Overview
ISO 21573-1:2024 - Building construction machinery and equipment - Concrete pumps - Part 1: Commercial specifications defines the required content of commercial specifications for concrete pumps used on building sites for concrete-mix delivery. This third edition updates classifications and technical content (harmonized with ISO 21573-2) and describes the machine characteristics that manufacturers, buyers and specifiers should record and communicate.
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard sets out the information to be included in commercial specifications, including:
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Classification of concrete pumps by:
- type of pumping unit (piston, rotary, vacuum, etc.),
- piston-type valve system (S-type, swing valve, gate valve, etc.),
- mode/frequency of transportation (truck-, trailer-, skid-, crawler-mounted, stationary),
- form of conveying (integral distributing boom, separate boom, pipe/hose run),
- drive system (fuel engine, electric, hybrid - newly clarified in 2024 edition).
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General characteristics to specify:
- model, manufacturer, maximum theoretical pumping output (m3/h), maximum delivery pressure (MPa),
- pumping cylinder diameter and stroke, strokes per minute, outlet diameter, hopper capacity,
- drive details (power, torque, RPM, electrical ratings or combined hybrid values),
- operating and equipment mass with defined conditions.
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Concrete compatibility:
- maximum applicable size of aggregate and minimum applicable slump.
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Drive and power options:
- vehicle engine or dedicated engine/electric/hybrid drive for hydraulic systems.
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Dimensional characteristics:
- overall length, width, height, wheelbase, feeding height, and maximum reach (vertical/horizontal) for distributing booms.
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Cleaning system:
- conveying-pipe cleaning method (water or pneumatic), performance (flow, pressure), tank and pump specs.
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Distributing boom and outriggers:
- boom model, unfolding angles, slewing, pipe diameter, end-hose length, section count, boom mass (with/without concrete),
- outrigger span (front, rear, lateral) and load capacity.
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Hydraulic system and chassis data:
- number and function of hydraulic pumps, oil tank capacity, control type, pump pressures and flow rates,
- truck chassis model, axle loads, and other general data.
Annex A provides illustrative examples of pump designs and assemblies.
Practical applications and users
ISO 21573-1:2024 is used to:
- Prepare clear commercial specifications and tender documents for procurement of concrete pumps.
- Enable fair comparison of products from different manufacturers.
- Support manufacturers in publishing consistent equipment data.
- Guide site managers, equipment inspectors, rental companies, design engineers and regulatory authorities when assessing suitability, safety margins and logistics (transport, outrigger footprint, reach).
- Work in conjunction with ISO 21573-2, which covers procedures for examination of technical parameters.
Keywords: ISO 21573-1:2024, concrete pumps, commercial specifications, concrete-mix delivery, distributing boom, piston-type pump, maximum theoretical pumping output, maximum delivery pressure, outrigger span, hydraulic system, cleaning system.