I think every pump operator should start on a line pump! You learn a lot of your basic training on smaller scale. I started 7 years ago at the bottom knowing nothing (just a hose dragger) and worked my way up to running small line pumps walking walls, to hydros,to boom pumps. And till this day I still run small line,walk walls,system pours, especially in this economy you gotta do what you gotta do. whats your opinion on where an operator should start?

Line pump absolutly!  You gotta crawl before you can walk.  There's enuff to worrry about just figuring out and getting used to the pump when you first start.  Throwing in a boom is just that much more that you gotta worry about.  However i do understand that alot of people do start out on a boom for whatever reason and thats great too.

I think A TINY BOOM is the way to go.because they are generally used as a trailer pump any how,And you get a lil taste of a boom.I started out on a 17m Schwing. Luggin hose 95% of the time.But every once in a while I got to use the boom.The trick with this is.NO MATTER what your doing get in the habit of seting the pump up like you are going to use the boom EVERY TIME!! NO MATTER WHAT!!!.That way when you do get to use the boom you don't uncradle it with no riggers! But if a TINY boom is not available I say trailer. I learned alot from the hose!!!

This was my 14 M ITC I just sold it but I loved it. Now I keep my 28 M gate valve

I am doing a paint job in this one. This is just the cab.

Some thoughts to ponder

Does it matter what they learn on? not really.The fundemental pumping (point a to b) is the key.Yes line pumping is the real thing,but needed to do it safely.So the company policy/trainer is the root of the issue.You can take a great guy/girl with great abilities and the company/trainer ruined them.

Once the basics are learned and experience line pumping gained you can go to the next step.Lets face it,most of the newbies can't spell concrete pump.

So who said you can only start on a line or boom pump anyway?Everybody need to start out on the kiss priciple.

"keep it simple stuipid"