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What’s the difference between boom pumps and boomless pumps?
29th April 2025 When you need to pour ready mix concrete or liquid screed, have you thought about how you’ll get it from the truck to the pour site? Imagine a busy building site or a tight residential driveway: not every location is straightforward. Whether you’re a builder tackling a major project or a homeowner managing a self-build, poor planning around concrete delivery can lead to costly delays.
This blog will break down the key differences between a boom pump vs line pump, helping you pick the right solution. At Wright Readymix, we have available concrete pumps for hire that include both options, coupled with expert advice to match you to the best method for your project, site access, and budget.
What Is a Boom Pump?
A boom pump is a truck-mounted concrete pump with a long, robotic arm (the "boom") that can reach over obstacles, up several storeys, or deep into large sites. The concrete is pumped through the arm and positioned exactly where it’s needed, often without any manual handling.
Boom pumps are best suited for large-scale projects such as high-rise construction, commercial developments, and major infrastructure works where high reach concrete delivery is essential. They are also ideal when there are significant site access limitations because the boom can extend over fences, buildings, or rough terrain.
Pros:
- Fast, Efficient Concrete Placement
- Excellent Reach, Even on Challenging Sites
- Reduces the Need for Additional Labour
Cons:
- Higher Setup Costs Compared to Other Methods
- Larger Vehicles Require More Space to Operate
If your site needs speed, height, and minimal disruption, a truck-mounted boom pump could be the perfect fit. We have a range of options available, including the UK’s largest concrete pump!
What Is a Boomless or Line Pump?
A boomless pump, more commonly known as a concrete line pump or ground line concrete pump, uses a series of connected hoses laid along the ground to transport concrete to the pour site. It doesn’t have a robotic arm, so it relies on manual positioning and flexible pipework.
Concrete line pumps are highly versatile and are often the best choice for domestic concrete pouring jobs like extensions, driveways, and garden projects where space is tight. They’re also a great solution for navigating tricky pathways, alleyways, or interior spaces where a boom simply cannot reach.
Pros:
- Lower Cost Compared to Boom Pumps
- Easier Setup in Confined or Restricted Areas
- Highly Adaptable for Different Site Layouts
Cons:
- Slower Pouring Rate Than a Boom Pump
- Requires Manual Movement of Hoses During the Pour
When comparing a boom pump vs line pump, if you’re working in a smaller space or dealing with site access limitations, a ground line concrete pump might be your best bet. Our Mini Pump is specially designed to deliver liquid concrete over 100 metres vertically and up to 200 metres horizontally.
Boom Pump vs Line Pump – Which Is Right for Your Project?
Choosing between a boom pump and a line pump often comes down to your specific project needs and the conditions on site. A truck-mounted boom pump offers incredible vertical and horizontal reach, making it the go-to choice for large-scale, multi-storey builds where precision and speed are critical.
These machines are designed to deliver concrete into high or hard-to-reach areas quickly, reducing the need for manual labour and helping projects stay on schedule.
In contrast, a concrete line pump is often the smarter choice for smaller or more confined projects. Perfect for domestic concrete pouring like driveways, extensions, or garden features, line pumps are flexible, efficient, and much easier to set up when space is limited.
They are ideal for concrete pumping for difficult access sites, where navigating around tight corners, pathways, or interior spaces would make boom operation impractical.
When weighing up a boom pump vs line pump, it’s important to consider more than just the size of your pour. Terrain challenges, site accessibility, the volume of concrete required, and the desired pour speed all play a part.
For some jobs, reaching over a house or a large obstruction makes a boom pump essential; for others, the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of a ground line pump are the smarter move.
For technical advice, reach out to our team, and also consider visiting The Concrete Society—an invaluable source of information regarding all things concrete. Getting the right setup could save you serious time, hassle, and cost, so makes sure you don’t rush.
Need Help Choosing? Get in Touch with Wright Readymix
Not sure which concrete pump is right for your site? At Wright Readymix, we’re ready to help. Our team is available 24/7, offering both high reach concrete delivery and concrete pumping for difficult access across South West England for DIY concrete and commercial projects.
Speak to our knowledgeable team today by calling 0117 958 2090 or simply fill out our quick and easy contact form. We’ll help you get the right setup first time – with competitive prices, expert advice, and reliable service you can count on.