Line pumps cost £275 to £400 per hire in London, ideal for smaller residential projects with ground access. Boom pumps start at £650 plus, suited for large commercial sites requiring height and reach. Your concrete pump hire cost depends on site access, duration, pump capacity, and whether you need an operator. Choose line pumps for budget-conscious residential work and boom pumps for high-volume commercial pours.
Line pumps cost £275 to £400 per hire in London. Boom pumps start at £650 and often exceed £1,000. The price difference reflects their capabilities: line pumps suit smaller residential projects with ground access, while boom pumps handle large commercial sites needing height and reach.
Your choice depends on project size, site access, and concrete volume. Line pumps work through flexible hoses on the ground, perfect for driveways and foundations. Boom pumps use truck-mounted hydraulic arms reaching multiple stories, ideal for high-rise construction and fast, high-volume pours.
Choosing the wrong pump costs you money twice. Underpowered equipment slows your project, while oversized pumps waste budget on capacity you don’t need. Get expert pump selection advice from Pro-Mix Concrete and match your exact site conditions to the right equipment at the right price.
Get In Touch: 020 7458 4747
What is a Line Pump?
A line pump is a trailer-mounted or stationary concrete pump that pushes concrete through flexible hoses placed on the ground. These pumps excel at delivering concrete to accessible areas where hoses can be manually positioned.
How Line Pumps Work?
Line pumps use pistons to push concrete through pipelines ranging from 50 to 150 meters in length. The equipment arrives on a trailer, operators connect hoses, and concrete flows from the mixer truck through the pipeline to your pour location.
Key advantages for smaller projects:
- Compact footprint fits into tight residential streets
- Lower hire costs make them budget-friendly
- Flexible hose positioning reaches awkward corners
- Suitable for ground-level or slightly elevated pours
- Easy setup and operation
Best Applications
Line pumps handle driveways, house foundations, ground floor slabs, swimming pools, and small to medium commercial projects. They work brilliantly when pour locations sit within 100 meters of truck access and don’t require significant vertical reach.
Manoeuvrability makes line pumps perfect for London’s narrow residential streets, where boom pump trucks cannot navigate. The portable nature means quick deployment on sites with limited space.
What is a Boom Pump?
A boom pump is a truck-mounted concrete pump featuring a hydraulic robotic arm that positions concrete precisely at height and distance. These powerful machines deliver high volumes quickly to elevated or hard-to-reach locations.
How Boom Pumps Work?
Boom pumps arrive on specialised trucks with extending arms reaching 20 to 60 meters. The hydraulic boom unfolds and positions over buildings, obstacles, or restricted areas. Concrete flows through the boom’s pipeline directly to pour points.
Key advantages for large projects:
- Reaches multiple stories without scaffolding or manual handling
- Delivers 60 to 160 cubic meters per hour
- Eliminates the need for wheelbarrows and manual labour
- Overcomes site obstacles like walls and existing structures
- Reduces pour time significantly on large volume jobs
Best Applications
Boom pumps dominate high-rise construction, large commercial buildings, bridges, and any project requiring vertical reach or obstacle clearance. They excel when speed matters and high volumes need precise placement at height.
In London’s commercial districts, boom pumps access rooftop projects, upper floors, and sites where ground access proves impossible. The truck’s mobility handles urban traffic while the boom’s reach solves elevation challenges.
How Do Prices Compare in London?
Concrete pump hire cost varies significantly between line and boom pumps based on equipment complexity, capacity, and operational requirements.
Typical Line Pump Hire Prices
Line pump hire in London starts at £275 to £400 per hire for standard residential projects. This baseline covers basic equipment delivery, setup, and pumping service for typical domestic pours.
Factors affecting line pump costs:
- Distance from supplier: Sites beyond 20 miles incur transport surcharges of £50 to £100
- Pipeline length: Standard rates include 50 to 100 meters; additional hose costs £2 to £4 per meter
- Site access: Difficult access adds £50 to £150 for extra setup time
- Concrete volume: Higher volumes may trigger hourly rates of £80 to £120 after initial allocation
- Hire duration: Multi-day hires negotiate daily rates around £200 to £300
A typical residential driveway pour (15 cubic meters, standard access) costs approximately £300 to £350 total with a line pump in London.
