The concrete pump conveys fresh concrete through pipelines directly to the placement site, eliminating the time-consuming transport by bucket and crane. Two types are distinguished: truck-mounted concrete pumps (with boom) and stationary concrete pumps (for large construction sites and high-rises).
Truck-mounted concrete pumps from Putzmeister, Schwing-Stetter, and CIFA feature distribution booms with reach ranges of 20 to 65 meters and pumping capacities up to 200 m³/h. The piston delivery cylinder draws in concrete and pushes it through the pipeline at pressures up to 200 bar. Stationary high-pressure pumps achieve delivery heights exceeding 600 meters — the world record stands at 715 meters (Burj Khalifa, Dubai).
The pumpability of the concrete (consistency, aggregate size, cement content) must be matched to the pump. Concrete that is too stiff clogs the line, while concrete that is too fluid segregates. Modern pumps feature pressure monitoring, automatic lubrication systems, and remote controls for the operator at the placement location.