A concrete pump is exactly what it sounds like a machine used to pump concrete. There are two types of concrete pumps.

• Boom Pump – Attached to a truck and uses remote controls to move an articulated robotic arm to place the concrete in the right place. They are used on domestic sites and larger jobs as they have the capability to pump high volumes of concrete.

• Line Pump – Mounted on a small 7.5 tonne truck or a trailer, the line pump requires steel or flexible hoses to be manually attached to the outlet of the machine. These hoses usually come in three-metre lengths, so for a 30-metre pump, you would need 10 hoses. Line pumps are usually used for lower volume jobs such as house extensions.

The wet concrete from a mix truck is discharged into the pump receiving hopper where an agitator keeps it moving and flowing into the piston pump’s twin cylinders.

One cylinder pushes the concrete into the pipeline on the forward stroke, while the other cylinder draws concrete from the hopper on the return stroke. The pistons in both cylinders move in opposite directions to keep the pressure consistent and the concrete flowing freely.

Each boom concrete pump is different, but all pumps usually carry 30 metres, with additional piping available to pump in excess of 200 metres. Our boom pumps can reach up to 52 metres when fully extended, but come in different sizes. The M20 pump from Pump Wright will reach slightly under 20 metres, whereas the M52 will reach slightly under 52 metres. What pump you need will depend on your job specifications. Our knowledgeable team will be happy to help.

How many concrete pumps does Pump Wright have?

Pump Wright 10 Boom Pumps ranging from 20 metres to 52 metres, perfect for all jobs, large or small. We also have a line pump available.

Articulated booms have Z-type booms that allow you to move the end of the boom into the pouring areas when opening height restrictions are present.

Concrete pumping is ideal for jobs where time and access restrictions are a problem, for example:

• If the mixer can’t get close enough to pour the concrete where it’s needed
• If you don’t have the manpower to wheelbarrow the concrete to the job site
• The job is too big for it to be economical to wheelbarrow concrete to it’s required location
• If your pour site is located within a building, underground or at height
• If the ground surrounding your pour site is uneven or not suitable for wheelbarrows
• If your project is behind schedule and you need to get the concrete poured quickly

Whilst our team here at Pump Wright will be able to discuss a range of options for your job regardless of how much information is presented. It is best if you can tell us:

• Pump size (if you know the pump you require)
• Site address of the job
• Volume of concrete
• Time on site (allowing time to set up prior to the concrete arrival)
• Your details (name, company name, telephone number and email address)
• Date you require the concrete pump
• Any site restrictions

From this information we will be able to get the right pump to you, making your project flow smoothly.

Most types of concrete can be pumped, but must me specified to the concrete supplier so that it can be batched appropriately.

Concrete can be pumped in the height of summer and the depths of winter. Here at Pump Wright we will take appropriate measures to ensure you get the best pour every time. This may include tweaking the mixture and insulating the pipes. In cold weather, we make it take a little more time setting up before the pumping begins in order to get the pump up to the right temperature so that the couplings and hoses don’t break.

That will depend on the size of the pump. Our M20 Putzmeister pump can pump 90 cubic metres an hour, whilst our biggest machine, the Putzmeister M52 is capable of pumping at 170 cubic metres an hour.

Generally, it is advisable that the concrete pump and truck have a level, hardstanding surface to park on, this is around 20 metres, or four cars long. However, from there, we can manoeuvre the booms into position.

Pump Wright hires the Sam-Pan to catch any spillages and debris from the pumping process. This ensures that the work we do is as environmentally friendly as possible. The hirer can then safely dispose of all waste in another area of the site, leaving your area clean, tidy and wonderfully concreted.