Get Concrete Where Trucks Cannot Reach
Not every job site allows an agitator truck to reverse up to the pour zone and discharge via chute. Steep blocks, narrow side accesses, multi-storey structures and sites with overhead obstructions all demand a pumping solution. Cossacred coordinates concrete pumping services alongside your ready-mix delivery so that concrete, pump and crew arrive in the right sequence, minimising waiting time and keeping your pour on schedule.
We work with experienced pump operators across South East Queensland who maintain modern, well-serviced equipment. Whether you need a compact line pump for a backyard slab or a 36-metre boom to reach the upper levels of a commercial build, we match the right pump to your site conditions, concrete volume and placement rate.
Boom Pumps vs Line Pumps
Understanding the difference between boom and line pumps helps you plan the most efficient pour:
- Boom pumps — truck-mounted units with a hydraulic, articulated arm (boom) that can reach over obstacles, across excavations and up to elevated formwork. Boom lengths range from 20 metres to over 50 metres. They offer the fastest placement rates and are the standard choice for commercial slabs, suspended decks and high-rise cores.
- Line pumps (trailer pumps) — compact, towable units that push concrete through steel or rubber pipework laid along the ground. Line pumps are ideal for residential driveways, footings, pool shells and any site where a boom truck cannot physically fit. They are more affordable for smaller volumes and can be set up in tight spaces.
When Should You Use a Pump?
A pump is recommended — and often essential — in the following scenarios:
- The pour zone is more than 3–4 metres from the nearest truck-accessible point.
- The site has limited or single-vehicle-width access.
- Concrete must be placed above ground level, such as suspended slabs, balconies or rooftop pours.
- The total volume exceeds what can be reasonably wheelbarrowed or crane-skipped within the load's working time.
- The mix contains small aggregate (7 mm) or special additives that benefit from continuous, vibration-free placement.
Site Access Considerations
Before booking a pump, assess your site for these common access factors:
- Gate and driveway width — a boom pump truck is typically 2.5 metres wide and up to 12 metres long. Ensure gates, fences and driveways can accommodate the vehicle, or arrange for temporary fence removal.
- Overhead clearance — power lines, tree canopies and building eaves can restrict boom movement. Identify any overhead hazards and communicate them to the pump operator in advance.
- Ground conditions — boom trucks deploy stabiliser legs (outriggers) that exert significant point loads. Soft or rain-saturated ground may need timber pads or steel plates to prevent sinking.
- Pipeline route — for line pumps, plan the pipe route to avoid sharp bends greater than 90 degrees, which increase back-pressure and slow the pour rate.
Pump Sizing
Pump capacity is measured in cubic metres per hour. A small line pump delivers around 20 m3/h, which is sufficient for most residential pours. Larger line pumps and boom pumps can sustain 60–120 m3/h for commercial and civil works. Our team considers the total volume, required placement rate and pipeline distance to recommend the correct pump size, ensuring the concrete is placed within its workable life.
Ordering Concrete with a Pump Service
When you order through Cossacred, we coordinate the pump booking, truck dispatch and delivery timing as a single package. This avoids the common problem of trucks arriving before the pump is set up, or the pump idling while waiting for the next load. We stagger truck departures from the plant so each load arrives just as the previous one is finishing, keeping the pump running continuously and your pour progressing without cold joints.
To get a pump quote, provide us with the total volume, the placement location relative to the street, any access restrictions and the desired pour start time. We handle the rest.
