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What is a Concrete Buggy?

Klaus Strasser
Klaus Strasser

A concrete buggy is typically a type of motorized cart used in the transportation of concrete or other heavy materials. In general, it carries concrete from the concrete mixer, or hopper, to locations where the material needs to be applied. Concrete buggies are also used in park maintenance, landscaping, trail building, and by utility companies. It is generally preferred to other transportation carts, such as wheelbarrows, because it can carry heavier loads.

The concrete buggy looks like a cross between a wheelbarrow and a riding lawnmower. It is typically motorized and therefore needs a driver to operate it. Using a steering wheel, accelerator, and brakes, the operator sits on the buggy and drives it like a traditional motorized vehicle. Most models have four wheels, however two-wheelers are also available.

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Worker

In general, concrete buggies are designed to carry small loads of heavy substances. The loads are usually carried in a triangle or square-shaped bin that is mounted on the wheels and frame of the machine. These bins are typically made from a type of polymer plastic.

The standard load that a bin is designed to carry is usually 6 cubic feet (0.17 cubic meters). The bin can also be lifted and tilted by electric and hydraulic machinery, which enables the concrete to be poured out into the desired location. This can prevent workers from having to use other tools, such as shovels, to remove the concrete.

Some concrete buggies may feature a seat, while others use a stand-behind design. Its average speed is approximately seven miles per hour. This means that the buggy is typically used for transporting material short distances. Most concrete buggies run on gasoline, however there are also propane models available.

The concrete buggy is also designed to be able to travel across a number of different types of terrain. It is capable of this because its wheels are evenly distributed. The distribution of the wheels can also prevent the damaging of lawns or other valued property.

Typically, the concrete buggy has a width that enables it to be driven inside buildings through standard-sized doorways. This allows the operator to access tight places with heavy amounts of material, rather than doing so with a wheelbarrow. Many times the buggy will also have removable wheels, ensuring that it can access almost any area, regardless of how small.

Worker safety is an important advantage of the concrete buggy. Since carrying heavy loads can often be backbreaking work, it can generally eliminate some of the potential injuries that may occur with heavy lifting. A buggy, particularly one with a hydraulic lift and tilting mechanism, often alleviates the need for such physical labor.

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