Machines mine efficiency in underground shotcrete practice

Putzmeister Concrete Pumps GmbH is extending its range of mechanized shotcrete machines with Wetkret 4, billed as the next generation of equipment specially designed for underground construction. Wetkret 4 suits narrow galleries, thanks to its heavy-duty chassis, compact size (6-ft. wide, 7-ft. high), and reduced turning radiuses. It boasts two spraying arm versions, one with a maximum vertical reach of 33 feet, the other 26.5 feet.

With material flow of 26 yd./hour, the Wetkret 4 pump assures a homogeneous shotcrete application, leading to layer quality and thickness accuracy while reducing rebound. Wetkret 4 is also equipped to automatically synchronize additive dosage with concrete flow, and features a FOPS/ROPS-certified cabin that faces the direction of travel, ICVD hydrostatic transmission, integrated air compressor and optimal weight distribution.Wetkret

Along with the Wetkret 4 rollout, Mixkret 3 expands Putzmeister’s material delivery options the overall shotcrete process. Mixkret 3 is compact and robust, small in size and turning radius. An ideal complement to Wetkret 4, engineers note, the robotized concrete spraying equipment was launched in the second half of 2018, and has the same components as Wetkret 4—facilitating and improving spare parts management.

Mixkret 3 is the only mixer in the market of its height (7 feet) that has a mixing capacity of 4 yd. The tank’s novelty lifting system offers a wide versatility in terms of the height of concrete release in robotized equipment for shotcrete. Like the rest of the Putzmeister Mixkret range, Mixkret 3 has a four-cylinder diesel engine, which equips it with capacity for climbing, transfer and work at height. Its continuously variable hydrostatic transmission system runs without gear changes, improving climbing ability, transfer speed, starting acceleration and fuel consumption. — Putzmeister America Inc., Sturtevant, Wis., 262/886-3200, 800/884-7210; www.putzmeister.com