anything about concrete, but have watched the traditional route of buggies/barrows and can't help but think this automation would be useful in many, but not all, of your projects. Ask the accountant the best way to book it, is my advice. Great post with the fam.

[@ep9360]

Forget about it. ❤

[@bbouc40254]

timer saver for sure

[@johnelliott6738]

I would think gathering feedback from your crew and determining ROI would be primary considerations.

[@jacklachman5304]

Tom, I’m thinking if can increase you KZbin followers by adding it to you company & your revenue increases from KZbin enough to end up Paying for it ….I say go for it. Not to mention saving y’all’s backs from shoveling. GREAT seeing Mike “the STONE MAN” Morgan too. 😁 Great finishing of the video with the finished project/landscaping at Tommy’s Have a day

[@Concretewiththehauses]

I have really been thinking about all of that

[@eddeetz493]

Just not destroying the yard is a big win on any bid. Be sure to promote no left behind yard repair expense.

[@lyleharkness-rv5vf]

If you can make triple the price of the machine over the period of the warranty, by all means do it. Why I say triple the cost is because that will cover your labor, maintenance and repair, and leave profit to the company for reinvesting. Looks like a sweet machine that will help you be more self sufficient and not at the whim of others.

[@jeffreycurrie3410]

Chuckie is getting big

[@kevinhenry7273]

You had more help for that pour than you do for some of your 30yd basements 😂 Definitely a learning curve. 1-2 people on the hose, but you get them from not needing buggy operators. The nozzle person can make or break the job, just like the driver operating the chute. How about machine and hose cleanup on jobs without water available? I'm sure you'll make the right decision for your situations, glad to see you'll be getting more time on it before making a decision.

[@Concretewiththehauses]

The cleanup and maintaining machine is what I’m thinking about the most

[@JamesKing-jw6hs]

You guys have the business, so I say buy it. It'll pay itself off in a year or two🎉

[@michaelmullins1290]

I could almost see this working by pumping to a buggy. Just to save travel on the buggy. Get it up to 30 gpm and pump away. Save the grass. I do like the wheel boxes to tote the hise on. Im sure THS will make it very successful.

[@martincagle9226]

Get a couple of them

[@ajmulvey7079]

Seems alil steep. Especially when 25ft of hose is $600. I'd stick with the buggies. They do very well. And their already paid for

[@mikev2029]

What is the wear on the skid steer? Heat build up could be a factor with the hydraulic pump. How hot is the hydro fluid getting. My son uses a skid steer with a stump grinder attached. It is really hard on the hydraulic pump. He has added a cooler to keep temp down. Not sure if that would be an issue with that unit. Otherwise, seems like a great ROI!

[@JimConnelley]

Can you load the hopper from the motor carts? I was thinking more about short lift jobs. Like tall stair landings, etc.

[@fintan3563]

A new toy! Woo-hoo! 🎉🎉🎉

[@injuneer7942]

All in all it looks like a good edition but I would like to see calculations of labor savings, cost per hour for operation, and manufacturers projected life span for the machine. Also, regular maintenance in time, labor, and materials would be important. I would recommend running all of these before making a "buy" decision .....

[@johnsandell4501]

Yes, it will increase your productivity. Reduce your cost per pour. 👍👍👍

[@lhr1701]

Hi Tom I think this is a good investment for your business. The pump section of this machine is made by a major pump manufacturer that I’m sure you are familiar with. And everything else is off the shelf components. So serviceability shouldn’t be a concern. As for the hose. I’m sure they to can be sourced easily . So if your machine has the flow , then you are covered.

[@laurieelderkin3897]

Go for it 👍🏼👊🏽😎☕️

[@iowamatt2519]

It's all yours Tom, that's a definite no for me. A driveway or patio would be much easier with the hose, but I'll go ahead and rent a boom pump everyday of the week

[@garymeadows1771]

Great investment Tom once you fine tune just work out time's pump truck also power buggies then putting down those heavy mats for buggies I would not like lifting them Great machine once into a routine.

[@fifthamendment2220]

Also a contractor, the things that you need to ask yourself are; what tax advantages are there, will it decrease on the job injuries, and will it significantly increase your productivity? It comes down to injury reduction and money. 💰

[@chedhess345]

What are the alternatives, is it fast enough. What are the cost 3 inch vs 4 inch. ?

[@C5MFEAC]

Yes, 3 inch

[@jamesyoung4633]

I can see this machine to be a game changer if the setup and cleanup is an advantage to buggies back and forth.

[@mikegraziano1562]

How long did it take to clean out all that hose? Was it hard to get it spotless inside for the next job?

[@sparky178]

For that price you’d think they could throw in a couple lengths of hose!! Does look like something that would definitely help you.

[@ronaldcamp6757]

Time is money as you know. It looks like it has its place and you just need to decide if you can use it enough to justify owning it.

[@size-matters]

They need to get the price down on that thing. More like 25K

[@MuddyfeetConcretePumping]

Or you can go buy a less quality of a machine like Bobcat built and have a yard ornament 🤣🤣🤣

[@jeffhennings6579]

I’m thinking once you get use to it it would be worth it you do so many projects I’m thinking you will want one bud

[@doylehughes6961]

Respectfully ~ NO! I have watched two TSH jobs with the pump and many jobs without it; and it looks like way too labor intensive! Especially the clean-up! And the total cost looks like $65k+! The Haus Team has accomplished many many jobs with buggys and wheel barrows when needed; and without all the extra extra labor that the pump brings..... However, when a pump is truely required ~ pay a sub to furnish the pumper and charge accordingly. (Experience: Carpenter, Sub, Gen and City Construction Inspector.) Tks! D

[@Will-ll4gv]

Don’t know anything about your business other than you work your a%# off, but this seems like a good addition to your operations, nice music in the entry👍

[@davedutile6317]

Waiting to watch this thing in action. I don’t see the value-add, efficiency gain, if any , and assumed savings in labor, time, operational production.

