FAQs...

The size required depends on where the pump will be set up and the furthest point you need to reach. If you are unsure what is required, we can arrange a free site visit. A site visit is always advisable to ensure you are ordering the correct machine. Data sheets can be supplied to ensure the right machine is supplied.

Depending on the set up location, access may be ground level with pipes or boom over a building. Pump operator will not be liable for any damage due to insufficient access. The ground conditions must be suitable and sufficient for the pump size ordered with the adequate weight bearing capacity. The pump should also be a safe distance away from overhead and underground hazards.

Primer is a lubricant that forms a grout to prevent blockages and ensure the concrete flows through the pump. To minimise health & safety concerns around breathing in cement dust and manual handling, we use pump primer to lubricate the pipeline prior to pouring. As with all grouting priming product, it should be pumped to waste and not into the pour. If the hirer does not want to purchase TCP product, they can supply their own primer or cement instead. As rule of thumb, 1x 25kg of cement is required per 20 meters of pipeline.

Washout is required to wash the excess concrete from the pump. The hirer needs to provide a suitable place to wash out the pump and adequate protection of surrounding areas. A washout box can be made from 4x wooden boards approx. 2m2 and a plastic sheet cover or can be hired from us. We hire EcoPans, the most cost effective & reliable method for concrete washout. The ecopan fits directly under the hopper for washout ease. This must then be disposed of on site. Water access on site is required to wash out the pump. Concrete Washout must not contaminate the ground or surrounding areas and must not be near local waterways, which can be detrimental to the environment and wildlife.

1. Upon arrival to site our operative will liaise with site to ensure suitable set up, the hirer will complete a pre pour check
2. Operative will set the pump up, with guidance/banksman provided by the client and grout the pump. Once the operator has confirmed they are ready, concrete should be called in. We recommend that concrete is not called in until the operative has confirmed they are ready. It is advised that we get to site approx. 60min before the concrete to ensure we are set up ready to pour when the concrete arrives.
3. Concrete pour commences
4. When complete the operative will fold away the outriggers and boom to move to the washout area
5. Concrete pump to be washed out, this again is advised at minimum 60 minutes.
6. Paperwork signed from site to accept the hours

If you are unsure how much concrete you need for your project then you can use our online concrete volume calculator to work out how much you need.

Suitable concrete for the pumping operation, It must be a pump mix, use our calculator to find out quantity. The addition of additives must be suitable and must be advised at the time of booking.

CPA is the Construction Plant Association that sets out the terms and conditions of which plant is hired out under. As a CPA member, all hires/orders are placed under CPA terms and conditions for the hiring of plant (2021) in conjunction with the supplementary conditions for concrete pumping. These can be downloaded here.

FORS is the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme which is a voluntary accreditation which aims to raise the level of quality within fleet operations and demonstrate members are achieving exemplary levels of best practice in safety, efficiency, and environmental protection. All our fleet and staff are FORS accredited.

As with all construction works, weather will play a massive part. As a rule of thumb manufacturer specifications vary and is specified on the data sheets. Booms of 42 and above should not be operated in winds more than 38mph, gusting at 42mph.

Operating Weather Conditions

Our pump operator will at induction sign up to the client RAMS. However it is possible for clients to request their own set of RAMS from us. This must be requested and will be undertaken by our H&S manager prior to commencing on site.