The rainy season is coming, and you need to finish your project. What concrete pump should you use – and why? Is it necessary to go for the more expensive boom pumps, or is the line pump enough? Should you consider the type of concrete mix when choosing a pump? What about the cost?
According to the December 2023 report from the Associated General Contractors of America, national concrete prices have risen 7.3% since December 2022. That represents the most significant jump since the 2021-2022 period, when all concrete material prices rose by a whopping 14.8%.
Before considering prices and contractors, you should have a clear idea of the types of pumps available, their advantages and disadvantages, and the scope of your project.
Types of Concrete Pumps
There are many types of concrete pumps, and we'll break down two of the most popular options:
Concrete Line Pump
Also known as stationary pumps, concrete line pumps are trailer-mounted pumping mechanisms that move concrete through pipes or hoses from a hopper. It delivers the concrete to the site via a set of interconnected pipes.
Typical concrete line pumps have a horizontal reach of at least 150m and can be extended simply by connecting more pipes. This makes them an excellent option for all kinds of DIY home remodeling projects. They're also the most affordable option and easier to navigate to job sites.
Concrete Boom Pump
Concrete boom pumps are a type of specialized concrete pumping system consisting of a robotic arm that precisely dispenses concrete and a chassis. This means concrete boom pumps can be driven independently, giving them much more autonomy than line pumps. Consequently, concrete boom pumps are often larger and harder to navigate in residential settings.
Concrete boom pumps can precisely pump out up to 180m3/h of concrete and are used extensively in the construction of large-scale projects such as shopping centers, warehouses, tunnels, dams, high-rise buildings, and more.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Concrete Pump
Project Size and Scope
The project's scope will largely determine what concrete pump you should use. A concrete line pump is more than enough for most small DIY home projects. Line pumps are considerably cheaper than boom pumps and more easily maneuverable to the site.
Concrete line pumps are perfect for doing residential jobs like repaving a driveway or patio, building a swimming pool, or laying a concrete foundation for a shed.
Boom pumps, on the other hand, are better suited for large-scale projects that require a larger volume of concrete or projects with tight deadlines that require the quickest way to pour concrete.
Distance and Height Requirements
Even though line pumps are the most cost-effective and flexible option for small residential projects, boom pumps are sometimes needed for higher vertical reach and volume.
If access to the site is limited or there are non-movable objects—like walls or a house—in the way, you'll likely need the reach of a boom pump.
Cement, Water, and Aggregates
Concrete combines cement, water, and aggregates like gravel, sand, and crushed rocks. Problems may come when the pump pushes the concrete mix through the connecting pipes.
The pipe's dimensions and the mix's plasticity play key roles in ensuring your concrete flows adequately. If the aggregate is too big or if there's too much, the mix will bunch together and lock up, potentially causing blockages.
To prevent this, a good rule of thumb is that the pipes should be at least three times the size of the largest aggregate. You can also use this handy calculator to estimate how much you’ll need.
Site Conditions Evaluation
Access Points And Distance From The Pump
Before scheduling a concrete delivery, check the access points and the expected distance from the pump. This information will help contractors estimate how many additional pipes they'll need to reach the site.
A line pump will do for most home projects if there are few obstacles.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions can and will affect the quality of the final product. Experts agree that the ideal temperature for pouring concrete is between 40 °F and 60 °F. Too cold, and you risk the water inside the concrete freezing and expanding, yielding cracked surfaces. If it is too hot, the water will evaporate, making the concrete harder to work on, leading to shrinkage, thermal cracks, and overall weaker concrete.
Heavy rains can cause water to enter the hopper and significantly change the proportion of water in the mix. Strong winds can damage boom pumps by causing undue strain on the extended robotic arm that delivers the concrete.
In states with short winters, like Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, you'll have ample time during the year to plan. In Indiana, for example, skilled contractors are available all year round. You can look them up by searching for the term “concrete pumping near me” and looking for the best options.
Ground Stability
Concrete trucks and mixers are hefty pieces of equipment. A fully loaded mixer can weigh up to 30 tonnes. Boom pumps especially need stable ground so workers can secure the chassis safely and avoid any risk of toppling.