How to prepare your site for a concrete pump

Where the truck stands

A boom pump needs a truck-sized space on firm, reasonably level ground, with room to run its outriggers out each side. Soft fill, fresh trenches nearby, or steep crossfalls are problems — flag them when booking, not when the truck arrives. On narrow streets think about parking permits, traffic control and neighbours' driveways; the pump may be there several hours.

Look up before you book

Powerlines are the one thing that can kill a job (and people) on arrival. Booms must keep mandated clearance from live lines — if lines cross your frontage, tell the pump company so they can plan the setup position, use a line pump, or arrange the job differently. A photo of the street frontage sent with your booking answers most of this in seconds.

The washout area

After the pour, the pump must wash out — the hopper and line carry concrete that can't stay in the machine. Provide a spot where washout water and slurry can go legally: a bunded corner of the site, a trench that's being filled, or a washout bag/bin. If there's nowhere, tell the operator ahead of time; most carry washout bags and will charge them on the docket rather than argue at 7am.

Timing the concrete trucks

The pump is booked by the hour; agitator trucks are booked by the load. The expensive mistake is gaps — pump and crew standing while the next truck is 40 minutes away. Confirm your load spacing with the batch plant against the pump's realistic placement rate (ask the operator: 'how far apart do you want trucks for this pour?'), and give the plant the pump company's number so they can talk directly.

Quick answers

How long does a pump take to set up?

A boom pump typically sets up in 15–30 minutes; a line pump depends on the hose run — allow 20–60 minutes. Both are usually included in the booked time, which is why call-out minimums exist.

Who cleans up after the pour?

The pump crew cleans the machine and line at your washout spot. Slurry and leftover concrete disposal is site responsibility unless agreed otherwise — a half-buried washout hole in a garden bed is not a plan the next trade will thank you for.

What if it rains on pour day?

Light rain rarely stops a pump — it stops the finishers. The call belongs to whoever's finishing the slab. Cancel early if you must: most companies charge a late-cancellation fee once the truck's committed.

Keep reading

• How to choose a concrete pumping company