What size concrete pump do I need?

Choose based on reach distance and pour rate. A 24m boom pump suits most domestic work. A 32m pump handles two-storey buildings and longer reach. A 42m pump is for commercial or hard-to-reach locations. Line pumps (no boom) are cheaper but require manual hose placement — best for ground-floor work within 50m.

How fast can a concrete pump deliver?

Boom pumps deliver 60-100 m³/hr depending on size. Line pumps deliver 20-30 m³/hr. However, practical pour rates are often limited by the ready-mix truck arrival frequency (one 6 m³ truck every 15-20 minutes = ~18-24 m³/hr). For large pours, coordinate truck arrivals with the pump operator to avoid waiting time.

What slump does pumped concrete need?

Pumped concrete needs a minimum slump class S3 (100-150mm) for boom pumps. Line pumps can work with S2 (50-90mm) for shorter distances. The concrete must be cohesive enough to flow through the pipeline without segregating. Specify "pumpable" when ordering from the batching plant — they'll adjust the mix design accordingly.

How much does concrete pumping cost?

Boom pump hire typically costs £100-150 per hour with a 4-hour minimum (£400-600 minimum charge). Line pump hire is £80-120 per hour. Additional charges may apply for washing out, standby time (waiting for trucks), and weekend/evening work. For a typical domestic pour of 10-15 m³, expect to pay £500-800 for pumping.

What is pump friction loss?

As concrete travels through the pump pipeline, friction reduces the delivery rate and increases pump pressure. Horizontal pipeline adds approximately 1% loss per 10m. Vertical height adds more. Long line pump runs (50m+) significantly reduce the effective delivery rate. Friction loss increases with stiffer mixes and smaller pipeline diameters.

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Concrete Pumping Calculator — Reach, Rate & Cost

Calculate pump reach from boom length, delivery rate, friction loss and cost for concrete pumping.

Volume to Pump

Pump Type

Rate: 80 m³/hr, Reach: 32m

Horizontal Distance

From pump to pour point

Vertical Height

Pump Hire Rate

How We Calculate This

This calculator estimates pumping time, checks reach adequacy and calculates pump hire cost for concrete placement.

Pumping time

Effective Rate = Base Rate × (1 - Friction Loss)
Pumping Time = Volume / Effective Rate
Chargeable hours = max(Minimum Hire, Pumping Time rounded up).

Reach check

Required Reach = sqrt(Horizontal² + Vertical²)
Must be within the boom pump's maximum reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.