Top 5 Advantages of a Concrete Pump
Here are the five greatest benefits of using a concrete pump at your construction site.
Contents |
[edit] Pumps offer more efficient concrete pouring
Speed is one of the most significant advantages pumps have over other methods of concrete pouring. Because the piston system works to send a steady flow of concrete through the hose, pouring concrete with a pump truck takes less time and labour than transport methods like wheelbarrows or concrete buggies. In optimal conditions, the whole pour process can take as little as an hour from start to finish.
The accuracy of pumps also saves time. Both boom and line pumps are more precise in pouring than traditional methods because their flexible extensions allow you to place the concrete exactly where you need it. With fewer errors, you’ll be able to produce cleaner work faster and spend less time cleaning up mistakes.
Additionally, by integrating the mixing truck with the pump system, concrete pump trucks save you the time you would have spent waiting for the next concrete batches to be ready.
[edit] Pumped concrete is stronger
To effectively pour concrete through a chute, you need wetter concrete. The added water can compromise the strength of the concrete, leading to cracks and shrinkage later on. Ultimately, this means your final product will not be able to withstand as much pressure as it could if you’d used drier concrete.
Pumped concrete contains less water than chute-poured concrete. As a result, it can withstand higher amounts of force than chute-poured concrete and is less susceptible to cracking. Your projects will last longer and will need fewer repairs than if you were to use a more traditional mixer-to-chute method.
[edit] A pump can be used anywhere
Concrete pumps can easily fit into any space, whether that be on the ground or in the air. Boom pumps in particular are great for hard-to-reach areas because they can extend over large structures like homes and landscaping.
Concrete pumps are also readily transportable because they’re compact when not in use. Pumps fold in one of three configurations:
- Roll-and-fold: The sections of the pump fold one under the next in a curling motion. This configuration requires the most space since it needs room to unfurl.
- Z and ZZ: Pump sections fold in a zigzag formation like the bellows of an accordion. This configuration is perfect for fitting into tight spaces.
- RZ or multifold: The pump has sections that combine both roll-and-fold and Z-type configurations.
With any configuration, you can move the pump where you need to pour.
[edit] Pumps keep projects moving
Setting up concrete pumps is quick and easy, requiring fewer employees and less equipment than other methods. After all, you need people to build a chute before you can even begin pouring. You only need two people to operate a pump — one to watch the hose and another to work the controls. And once they’re ready, concrete pumps have a high capacity per hour.
Concrete pumps are also safe to use even in rough weather or dark conditions. You can finish tasks on days when you previously would have had to take a break. A pump’s durability and consistent flow mean you’ll experience fewer delays in construction and less downtime. The pressurised pouring process is much quicker than chute delivery, which relies on gravity to push the concrete down into the pour site. As a result, you’ll have more time to focus on other aspects of your project.
[edit] Construction site safety
Because pumps can extend over large areas, you can keep trucks and other large machinery out of the way of dangerous obstructions. Just park the truck, extend the hose wherever you need the concrete to go and start pouring. The piston-operated system will take care of the rest until your space is filled.
Concrete pumps also require fewer people to operate, reducing site congestion and improving job safety and efficiency.
Featured articles and news
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.