[@barrywinters1142]

Yuo could also rent it out with an operator as a side business

[@CharlesJohnson-mq2tr]

Seems like the setup is alot of time. I wonder how much you would actually use it?

[@boborzech3367]

Buy it! You will never know when you need it....

[@roblescurbappealconcrete]

In my opinion, Mike, I would average the times you used a pump last year and then see what the cost of the machine is compared to that average. That hose is a serious backbreaker, you need a minimum of two guys running it, and I believe your men would quickly want to go back to the buggies after using it that day. There are some benefits to it in really bad areas, and maybe the write off, but why fix something that’s not broken? I think I would look into what it cost to build that, man hours and materials, first. Since I’m a subscriber, I thought I could share my $0.2. I wish you the best in whatever decision you make. Thank you for the videos.

[@grayrlsc1]

The person who is controlling the end of the hose needs some kind of a harness to put the weight onto his shoulders

[@seancasey2444]

It looked like it was really hard to control the hose.

[@Concretewiththehauses]

We got better towards the end

[@arresthillary9502]

its just always best to not have to depend on someone else to get the job done. no excuses, no delays, no BS for a pump when ya need it its not like ya gambling away 50k. depreciate it off your taxes, save thousands of hours and thousands of dollars not renting a pump even better, when you not using it, you rent it out to other crews. hire ya another guy to go run it

[@leamanwall8626]

Tom. NO more things to go wrong

[@NSResponder]

So that's fifty grand. What's a full-size pump truck going for, a quarter or half a million?

[@tnolan3176]

Could probably get nice used trailer mounted pump for around that price or less !! Just recently saw a truck mounted pump used 1998 for $59,000.00 !!!

[@NSResponder]

@@tnolan3176 I took a look at an auction site and I'm seeing bids for towable concrete pumps ranging from 30 grand to a bit over a. hundred. No idea what condition they're in.

[@AresGodOWar]

Here is a idea for you to make it better. It looks to heavy for the guys to hold, Put a harness on it, So you can strap it around your shoulders. Just send me %10 of the sales, Thanks 😉

[@user-up4xb2vs2u]

No more pumper truck bills.

[@Larryburrito]

Seems like more work than buggys

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

Where is jeff, MUDDY FEET

[@Concretewiththehauses]

Yeah, I’d like to talk to him

[@ryanten5933]

Cant they design this pump with its own power unit so you dont need to run a skid steer ?????????

[@bradmoyer9737]

Factor in the reputation your company will have in your market for not being a “Man killer” on laborers, in attracting new employees which is going to become even more difficult than it is now. Your comments cover most everything else.

[@rheffner3]

$50k?? Seems to be a good machine though. I suspect you can afford it. So do it!

[@timothylong68]

I think it will pay for itself just in time and you not paying extra for a pumper to show

[@jamesragus1577]

Complimentary algorithm enhancement comment!😊

[@fredcory2686]

Definitely looks like a great tool for your arsenal. For jobs like the stairs would get a bunch easier, and for tighter areas where the carts would be tight. I guess it comes down to how much effort you need to put into cleaning and maintenance of the machine.This might help with continuous flow - kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXbanoevba2jqqM

[@tnolan3176]

True got to clean out the machine when done with it so you will need a water supply ! And if something happens to the skid steer while pumping now you have to deal with that ! A lot to take into consideration !

[@julietesterman]

Yes. Buying good tools of your trade is always a good idea.

[@robertnorris1808]

Do you need it and can you make your money back? If your answer to those two question is yes then buy it. IMHO

[@jimg2885]

Tom I think that could work out good for you guys. In our area we pumped a lot of mud and once you get used to it I think you would love it. A 3" hose is a load to handle but as you work your way back you break off a section. Your mud was not a real wet mix and that pump seemed to handle it well. Amazing I had ask you if you had thought of buying a pump and you said amazing I ask. I knew then you were on to something. Personally I have never seen one that hooks to a skid steer and have to say that is pretty nice. Anxious to see in the next month how you end up liking it or not. Guess I should say if you think it is worth owning one.

[@saintaugustine1715]

Tom the job you did was a good exemple of being easier than the other methods you have it would of been hard to dumb in that space also you could of use it on that stair job there again here we go how many stair case you do per year and got to shovel a lots of it by hand you are not getting younger so isn't the mo ey worth your health you will be to endure the job extra years doi g what you like easier on your crew the person that said a big no i don't think he consider every option i do believe that there is more pro then con once the investment done you will get your money worth in no time

[@kingkong7617]

Tom, I could see the use of this machine and it might just pay for itself in the long run. I have watched some of your videos where that would have come in handy.

[@Concretewiththehauses]

I agree

[@chris3m98]

Tom, At your age do you really need more jobs. Is this a family decision? Can you hire enough workers in the future when you retire?

[@robbiedrummond4513]

Its not worth £50k! There must be a better solution.

[@enea3820]

I wouldn’t buy that you’re doing just fine without it $50,000. You kidding me no you don’t need that you’re doing just fine without it.