The Concrete People Ltd

CONCRETE PUMP ORDERING PROCESS

What are the types of concrete pumps?

Ground line hydraulic pumps transport concrete from a hopper to the pour site along a series of connected pipes and hoses. They transport concrete at around 1m³ per minute, and can reach over 150 metres along the ground, over and around smaller obstructions and elevations and through and around buildings.

Boom pumps are similar but feature an hydraulic arm which can lift and place the concrete pipes into particularly difficult access areas. A boom pump can navigate the highest, lowest and tightest spots that a ground line couldn’t reach, making them perfect for jobs at height and for drop pouring from directly above.

All types of concrete pump can be truck mounted or stationary. Truck mounted pumps are attached to vehicle chassis and usually drive to sites and leave once they have finished. Stationary pumps are usually delivered to a site and left there for a longer duration.

How does a concrete pump work?

Concrete pumps transports concrete from the mixer to the pour location. The concrete from a mix truck is discharged into a 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.

Why would I need to hire a concrete pump?

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 into the required location
If you don’t have the manpower to wheelbarrow the concrete to the 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

Access to my property is difficult, if the concrete can't be poured from the truck or wheelbarrowed, do I need a pump?

A concrete pump can cover long distances, navigate around obstacles, over uneven ground and through other buildings easily and quickly. If we can’t park our concrete mixer trucks close enough to simply pour the concrete straight into the required location, or if you have restricted access that would make wheelbarrowing your concrete unpractical, a concrete pump is the ideal solution.

What are the benefits of using a concrete pump?

Ensures a faster delivery and optimal time to work with your concrete
Extensive reach pipes can navigate almost any obstacle or access issue
Saves time, manpower and money
Cleaner and less messy than wheelbarrowing - no spillages

I have mobility issues and only need a small amount of concrete, can it be pumped as I can't wheelbarrow?

If you have mobility issues and would be unable to wheelbarrow your concrete to the pour site, concrete pumping is the ideal solution. Our friendly team will assist where we can, but we always advise having some help on site when the concrete arrives to ensure it is laid properly.

How far can a concrete pump hose reach?

All pump lines are made of interconnected metal pipes and flexible hosing. We can add additional pipes to extend the reach of our pumps. Please be sure to call The Concrete People’s team to discuss your individual job requirements.

A ground line pump can reach over 150 meters, with possible extensions if required.

A boom pump can extend up to 63 meters. with possible extensions if required.

Is concrete pumping messy?

Concrete pumping is one of the cleanest methods of concrete delivery. Unlike wheelbarrows that can tip up, the pipes ensure no spillages between the truck and the pour site. We always recommend preparing a tarpaulin underneath the hopper to help with clean up.

How long does it take to pump concrete?

We can pump 1m³ of concrete per minute, greatly reducing the amount of time you would spend wheelbarrowing concrete to the required location.

Can you pump concrete in all weathers?

Yes, we can pump concrete all year round.

Can all types of concrete be pumped?

Most types of concrete can be pumped. The mix design just needs to be carefully proportioned to ensure it will flow easily.

Can screed be pumped?

Screed can be pumped directly to the required location using a specialist screed pump that The Concrete People can supply.

Is there a minimum amount of concrete required to pump?

No, we can pour any amount of concrete. Contact us to discuss your particular requirements.

What happens if I need more concrete?

We aim to finish every concrete pour completely. If you feel you may require more concrete than your ordered initially then speak to our office logistics team as soon as possible.

What access do you need to pump concrete?

The concrete pump and concrete mixer truck will need a level hard standing area to park on. This will need to be approximately 20 meters long, or around 4 cars in length.

What tools do I need to receive delivery of pumped concrete?

To pump concrete we require adequate parking space and a some bags of cement dust to help prepare the pump line. As a rule of thumb, 2 bags of cement is normally sufficient. We also suggest laying a tarpaulin under the pump’s hopper to help with clean up.

What preparation is required to pump concrete?

We will require parking for both our concrete mixer and the truck mounted concrete pump. A pathway for the pump line should be prepared so our operator knows roughly where to set up the pipe. Door frames, garden walls, etc., that will have pipeline laid over them should be protected with dust sheets and padding.

Do I have to buy more concrete when using a concrete pump?

No, you can pour as much or as little concrete as needed.

Is concrete pumping more expensive?

Hiring our concrete pumps does come with an additional cost, but it can also save you money. Pumping is quicker and easier, so you save time and money on labour.

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