If you're working on a site that requires the use of concrete, chances are you're going to require a piece of equipment to quickly transport your concrete. It's much faster than doing it by hand or by wheelbarrow, but which kind of concrete pump is actually best suited to your site's conditions? There are several different options, each with pros and cons. While you will always get the best advice by contacting your local pump sale or hire company, it's good to be able to arrive with some idea of what you're looking for. Here are some quick outlines to assist with this.
Trailer-Mounted Concrete Pump
Sometimes known as a line pump, a trailer-mounted pump is something of a step between manual concrete distribution and full automation. This type of pump forces the concrete through interconnected tubes or hoses, depositing a steady stream into a highly targeted area. It's not the fastest option, but if you're only working with fairly small volumes of concrete - perhaps for small repair works or for use on private properties - then this could be the most convenient method.
Boom Concrete Pump
Much faster than a trailer-mounted pump, boom pumps are best suited to projects with large amounts of concrete to work with. As such, if you're attempting to cover a big surface area, then this is almost certainly the option for you. Because they are fitted with mechanical arms, which deliver the concrete to the target area, they have impressive ranges. In other words, there will usually be no need to move the pump in order to fill the target area; it will already be able to reach. In fact, these are the most popular option in modern construction for all these reasons and can be found in many different sizes.
Permanent Mounted Options
If you're working on a fixed site and would prefer a mounted pump that doesn't need to be transportable, then there are options for that too. Pumps can be pointed onto frames, skid mounts and rails. However, these are unusual choices for very specific sites, and you may need to find a specialist to provide one for you.
Of course, there are also variances within these different categories of pump. Before making any decisions, you should always check to ensure that the specific concrete mix you're using will be compatible with the pump you're looking at; some heavier or coarser mixtures will require specialist pumps. Contractors like Hunter Concrete Pump Hire can advise you if you're not certain.
