What To Avoid When Hiring Concrete Pumps

Avoid delays and added costs by hiring the right pump, planning the site access, and confirming pour specs. Small oversights lead to big disruptions on concrete jobs.

1. Choosing the Wrong Pump Type

The size and layout of your site determine the pump. Line pumps are ideal for driveways, footings, or tight-access jobs. Boom pumps suit commercial slabs, elevated pours, or wide open sites. Get this right, and the pour runs smooth.

2. Underestimating Concrete Volume

Misjudging volume causes delays and cold joints. Too much and you waste mix and money. Measure carefully—length, width, and depth—and get it checked by your supplier if needed.

3. Not Planning Site Access

Boom trucks need solid ground, overhead clearance, and room to extend. Line pumps need a clean hose path from pump to pour. Tight residential jobs often call for a walk-through first.

4. Booking Too Late

The best operators get booked fast, especially during peak building seasons across Hunter and Newcastle. Calling a day out leaves you vulnerable. Lock it in early to avoid a costly wait.

5. Skipping a Site Visit

Sending photos is helpful, but nothing beats walking the site. A short site visit helps catch issues like hose routing, vehicle access, washout zones, or distance from the truck to the slab.

6. Forgetting About Washout and Cleanup

Concrete pumping generates waste. Make sure your crew has a washout plan that keeps slurry off finished areas and out of drains. Most operators will ask where you want the wash to go.

7. Not Confirming Labour and Scope

Always check what’s included. Some hires include the operator only. Others bring a crew. Confirm if they’ll help with hosing, vibrating, or finishing. Know who’s doing what before concrete arrives.

Why Choose Hunter Concrete Pumps for Mini Pump Hire

Hunter Concrete Pumps keeps it simple and upfront:

• Flat Rate Option: $800 for the first load (up to 3 hours on-site), plus $50 per additional load
• Hourly Rate Option: $190 per hour (minimum 3 hours), plus $190 travel and $6 per m³ pumped

Not sure what gear you need? The team will step through your job with you. They’ll help you choose the right pump, estimate your concrete volume, and even assist with concrete supply and experienced labour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to hire a concrete pump for a small job?

For smaller residential pours, a mini line pump is usually the most cost-effective. Hunter Concrete Pumps offers a flat-rate option starting at $800 for the first load.

Can Hunter Concrete Pumps help organise my pour from start to finish?

Yes. They can assist with selecting the right pump, estimating volume, coordinating concrete delivery, and supplying crew members to handle the hose and clean-up.

Concrete Pump Partners

Hiring a concrete pump doesn’t have to be complex. Get the basics right, access, volume, crew, timing—and you’ll avoid the problems that slow jobs down and push costs up.
With the right team behind you, the pour gets done right the first time and this is why Hunter Concrete Pumps has rock solid partnerships with many developers across Newcastle and the Hunter Region

Concrete Pump Hire