What is a concrete pump and how does it work?

The simple version

A concrete agitator truck delivers concrete to the site, but it can only pour where the truck can reach — a chute a couple of metres off the back. A concrete pump takes over from there: concrete goes into the pump's hopper, hydraulic pistons draw it in and push it out under pressure through a pipeline, and it comes out the delivery hose right where the concreters need it — over a house, down a battle-axe block, or up a high-rise.

Two pistons alternate — one draws concrete in while the other pushes it out — which is why a running pump has that steady heartbeat rhythm. A valve (most commonly an S-valve) switches the flow between the cylinders so the concrete keeps moving in one continuous stream.

The two main types

Boom pumps are trucks with a folding hydraulic arm (the boom) that carries the pipeline through the air — sizes run from around 20 m to over 60 m of reach. The operator drives the boom by remote control and can place concrete over a roof, across a pool excavation, or up multiple storeys.

Line pumps (including trailer pumps) push concrete through hoses laid along the ground. Slower to set up per metre, but they get concrete into places a boom can't see — through a garage, around the side of a house, into a basement. For a deeper comparison, see our boom vs line pump guide.

Why builders use them

Speed: a pump places concrete several times faster than barrows, which matters when the concrete's going off and you're paying a crew standing around. Access: it reaches where trucks can't. Quality: continuous placement means fewer cold joints and a more consistent pour. Labour: two blokes and a pump replace six with barrows — and their backs thank you.

Quick answers

How much concrete can a pump move per hour?

A typical boom pump can place 30–100+ cubic metres per hour depending on the machine, mix, and site — far beyond any manual method. Most residential pours are limited by truck deliveries, not the pump.

Does pumped concrete need a special mix?

It needs to be a 'pumpable' mix — enough fine material and the right slump (usually 80–100 mm). Your batch plant handles this when you tell them it's a pumped pour, so always mention it when ordering.

How much does concrete pumping cost?

In Australia, budget roughly $180–$300+ per hour for the pump plus a per-cubic-metre rate (often $5–$10/m³) and travel. See our full cost guides for current rates by city and pump type.

Keep reading

• Boom pump vs line pump — which one do you need?
• What size concrete pump do I need?
• Types of concrete pumps: boom, line, trailer, city and static