A ready-mix truck can discharge concrete directly from the chute — but only if it can get within about 18 feet of the pour location. When the site is tight, the access is limited, or the pour is elevated, a concrete pump is the answer. Understanding when and how to use a pump helps you plan your project and your order correctly.

When Do You Need a Pump?

The truck can't access the pour area (narrow driveways, fenced yards, tight lots)
The pour is elevated — second-floor slabs, elevated decks, high walls
The pour is far from where the truck can park (long runs across a large site)
You're pouring into a basement or below-grade area
Speed matters — a pump moves concrete faster than wheelbarrows on large pours

Types of Concrete Pumps

Boom Pumps

A boom pump is a truck-mounted pump with a hydraulic arm (boom) that can reach 100 feet or more. It's the most versatile option for large pours, elevated placements, and sites where the pump truck needs to stay on the street. Boom pumps are commonly used for commercial slabs, elevated decks, and large residential foundations.

Line Pumps

A line pump (also called a trailer pump) uses flexible hoses that can be routed around obstacles and through tight spaces. It's ideal for residential jobs, basement pours, and situations where a boom truck can't maneuver. Line pumps are slower than boom pumps but more flexible in tight conditions.

How Pumping Affects Your Mix

Pumpable concrete needs to be more fluid than a standard mix — it has to flow through hoses and around bends without segregating. This typically means a higher slump (4–6 inches vs. 3–4 inches for direct-chute pours) and sometimes a slightly different aggregate size.

When you order for a pump job, tell us upfront. We'll adjust the mix design for pumpability — the right slump, the right aggregate, and any admixtures needed to keep the mix flowing without sacrificing strength.

Calculating Volume for Pump Jobs — Order Extra

Calculate your pour volume the same way as any other job: length × width × depth ÷ 27 for cubic yards. But for pump jobs, add extra overage beyond the standard 5–10%.

Why? The pump hose and boom hold a significant volume of concrete — typically 0.5 to 1 cubic yard depending on the hose length. This "prime" concrete fills the pump before any reaches the pour. At the end of the job, you'll also have some concrete left in the line. Account for this by adding at least 0.5–1 yard to your order on top of your standard overage.

Rule of thumb for pump jobs: Calculate your pour volume, add 10% for subgrade variation and waste, then add another 0.5–1 yard for pump prime and line waste. It's always cheaper to have a small amount left over than to run short mid-pour.

Site Preparation for Pump Jobs

Confirm pump truck access — boom trucks need stable, level ground and overhead clearance
Mark underground utilities before the pump truck sets up
Have a washout area ready for pump cleanup at the end of the pour
Coordinate truck arrival times — the pump needs a steady supply of concrete to keep flowing

Coordinating the Delivery

Pump jobs require tight coordination between the ready-mix supplier and the pump operator. Trucks need to arrive at a pace that keeps the pump fed without backing up. For large pours, this means scheduling multiple trucks at staggered intervals.

When you call UNO Concrete for a pump job, let us know the pump type, estimated pour volume, and your target pour rate. We'll schedule trucks to keep your pump running smoothly from start to finish. We serve contractors across the Charlotte metro — from Gastonia to Concord, Mooresville to Monroe.

When Do You Need a Concrete Pump? A Guide to Pump Jobs in Charlotte