Typical Boom Pump Hire Prices
Boom pump hire starts at £650 and easily exceeds £1,000 for complex commercial projects in London. The higher baseline reflects sophisticated equipment, specialised operators, and greater capacity.
Factors affecting boom pump costs:
- Boom length: 20 meter booms start at £650; 40 meter plus booms reach £900 to £1,200
- Operator fees: Trained boom operators add £150 to £250 per day as separate charges
- Truck transport: Delivery and positioning costs £100 to £200, depending on distance
- High volume pours: Large concrete orders (50 plus cubic meters) may include volume discounts
- Setup complexity: Restricted positioning or traffic management adds £150 to £300
A typical commercial floor slab (40 cubic meters, 30 meter reach) costs approximately £850 to £1,100 with a boom pump in London.
Your project deserves accurate pricing, not guesswork. Every London site has unique challenges, from access restrictions to volume needs. Get a detailed quote from our experts, and we will assess your specific requirements and provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Get a Quote: 020 7458 4747
5 Key Cost Factors for Concrete Pump Hire in London
Beyond base rates, several variables influence the final concrete pump hire cost across London projects.
1. Site Complexity and Access
Complex sites with restricted entry points, narrow streets, or difficult positioning increase costs through extended setup time and additional equipment. Central London locations often face parking restrictions requiring permits and traffic management.
Pump suppliers charge premiums for sites needing road closures, crane-assisted positioning, or working around existing structures. Expect £100 to £300 extra for complicated access scenarios.
2. Duration and Pipeline Length
Standard hire covers 4 to 6 hours of pumping time. Projects extending beyond this window incur hourly charges of £80 to £150, depending on pump type.
Additional pipeline beyond included lengths costs £2 to £5 per meter for line pumps. Boom pumps rarely need extra pipeline, but may charge positioning fees if multiple boom relocations are required during extended pours.
3. Additional Charges to Watch Out For
Hidden costs catch unprepared contractors by surprise:
- Waiting time: Delayed concrete deliveries trigger £60 to £100 per hour standby fees
- Cleanup: Blockages from improper concrete mix cost £150 to £400 for equipment cleaning
- Cancellation fees: Late cancellations forfeit 25% to 50% the hire cost
- Weekend and holiday rates: Premium timing adds 20% to 40% to base prices
- Fuel surcharges: Distance-based fuel costs range from £30 to £80
4. Pump Size and Capacity Needed
Larger or higher capacity pumps cost more due to increased power, reach, or volume capabilities. Small line pumps (30 cubic meters per hour) sit at lower price points while high output models (60 plus cubic meters per hour) command premium rates.
Boom pumps with extended reach (40 meters plus) cost significantly more than standard 20 to 30-meter models. Match pump capacity to actual project needs rather than overbuying capability you won’t use.
5. Urgency and Scheduling (Out of Hours/Weekend Hire)
Booking for weekends, out of hours, or with short notice often comes with premium rates and higher total hire costs. Weekend hire adds 25% to 35% to weekday rates across most London suppliers.
Evening pours (after 6 PM) incur shift premiums of £100 to £200. Emergency same-day bookings carry surcharges up to 50% above standard rates due to schedule disruption.
Plan concrete pours during standard business hours on weekdays whenever possible to minimise unnecessary cost escalation.
When to Choose Line vs Boom Pump?
Selecting the right pump type balances project requirements against budget constraints.
Project Types & Scenarios
Choose line pumps for:
- Residential driveways and patios
- House foundations and footings
- Ground floor slabs and extensions
- Swimming pools and landscaping features
- Small commercial projects under 30 cubic meters
- Sites with good ground access but tight entry points
Choose boom pumps for:
- High-rise and multi-story buildings
- Large commercial floor pours over 40 cubic meters
- Projects requiring reach over obstacles or existing structures
- Time-sensitive pours needing rapid concrete placement
- Sites where ground access is impossible but overhead clearance exists
- Rooftop or elevated construction work
Budget Considerations
Line pumps offer the most cost-effective solution for smaller projects where their capabilities match requirements. Paying for boom pump capacity you don’t need wastes £300 to £600 per hire.
