Concrete Solutions

Concrete construction calls for its own set of unique tools. With requirements getting larger and jobsites becoming tighter, contractors need solutions that already fit their toolbox. The skid steer has been crowned the most versatile piece of machinery on the equipment lot, so why not outfit it for new applications in concrete construction?

Skid steer versatility works best when it comes to cutting, crushing and pouring concrete materials — all with one machine. A rock saw, for instance, is just one of the many attachments a skid steer can be combined with for efficient concrete work. Ideal for road repairs and general construction, this implement is designed to cleanly cut through rock and concrete up to 24 in. deep. The saw’s teeth, also known as pics, can be interchanged to fit whatever cutting job is required.

“Rock saws are an excellent tool to use for tackling heavy-duty cutting projects with a skid steer,” says Kelly Guthrie, director of marketing with Coneqtec/Universal. “Some of these projects include providing a clean edge for repairing areas damaged on roads such as potholes and the road’s edge next to the berm. Utility cuts are a snap — make two passes within a few inches of each other and then remove the center strip for laying lines or pipes.”

It doesn’t matter if you’re building, digging or just looking for something to annihilate. A rock saw is more than able to step up to the task.

A heavy-duty motor powered by the skid steer’s hydraulic system turns a huge wheel that has tungsten teeth attached to the perimeter. The head is maneuvered using a side-shift system that laterally moves back and forth about 22 in. Cab hydraulic controls allow for easy adjustments while cutting.

You can tell how effective a saw will be just by looking at the pics. Each pic should be worn down equally on all sides while the pointed tip is maintained. Sharper pics are used for cutting while squared pics shred. Shredding can take a lot more work out of this tool and tends to be a bit slower. Each pic consists of a tip and a shank. The shank is the area of the pic that slides into the holder and, often times, there is a collar on the shank that allows it to spin in the block. While in use, the pic rotates in the block as it makes contact with the road’s surface. As this is happening the pic is able to self-sharpen instead of grinding down to a useless stump or breaking off.

An observant contractor needs to make sure the area around the base of the pic does not become lodged with soil or other material. When this happens the pic can become stuck and unable to rotate. Replacing a full set of pics can cost hundreds of dollars every time, so keeping them clean is a sure bet to get the most out of your saw. Pics are easily removed with a wrench designed specifically for that purpose. With that wrench, each pic is removed from the block for cleaning or replacement. Just pop a new pic in, give it a spin to make sure its working properly and you’re good to go.

When working with a tool as serious as a rock saw, safety should always be a priority — both for the operator and the surrounding crew. On top of the safety of employees and those around the jobsite, safe machine practices keep the skid steer and its implements in working order.

“Imagine what it can do to someone’s arm or hand. Stay clear of the cutting wheel while it’s turning or if you think it could turn,” says Guthrie. “While cutting tough material, some nasty material gets thrown out in front of the saw — stone and metal slivers, chunks of concrete or asphalt and even strips of tar. Stay clear of the rock saw while it is operating. The safety decal states 100 ft or more. While operating, take the tough stuff slow. Getting in a hurry and forcing the wheel in could damage the equipment.”

With the saw attachment itself ranging in price from $15,000 to $19,000, it’s an investment a contractor wants to protect and avoiding any downtime from a broken attachment is always a plus. When work is done for the day, maintenance should be the next thing to keep in mind with this tool. The saw’s teeth need to be able to spin freely in their holder. Lubrication of its various moving parts is also important. When not in use, operators also need to make sure to store this type of equipment off of the ground and out of the elements. With proper maintenance and care, an operator can keep his or her rock saw working productively.

Contractors who work with these loaders know they are not only about destruction — far from it. As quickly as a rock saw attachment can tear up the highway a concrete pump can restore it. And when you’re looking for a versatile tool, what can be better than an attachment that is able to pick up with the building after the dismantling phase of the job is over. After a quick change of parts, loader operators are ready to get right back into the thick of it.

When delivering new concrete or grout to an area on a project, a concrete pump attachment compliments a skid steer perfectly. These mobile implements possess greater agility than bigger pieces of machinery — making them ideal for delivering their payload to hard-to-reach or narrow areas.

These pumps are powered by the standard hydraulic couplings on a skid steer and can deliver grout, mud or concrete from 10 to 30 cu yd per hour. The system can handle up to 40 gpm at 3,000 psi. With a price tag starting at around $8,000, the concrete pump definitely gives contractors a bang for their buck given its easy use and big performance.

The attachment can be operated from the cab with the same simplicity of pushing a button and can be used to complete smaller jobs such as sidewalks, driveways and small roads. One hard working concrete pump can eliminate the need for dozens of wheelbarrows, shovels and man-hours.

Like the rock saw, concrete pumps require special safety practices. “The pumps come with a full compliment of safety stickers and guards. Safety is the key when working with a pump that delivers 750 to 1,000 psi,” says Perry Hochkammer with Black-Jack Grout Pumps Inc. “Proper line lubrication is a must, along with basic equipment knowledge and procedures.”

Quick and simple maintenance is a must before putting the equipment away for the day. “It’s very simple,” says Perry. “Our pumps were designed for maintenance in the field. All pumps have only seven moving parts and can be changed in minutes.”

Whether it’s stripping a street to install utilities or sculpting a new sidewalk, a skid steer paired with the right implement is a useful machine for such tasks. With the versatility of using a variety of attachments — such as rock saws and concrete pumps — a skid steer can roll onto the site and get big concrete jobs accomplished.

Ryan Sweeney is an editorial assistant for Compact Equipment, based in Peninsula, Ohio.