When to Use a Boom Pump vs. a Line Pump

If you need to pump concrete for your construction project, you have two options — a boom pump and a line pump.

A boom pump is a truck-mounted pump that is ideal for pouring large amounts of concrete quickly and at height. A line pump is a more compact stationary pump mounted to a trailer that is easier to maneuver around a job site and is ideal for horizontal pumping. 

Concrete pumps are convenient, as they allow you to deliver the concrete where you need it, rather than requiring you to continuously reposition a heavy cement mixer or haul concrete from the mixer to the delivery site.

But how do you know when to use a line pump and when to use a boom pump? Here are the advantages and disadvantages of using a concrete boom pump versus a concrete line pump.

Boom Pump 

A boom pump is a truck-mounted machine with an arm, or boom, that you control remotely to deliver the cement where you need it.

Benefits of a Boom Pump 

The primary advantage of using such a pump is that it allows you to pump a lot of concrete quickly and accurately, even from great heights. Another benefit of a concrete boom pump is its maneuverability, allowing you to pour concrete in areas that may have otherwise been inaccessible.

Other advantages of using boom pumps include:

• One person can operate a boom pump remotely.
• Using a boom pump is a less time-consuming and labor-intensive way to deposit concrete at a working level. 
• Boom pumps are relatively easy to operate. You can drive the truck around like any other vehicle.
• You save time by having an efficient way to pour concrete directly at the site. As a result, it’s easier to optimize project schedules and fast-track construction. 

Boom pumps are highly efficient, but even though you can operate them remotely, they are still heavy pieces of specialized equipment. Anyone driving the pump must watch their surroundings to avoid damaging property and injuring personnel.

Boom Pump Applications

Because of its speed and high-volume capacity, a boom pump is your top choice if you have a large-scale project requiring a lot of concrete, such as a high-rise apartment building or another large facility. Similarly, a concrete boom pump is a good option if the construction site has a lot of obstacles to work around, like bridges or other structures.

Some examples of the projects boom pumps suit include:

• Constructing chimneys, warehouses, stadiums, schools and shopping centers
• Building silos, tunnels and dams

Line Pump

A concrete line pump is a long hose attached to a stationary pump mounted on a trailer. This hose allows you to more easily direct the concrete pour and is excellent for projects that require horizontal pumping, as you can extend the hose as far as you need it.

Benefits of a Line Pump

 Concrete line pumps are also much smaller and more compact than their boom pump counterparts, making them much easier to transport and maneuver around a job site. These are the advantages of using a line pump.

• They offer you more control and flexibility when you pour the concrete. 
• Using a line pump for the appropriate applications can help you save on costs over using a boom pump. 
• Because line pumps are smaller, they suit projects in residential areas far better than other concrete pumps. 
• You can access hard-to-reach, low-level sites more easily with a line pump.

While line pumps can undoubtedly be the better option for a smaller or residential project, consider these disadvantages.

• Concrete could get stuck in the line due to the concrete’s consistency or freezing weather. If concrete chokes the pipe, workers first need to detach it, clean it and refit it before proceeding with the job, which can set a project back and cause wastage.
• Because they are smaller and have lower volume, it can take longer to pour the concrete.

Line Pump Applications

Because of its flexibility and lower-volume capacity, you will usually use a concrete line pump for pouring concrete on smaller residential jobs, like building a swimming pool or repaving a driveway or patio. You may also choose a line pump instead of a boom pump in smaller areas where a boom pump wouldn’t fit.

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What to Consider When Choosing a Boom Pump vs. Line Pump

Both pumps have unique benefits that suit different projects, but you should also weigh other factors when choosing what to use.

• Your construction project’s schedule: Boom pumps are faster If you are under a tight deadline.
• The project’s budget: Where appropriate, using line pumps can be more cost-effective.
• Weather conditions: Line pumps may not work as efficiently in cold climates. 
• Quality: Always consider the manufacturer’s reputation and reliability.

In summary, if you are doing a larger project where you need to pump a lot of concrete fast, you probably want a boom pump, which can pump out over 150 cubic yards of concrete per hour. Boom pumps are also a better fit for big commercial jobs because they can reach higher into the air, but they tend to be a bit more expensive than line pumps. 

In contrast, a line pump is ideal for smaller jobs like residential construction. You have more flexibility in delivering the concrete, and you will save money. The concrete does not pour as fast, but it is generally sufficient for a less extensive task.

Contact Dynamic Concrete Pumping Inc. for Your Next Project 

When a construction project is underway, every decision counts — right down to which concrete pump is better for your needs. Dynamic Concrete Pumping Inc. has over 40 years of combined experience providing excellent concrete pumping and placing services. We constantly update our fleet to the latest technology to offer premium concrete pumping equipment. Choosing us means you ensure the longevity of your concrete and enhance your property’s value.

Contact the expert team at Dynamic Concrete Pumping to learn more about our range of boom pumps and line pumps, laser screeds, Bobcat concrete placers and other quality equipment.