Powered (Concrete) Buggy

A powered buggy, or concrete buggy, is originally used for transporting, spot pouring and spread dumping concrete. However, these powered buggies are also used for other material handling jobs that can include construction debris removal, landscaping, or on-site tool and equipment transportation.  They are typically powered by gas or propane with hydraulic pumps to empty the polythylene tubs and a stand for workers to "ride-on" while operating the equipment.

Description:

A powered buggy, or concrete buggy, is originally used for transporting, spot pouring and spread dumping concrete. However, these powered buggies are also used for other material handling jobs that can include construction debris removal, landscaping, or on-site tool and equipment transportation.  They are typically powered by gas or propane with hydraulic pumps to empty the polythylene tubs and a stand for workers to "ride-on" while operating the equipment.

Powered buggies have varying payload and load capacities.  While many traditional powered buggies (figure 1) run on wheel tires, some models may have optional track-drives that are more suitable for soft soils and muddy site conditions (figure 2).  There are also electric powered buggies (The Power Buggy) that are more ideal for interior or other areas requiring low noise and no emissions.  As the examples below is not a comprehensive list of all existing powered buggies, please visit other manufacturer websites for equipment suitable to the job's requirements.  Subject to availability for locations, powered buggies may also be rented.

Allen Engineering AR16 Power Buggy

  • Powersource: Propane with 8 gallon capacity
  • Load capacity: 2,500 pounds
  • Payload capacity: 16 cubic feet



Figure 1. AW16-K Wheel Buggy (Photo courtesy of Allen Engineering Corporation)

Multiquip Whiteman WTB-16

  • Powersource: Gasoline with 5 gallon capacity
  • Load capacity: 2,500 pounds
  • Payload capacity: 16 cubic feet


 

Figure 2. Whiteman WTB-16 by Multiquip is a powered buggy with a track-drive. (Photo courtesy of Multiquip Inc.)

Indy Equipment The Power Buggy

  • Powersource: Electric using six 12 volt deep cycle batteries
  • Charging: 110 volts AC, 20A circuit; full charge time is approximately 10 hours
  • Load capacity: 2,500 pounds
  • Payload capacity: 16 cubic feet

Risks Addressed:

Transporting concrete via using wheelbarrow or performing other manual material handling jobs on a worksite can be a strenuous task.  Heavy lifting and carrying can cause low back disorders, such as muscle strain or a disc herniation (“slipped disc”), which is bulging of disc material possibly pressing on the spinal cord or nerves that go into the leg.  Powered buggies can reduce the risk for low-back disorders by eliminating the use of wheelbarrows to transport concrete and other manual material handling efforts involving heavy loads.

How Risks are Reduced:

Powered buggies allows workers to transport concrete and other heavy loads via the push and pull of a lever.  For pour operations, this equipment replaces the pushing of wheelbarrows full of concrete which can require extra balancing efforts over uneven and unstable grounds.  In addition, the hydraulically-raised powered polythylene tubs allow for workers to easily unload concrete on the pour site without requiring the lifting and tilting of a wheelbarrow.

Based on current research, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has concluded that there is strong evidence that low back disorders are associated with work-related lifting and forceful movements (Bernard et al. 1997).  There have not been independent published studies measuring the effect of powered buggies on the incidence of low back disorders.  However, studies have shown an association between manual materials handling and low back pain (Kuiper et al.; 1999).

Additional Considerations:

Operators of powered buggies also need to consider the weight of the equipment with the material load when maneuvering across the job sites as floor hole covers, temporary wood ramps or flooring structural supporting members have load limits. In addition, it is recommended users follow all manufacturer guidelines before using this equipment to ensure worker safety and compliance with applicable local, state or federal regulations.

Contributors:

Jean Christophe Le, MPH - CPWR The Center for Construction Research and Training

Hazards Addressed:

Availability

Power Buggy LLC
To obtain information, visit The Power Buggy or contact 1-877-320-4639

Multiquip Inc.
To obtain information, visit Whiteman WTB-16 or contact 1-800-426-1244

Allen Engineering Corporation
To obtain information, visit AW 16-K or contact 1-800-643-0095 customerservice@alleneng.com

Return on Investment

To calculate the return on investment (ROI) for your specific application, please visit our Return on Investment Calculator. While a specific ROI example has not been developed for this particular solution, the ROI Calculator provides a useful tool and guidance on how to generate your own on investment analysis.