There’s no wonder concrete is widely used in the construction industry. It’s a versatile material that consistently delivers great results and is cost-effective, durable, and environmentally friendly.
At Technic Concrete Pumping, we know how essential it is to move concrete safely and efficiently on-site. Concrete pumping is an excellent method to consider. To help you pinpoint the best machine for the job, let’s take a look at what concrete pumping involves and the types of concrete pump available.
How does concrete pumping work?
Before we dig into the details, let’s take a quick overview of how concrete pumping works. First, concrete is mixed and then dispensed into a hopper that keeps it churning. From there, it’s drawn into the pump and dispensed in the chosen location.
Concrete pumping is ideal for large-volume projects, including foundations and infrastructure, saving you time, money, and hassle. With no waste, you can order only what you need — let our handy volume calculator take the guesswork out of ordering.
Is pumping concrete better than pouring?
There’s a critical difference between pumping and pouring concrete: speed. Pouring concrete depends on workers and wheelbarrows to do a job that a single pump can tackle in minutes.
Concrete pumps are a fast and efficient way to move and pour large quantities of concrete. For most large-scale residential and commercial projects, concrete pumping has multiple benefits over traditional pouring methods:
- It’s safer and more efficient than using a wheelbarrow
- You can use a concrete pump in all weather conditions
- Concrete pumping saves time and helps you deliver projects on schedule
- Concrete pumps can reach difficult locations, such as between houses or over buildings
- Using a concrete pump reduces wastage, as you pump only what you need
What are the different types of concrete pumps?
There are two main methods of getting concrete on-site: line pumps and boom pumps. Understanding the benefits of each technique for your project is essential to making the right choice.
Line pumps
Line pumps are ideal for smaller residential construction projects where access is problematic.
The hopper feeds concrete through a hose for speed and efficiency, letting you navigate through narrow gaps where a truck can’t pass.
Line pumps have several primary benefits:
- Accessing tight spaces
- Concrete hose can be moved easily between sections
- More affordable than a boom pump
Boom pumps
Boom pumps are the best option when access is virtually impossible or you need to surmount a wall or building. These truck-mounted pumps work with an extendable hydraulic arm for precise delivery to high-rise buildings or tricky terrain. As a result, boom pumps can be used almost anywhere, although they require plenty of room for stabilisation.
Boom pumps are a great choice when:
- You need unlimited access to a site, even if there are buildings in the way
- You need a full load of concrete delivered fast with no wastage
- No labour is required to oversee concrete pump operation
Choosing the ideal concrete pump for your project
Before you hire a concrete pump for your next project, here’s what you need to consider:
Project requirements
Are you working on a small residential project? Do you need to pump concrete at height? What’s the required flow rate and concrete mix? Determining your project requirements is the first step in choosing the right concrete pump.
Size and capacity
Understanding pump size and capacity is a key part of making an informed choice. Is your site big enough for a boom pump? Will a line pump deliver the required pressure and flow rate? If you have limited access but need flexibility, a line pump may be better than a boom pump. Alternatively, a boom pump is fast and the best choice for sites with access via a row of buildings.
Site conditions
Weather conditions won’t stop a concrete pump, but assessing site conditions can avoid problems later. Line pumps offer greater flexibility, while boom pumps with built-in stabilisation are the best choice for challenging environments. For instance, our fleet uses Advanced Stability Control (ASC) to allow for short rigging without affecting stability.
Accessibility and logistics
Site access isn’t just about getting your concrete pump to the right place. You’ll also need to ensure the ground is solid and can take the weight. It’s also worth taking stock of power supplies on-site for seamless operation.
Generally speaking, you won’t need a boom pump unless your project requires large volumes of concrete, sometimes pumped out at multiple levels.
Reliable concrete pumping services from Technic
A reliable partner is essential when you need concrete pumping services. At Technic, we cover the entirety of the North West, from rural locations to city centres.
We understand that every project is different, and we’ll provide a bespoke solution for commercial, residential, industrial, and infrastructure concrete pumping so your project can be concluded on time and hassle-free.
Planning your next project and need concrete pumping services of the highest calibre? Contact us today to discuss your requirements.