A concrete pump is a machine that pushes fresh, ready-mix concrete through a pipeline or flexible hose to deliver it precisely where it is needed on site. It eliminates the need to transport concrete manually with wheelbarrows or crane skips, saving time and labour, especially on larger pours or when access is difficult.
There are two main types. A boom pump is truck-mounted and features a hydraulic articulating arm (boom) that can reach over obstacles and place concrete at heights or distances of up to 60 metres or more. A line pump (also called a ground pump) is a trailer-mounted unit that pushes concrete through steel pipes and rubber hoses laid along the ground. Line pumps are smaller, more affordable to hire, and well-suited to residential projects.
Application
Concrete pumps are used whenever concrete needs to travel a significant distance from the delivery truck to the formwork, or when the pour location is not directly accessible by truck. Common scenarios include upper-floor slabs, deep foundations, backyard projects behind a house, and large ground-floor pours where speed is essential.
For DIY builders, hiring a line pump for a day is a practical option when pouring a garage floor, driveway, or foundation that a truck mixer cannot reach directly. The pump operator sets up the hose run, and you direct the end hose into the formwork while your team spreads and compacts the concrete.
When planning a pumped pour, consider the concrete mix design: pumped concrete generally requires a slightly higher slump (more fluid) and a smaller maximum aggregate size to flow smoothly through the system. Discuss this with your ready-mix supplier when ordering.
Costs for pump hire are typically charged as a flat call-out fee plus a rate per cubic metre pumped. For small residential pours, a line pump is usually the most cost-effective choice.
Related terms
- Concrete
- Pouring
- Ready-mix concrete
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