Gar-Bro 332-C Center Discharge Floor Hopper — Single Gate for Efficient Concrete Placement
The Gar-Bro 332-C is a center discharge, single gate floor hopper engineered for ground-level concrete receiving and controlled placement on commercial and industrial construction sites. With a rated capacity of 1.2 cubic yards and a robust 700-pound steel construction, this hopper is built to handle the demands of high-volume concrete pours. It is designed for contractors and trades professionals who require a reliable, stationary receiving point for truck-discharged or pump-fed concrete. The 332-C serves as the base unit in Gar-Bro's center discharge floor hopper series, which has been American engineered and manufactured since 1923.
Unlike dual gate or vertical front discharge hoppers, the 332-C's center discharge configuration delivers concrete directly beneath the hopper, making it ideal for slab work and applications where precise center placement is critical. The single gate design simplifies operation and reduces mechanical complexity compared to dual gate alternatives. Additionally, the 332-C is field-upgradeable to higher capacities by adding Gar-Bro extension collars (items 345-C, 359-C, or 372-C), giving contractors flexibility without requiring a separate hopper purchase.
Key Features & Benefits
Center Discharge Design
The center discharge configuration directs concrete flow straight down from the hopper's midpoint, enabling accurate placement directly beneath the gate. This is especially advantageous on flat slab and deck pours where lateral discharge would require additional repositioning. Contractors gain tighter control over concrete distribution and reduce cleanup time.
Single Gate Operation
The single gate mechanism provides straightforward, reliable control of concrete flow without the added complexity of dual gate systems. Fewer moving parts mean reduced maintenance requirements and faster operation on the job site. This simplicity translates to less downtime and lower long-term operating costs.
Large 48" x 60" Top Opening
The generous 48-inch by 60-inch top opening accommodates direct discharge from ready-mix trucks and pump lines with minimal spillage risk. This wide receiving area speeds up loading cycles and reduces the need for precise truck positioning. All single gate center discharge floor hoppers in this series share this standardized top opening dimension.
Modular Extension Collar System
The 332-C is the base unit for a family of four hoppers — adding collar A (item 345-C), collar B (item 359-C), or collar C (item 372-C) increases rated capacity from 1.2 up to 2.7 cubic yards and height from 76 up to 100 inches. This modular approach allows contractors to configure the hopper to match project volume requirements without investing in multiple standalone units. Collars are interchangeable and field-installable.
Heavy-Duty Steel Construction
At 700 pounds, the 332-C is built with the structural integrity required for demanding commercial concrete placement environments. Gar-Bro's manufacturing standards have been refined since 1923, ensuring consistent weld quality and material durability across every unit. The robust build minimizes deformation risk under repeated heavy loading cycles.
ASME-Standard Engineering
Gar-Bro designs all hoppers and concrete handling equipment to meet or exceed ASME standards, giving contractors confidence in the equipment's safety and performance ratings. Compliance with these standards is critical on regulated job sites and for liability protection. The 332-C's rated capacity and structural ratings are backed by this engineering discipline.
Common Applications
Concrete Slab Pours
The center discharge floor hopper positions concrete directly beneath the gate, making it well suited for ground-level slab pours where controlled, centered placement reduces finishing labor.
Ready-Mix Truck Receiving
The 48" x 60" top opening accepts direct chute discharge from ready-mix trucks, serving as an efficient receiving and metering station between the truck and placement crew.
Pump Line Staging
The hopper can receive concrete from pump lines and meter output through the single gate, providing a controlled staging point for downstream placement operations.
High-Volume Commercial Construction
On large commercial projects requiring continuous or high-frequency concrete pours, the 332-C's 1.2-cubic-yard capacity and optional extension collars (up to 2.7 CY) support sustained throughput demands.
Foundation and Footing Pours
The center discharge configuration is effective for directing concrete into forms for foundations and footings where precise vertical placement is required.
Industrial Floor Construction
Industrial floor projects requiring large, flat concrete placements benefit from the hopper's ability to efficiently receive and discharge concrete at grade with minimal repositioning.
Compatible Materials
- Ready-mix concrete
- Pumped concrete
- Standard and high-slump concrete mixes
- Lightweight concrete mixes
- Fiber-reinforced concrete
- Flowable fill and controlled low-strength materials (CLSM)
Product Documents
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Item Number | 332-C |
| Rated Capacity | 1.2 Cu. Yds. |
| Height | 76 Inches |
| Top Opening | 48" x 60" |
| Gate Type | Single Gate |
| Discharge Type | Center Discharge |
| Collar Included | None (base hopper) |
| Weight | 700 Pounds |
| Extension Collar Option A | Item 345-C — 1.7 Cu. Yds., 84" Height, 805 Lbs. |
| Extension Collar Option B | Item 359-C — 2.1 Cu. Yds., 92" Height, 865 Lbs. |
| Extension Collar Option C | Item 372-C — 2.7 Cu. Yds., 100" Height, 925 Lbs. |
| ASME Compliance | Designed to meet or exceed ASME standards |
| Manufacturer | Gar-Bro Manufacturing Co. |
| Country of Manufacture | USA (American Engineered, American Made) |
| In Production Since | 1923 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between the 332-C and the 345-C, 359-C, and 372-C models?
A: The 332-C is the base hopper unit. The 345-C, 359-C, and 372-C are the same base hopper with extension collars A, B, or C added, respectively, which increase rated capacity and overall height. Collars can be added in the field to upgrade an existing 332-C.
Q: What top opening size does the 332-C have?
A: All single gate center discharge floor hoppers in this series, including the 332-C, feature a standardized 48-inch by 60-inch top opening to accommodate direct ready-mix truck chute or pump line discharge.
Q: Can the 332-C be upgraded to a higher capacity after purchase?
A: Yes. The 332-C is designed to accept Gar-Bro extension collars A, B, or C, which increase rated capacity to 1.7, 2.1, or 2.7 cubic yards, respectively. This allows contractors to expand capacity as project needs grow.
Q: How does center discharge differ from vertical front discharge?
A: Center discharge directs concrete flow straight down from the center of the hopper, which is ideal for slab and floor pours requiring placement directly beneath the unit. Vertical front discharge projects concrete forward from the front face, which suits different placement geometries such as wall or column forms.
Q: Is the 332-C available with a dual gate configuration?
A: No. The 332-C is a single gate hopper. Gar-Bro offers a separate Center Discharge Floor Hopper with Dual Gate configuration for applications requiring dual gate operation.
Q: Does the 332-C meet any industry safety or engineering standards?
A: Yes. Gar-Bro designs all hoppers and concrete handling equipment to meet or exceed ASME standards, ensuring the 332-C's rated capacity and structural performance are verified to recognized industry benchmarks.