However, choosing an undersized line pump for a job better suited to a boom pump creates false economy. The time saved, labour eliminated, and quality improvements from proper boom pump use often justify the higher concrete pump hire cost on larger projects.
Calculate the total project cost, including labour, time, and concrete waste, rather than focusing solely on the pump hire price. A £900 boom pump might save £1,200 in labour compared to manual handling or struggling with an inadequate line pump.
Price Comparison Table: Line Pump vs Boom Pump in London
Factor | Line Pump (London) | Boom Pump (London) |
Price Range (Typical) | £275 to £400 | £650+ |
Best For | Small to medium residential jobs | Large commercial and high-reach projects |
Reach Capability | 50 to 150 meters horizontal | 20 to 60 meters vertical and horizontal |
Setup Time | 30 to 60 minutes | 45 to 90 minutes |
Operator Cost | Often included | £150 to £250 per day extra |
Common Extras | Additional pipeline, hourly rate | Operator fee, positioning charges |
Ideal Volume | Up to 30 cubic meters | 40+ cubic meters |
Access Requirement | Ground-level hose access | Truck positioning space |
Getting the Best Quote in London
Accurate quotes require detailed project information beyond basic pump type requests.
Provide Complete Site Details
Supply these details when requesting quotes:
- Exact site postcode and access route
- Pour the location distance from the truck parking spot
- Vertical height requirements, if applicable
- Total concrete volume in cubic meters
- Site restrictions (parking, working hours, permits)
- Pour schedule and preferred timing
The more information you provide upfront, the more accurate your quote and the fewer surprise charges on the day.
Compare Local Suppliers
Request quotes from at least three London concrete pump suppliers. Compare not just price but service inclusions, equipment condition, operator experience, and customer reviews.
Check what’s included: operator, fuel, pipeline, setup, and breakdown. The cheapest quote often excludes essentials that competitors include.
Final Call
Line pumps cost £275 to £400 in London, perfect for residential and small commercial projects with ground access. Boom pumps start at £650 plus, essential for large volume pours and height requirements. Your final concrete pump hire cost depends on site access, project duration, pump capacity, and timing.
Choose line pumps for budget-conscious residential work under 30 cubic meters. Select boom pumps for commercial projects requiring speed, volume, or vertical reach. Factor in hidden costs like operators, transport, and waiting time when comparing quotes.
About Pro-Mix Concrete
For over 20 years, Pro-Mix Concrete has delivered reliable concrete pumping services across every London borough. Our modern fleet includes both line and boom pumps maintained to the highest standards, operated by experienced professionals. We provide transparent pricing with detailed quotes covering all costs upfront. Our operators know London streets, parking restrictions, and access solutions that save you time and money.
Contact our team for your free detailed quote. Let us show you why London’s top contractors trust us for their concrete pumping needs.
Call Now: 020 7458 4747
Frequently Asked Questions
How far can each pump reach?
Line pumps reach 50 to 150 meters horizontally through flexible hoses. Boom pumps extend 20 to 60 meters in any direction using hydraulic arms, ideal for vertical reach and obstacle clearance.
Do prices include the concrete and operator?
Pump hire prices typically exclude concrete costs but may include operator fees for line pumps. Boom pump rates usually list the operator as a separate charge of £150 to £250 per day.
What additional charges should be expected?
Common extra charges include transport beyond the included distance, waiting time, additional pipeline, weekend premiums, fuel surcharges, and setup complexity fees ranging from £30 to £300 depending on requirements.
Can both pumps handle the same concrete mixes?
Both pump types handle standard concrete mixes, but boom pumps better accommodate higher slump mixes needed for high pours. Consult suppliers about mix specifications, especially for specialised aggregates or additives.
- Dennis Broderick is the founder and owner of Pro-Mix Concrete Company, a trusted name in ready-mix concrete solutions across the UK. With over 20 years of hands-on experience in the construction and concrete industry, Dennis brings unmatched expertise, practical insights, and a commitment to quality on every project - from residential driveways to large-scale commercial developments.
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