Concrete pump FAQ's

Concrete pumps are the most common means of moving fresh concrete on worksites, making them crucial to most building and infrastructure projects. They ensure that projects stay on schedule by getting concrete to locations that need it most, but if you’re a site manager, choosing the right one for the job and putting it to work in the most efficient way can be complex.

Here, become an expert on concrete pumps, including their types, how they work, how to use them effectively and more. Contact our team, request a quote, or explore our range of concrete today.

What are concrete pumps?

Concrete pumps are machines that transfer mixed concrete to a specific location on site. They let construction professionals move concrete quickly and precisely to required areas without using costly and time-consuming human labour. Pumps can transport approximately 1m³ of several types of concrete per minute. As such, most large construction sites use them.

How does a concrete pump work?

Concrete pumps typically use an electric or diesel-powered hydraulic pump. This pump moves concrete within a container or hopper down the length of the line or boom and out to wherever it needs to be poured.

What types of concrete pumps are available?

There are two main types of concrete pumps: boom and ground line. 

Boom pumps

These pumps feature a hydraulic arm that lifts the piping up and over objects such as walls and houses, enabling the concrete to be delivered to harder-to-reach areas. They are often mounted on stabilised trucks, giving them portability, and can often pump concrete faster than ground line pumps. However, the maximum distances they can transport concrete over are typically half that of ground line pumps.

Ground line pumps

Also known as boomless pumps, these take the material from the delivery truck or hopper via a series of pipes to where needed. Ground line pumps can cover distances of 150-1,000 metres and run around obstacles to a sequence of locations, as well as through buildings and tight spaces if necessary. However, they may pump concrete at a slower rate than boom pumps.

Both types of pumps can be mounted on a vehicle or trailer or installed as stationary pumps, giving site managers flexibility.

When should I use a concrete pump?

There are several situations when concrete pumps are required:

• Large volume of concrete: If the project requires large quantities of concrete, a pump is a significantly faster option than employing wheelbarrows.
• Tight time constraints: Concrete pumps help ensure the project stays within its timeline.
• Rugged site terrain: If the site terrain is uneven, rocky, or otherwise challenging to traverse, concrete pumps can simplify delivery.
• Presence of obstacles: If site access is restricted, underground, indoors or at height, concrete pumps are crucial.
• Lack of labour: Concrete pumps can reduce labour costs associated with employing large numbers of workers to transport concrete via wheelbarrow.
• Need for precision: Concrete pump hoses can be directed precisely to wherever the material is needed.
• Need for consistent flow: When constructing elements like slabs, foundations and retaining walls, continuously pumped concrete can prevent imperfections from forming within the concrete.

What are the benefits of using a concrete pump?

Using a concrete pump can provide a wide range of benefits compared to manually transporting the concrete:

• Cost savings: Pumping concrete removes the large labour cost associated with manual wheelbarrow transport.
• Accuracy: With a pump, you can precisely direct the concrete where it’s needed most.
• Speed: Pumping is significantly faster than manually moving concrete across the site.
• Quality: Pumped concrete retains water and is less subjected to environmental conditions than concrete moved via a wheelbarrow, improving the quality of the finished product.

How much does it cost to pump concrete?

Concrete pump hire costs can vary, but, as a guide, expect to pay around £300-£400 on top of the price of the concrete.

How far can you pump concrete?

A line pump can cover distances of around 150 metres vertically and more than 1,000 metres horizontally, while boom pumps can reach approximately 75 metres horizontally or vertically.

How to use a concrete pump

While the specific process may differ depending on the specific project and the process must always be carried out by a trained professional, the concrete pumping process typically involves the following steps:

1. Set up the pump
2. Connect the concrete mixer truck or hopper to the line
3. Pump a grout mixture of concrete and water through the line to lubricate it
4. Begin pumping concrete.
5. Once complete, thoroughly clean the mixer, pump, and pipeline, ready for storage.

Learn how to prepare for a concrete pour.

Can you pump concrete in all weather conditions?

Yes, concrete can be pumped in most weather conditions, however, it’s important to make sure of the following during extreme and inclement weather:

• Rain: If water gets into the hopper or exposed pumped concrete, the mix and performance of the concrete can be affected. Be sure to cover the hopper and concrete appropriately.
• Electrical storms: Metal pumping apparatus can be at risk of lightning strikes. If possible, retract booms and cover equipment during storms, and recommence once the weather has cleared.
• Wind: Winds can damage booms and machinery, bending them. Always observe the maximum wind speed for operation as specified by the manufacturer.

Can screed be pumped?

Yes, screed can be pumped, just like concrete. Our EasyFlow screed can be used in most pump apparatuses. 

What preparation is required to pump concrete?

When specifying a concrete pump operation, consider the following:

• How far from the pump is the site?
• How much concrete do you require?
• Is your specified concrete able to be pumped effectively?
• What is the nature of the landscape where the pump will be located or parked?
• Are there any obstacles in the way of the pump location and worksite?

With this information, you should be able to get the correct pump from your supplier.

Do you offer concrete pumps?

Unfortunately, Heidelberg Materials does not offer concrete pumps. You will need to hire one separately for your project.

Concrete pumps are crucial to any construction project involving concrete, and with the information above, you’ll be able to use them more effectively to benefit your project. View our range of ready-mix concrete, contact our team if you have any questions, or request a quote.