Line pump or boom pump: which one do you need?
A line pump uses flexible hoses to push concrete along the ground. It is smaller, cheaper, and fits through gates and side returns. Most residential jobs use a line pump.
A boom pump is a lorry-mounted arm that lifts concrete up and over obstacles. It reaches higher floors and pours large volumes quickly. Boom pumps are standard for commercial work and bigger residential builds.
| Feature | Line Pump | Boom Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Typical reach | Up to 150m horizontally | 24 to 42m vertically |
| Best for | Tight access, small to medium pours | Multi-storey, large volumes, obstacles |
| Output rate | Up to 70m³ per hour | High volume, fast placement |
| Typical use | Driveways, patios, garden bases | Foundations, slabs, basements |
What affects the price
Pump hire is priced on a few variables. Pump type is the biggest factor, as boom pumps cost more than line pumps. Pour volume matters because longer jobs keep the pump on site longer. Distance from the depot adds haulage, and access can add setup time if the driver needs to rig hoses through a tricky spot. Weekend or early-morning pours sometimes carry a premium.
Most suppliers price pump hire as a day or half-day rate, with the concrete charged separately per cubic metre. Ordering the pump and mix from the same supplier usually saves money. Pairing pump hire with a reliable concrete delivery service means one team, one arrival window and one invoice.
Preparing your site
Sort these before the pump arrives:
- Clear access for the lorry, with firm, level ground for outriggers
- Pour point ready with shuttering, rebar and membranes in place
- Overhead checks for power lines, branches or low eaves
- Water nearby for washing out hoses after the pour
- Spare labour to spread and level the mix
- Safety kit including gloves, boots and eye protection, as wet concrete can burn skin. The HSE provides clear guidance on working safely with concrete worth reading before your first pour
Flag awkward routes or soft ground when booking.
Lead times and booking
Small line pump jobs usually need three to five working days notice. Larger boom pump pours are better booked a week or more ahead, especially for pours over 20 cubic metres. Spring and summer fill up fastest.
Have these ready when you ring:
- Site postcode for distance and coverage
- Pour date and start time, plus a backup day
- Volume of concrete in cubic metres
- Concrete grade, for example C25 for a domestic slab
- Access description, including gate widths and overhead clearance
Which pump suits which project
Line pumps work best where a mixer lorry cannot get close, like terraced back gardens or courtyards reached through narrow gates. If the pour is under 10 cubic metres and the route is flat, a line pump will do the job.
Boom pumps earn their keep on bigger pours and awkward heights. Strip foundations, raft slabs, first-floor decks and agricultural hardstandings all benefit from the reach. For commercial work or pours over 15 cubic metres, ask about a boom pump first.
Where we cover
Cardinalis Concrete operates across Cambridgeshire and the surrounding counties, including Suffolk, Hertfordshire, Essex and Norfolk. Our pumps and mixers reach most postcodes from Cambridge out to Peterborough, Ely, Huntingdon and St Neots. Check the full list of areas we cover to confirm your site is in range.
Ready to book?
Pin down three answers: line or boom, how much concrete, and when you need it. Give your supplier a clear picture of the site and the rest falls into place. For a straight quote on pump hire or a full supply-and-pump package, call Cardinalis Concrete on 01954 288027.
