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You’ve got concrete coming. Now you need to figure out how to get it from the truck to the pour site. Two options sit in front of you: hire a concrete pump or grab some wheelbarrows and rally a crew.
Concrete pumping has become the go-to method for most professionals, but wheelbarrowing still holds its place for certain jobs. Both methods move concrete. However, they differ significantly in terms of speed, cost, effort, and results. The right choice depends on your pour size, site access, timeline, and budget.
Quick Answer: Which Should You Choose?
Here’s a cheat sheet for common scenarios:
- Small patio near the truck: Wheelbarrow
- Long back garden with no truck access: Pump
- Upper floor slab: Pump
- Tight deadline: Pump
- Limited budget, tiny pour: Wheelbarrow
- Muddy or sloped ground: Pump
Talk to your concrete supplier early. They can advise on volume estimates and whether your site suits pumping or wheelbarrowing.
What Is Concrete Pumping?
Concrete pumping is a method of transferring wet concrete from the delivery truck to the pour site using a pump and flexible hose or boom arm.
How Concrete Pumps Work?
Two main types exist:
- Line pumps use a trailer-mounted pump to push concrete through steel or rubber hoses. The hoses can run across the ground, through buildings, or over walls. Line pumps are best for residential and smaller commercial projects.
- Boom pumps are truck-mounted with a remote-controlled arm that unfolds and extends. The boom can reach over houses, past obstacles, and onto upper floors without moving the truck. Boom pumps are designed for large pours and high-rise construction.
Both methods deliver concrete exactly where you need it without moving the truck closer.
Best Situations for Pumping
Concrete pumping is ideal when:
- The pour is medium to large in volume
- Deadlines are tight, and speed matters
- The pour site is far from truck access
- You need to reach the upper floors or the basements
- Ground conditions are muddy, sloped, or uneven
- Obstacles block direct wheelbarrow paths
For more information on Concrete Pumping vs Wheelbarrowing: Which Method is Right for Your Pour? talk to Pro-mix Concrete Ltd