Concrete Pump Trucks: Frequently Asked Questions

Construction is a vital part of any economy, and one of the most useful substances in any project is concrete. Pouring it can get complicated without the right tools, however, which is where concrete pump trucks come in.

We here at Nova International believe in knowing a tool inside and out, so we’ve put together some of the basics on concrete pumps and how they work, below. To learn more, or to see the concrete pumps we can get you, contact our stores in Windsor and Aylesford, Nova Scotia, and in Salisbury, New Brunswick, today!

What is a Concrete Pump?

These tools are used to move newly-mixed concrete while it’s still a liquid using a valve system and hydraulics. Concrete is first mixed in a large mixer, usually a mixing truck, and that’s poured into a hopper. The concrete pump takes it from there, sucking up the concrete and pumping it through its valve system to the location it needs to be laid down. 

This is vital for any project that needs to lay concrete where a mixing truck can’t go, but where a smaller mixer won’t be enough.

How Do They Work?

Concrete pumps often use a twin-cylinder hydraulic system where the parallel cylinders each have a drive piston inside. These pistons move in opposite directions. As the first one moves back, it pulls concrete out of the hopper. As the second one moves back, it pushes the concrete through the expelling mechanism. The hydraulic flow of the concrete helps keep the pistons moving and ensures the concrete remains liquid.

Line Pumps

A line pump version will pump liquid concrete through hoses at ground level, which is useful for when the pump needs to navigate through tight spaces and around obstacles. They can be mounted on trailers, trucks, or truck mixers.

Boom Pumps

These concrete pumps utilize a boom to pump concrete anywhere it needs to be, even if it’s not at the same level as the pump. The flexible, multi-jointed remote-controlled arm can move like a crane and is ideal for pouring concrete in hard-to-reach locations, including on higher floors of a multi-floor building. 

What Are They Good For?

Concrete pumps are useful in a number of projects, but particularly in:

Making slab building foundations

Making a foundation with a basement

Pouring concrete in high-rise buildings

Pouring concrete on overpasses, tunnels, bridges, and dams

Crafting parking structures

Making sidewalks and driveways

Creating in-ground swimming pools

Making patios and garden shed foundations

Ready to see what a concrete pump truck can do for you? Contact us at Nova International for more information, or to see the concrete pump trucks we have to offer. We proudly serve the people of Atlantic Canada—let us serve you today!