Guide
Boom Pump Sizes & Reach
Boom pumps are named by their vertical reach in metres. A “38 m” boom reaches roughly 38 metres (about 125 ft) straight up; its horizontal reach is a few metres less. Use this chart to size the pump before you call.
| Boom | Vertical reach | Class | Typical jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 m | ≈69 ft | Compact / 5-section Z | Residential basements, backyard pours, garages, tight streets |
| 28 m | ≈92 ft | Small | Footings, house slabs, walls, driveways behind homes |
| 32 m | ≈105 ft | Small–mid | The workhorse: residential and light commercial, 2–3 story |
| 38 m | ≈125 ft | Mid | Commercial slabs, tilt-up, parking decks, 3–4 story |
| 42 m | ≈138 ft | Mid | Larger commercial, schools, mid-rise elevated decks |
| 47 m | ≈154 ft | Mid–large | Big footprint pours, mid-rise, long horizontal reach |
| 52 m | ≈171 ft | Large | High-volume commercial, bridge decks, industrial |
| 58 m | ≈190 ft | Large | Mid/high-rise decks, large industrial and infrastructure |
| 63 m | ≈207 ft | Long boom | High-rise, large-footprint sites, reaching over structures |
| 70 m | ≈230 ft | Long boom | Specialty high-reach work; few units per region |
Approximate figures. Exact vertical and horizontal reach, unfolding height and outrigger spread vary by manufacturer and model — confirm with the operator.
How to choose a boom
- Measure the farthest point, not just the highest. Horizontal reach is what runs out first on slabs and decks set back from the street.
- Check unfolding height. Under trees, wires or inside parking structures, a multi-Z boom that unfolds low can matter more than raw reach.
- Plan the outrigger footprint. Bigger booms need wider outrigger spread and firm ground. Ask for the setup dimensions of the exact unit.
- Stay clear of power lines. Overhead lines are the top hazard on boom pump jobs. Tell the operator about them when you book.
- Consider a line pump. For low volumes, long thin runs or backyard work, a trailer line pump with hose can be the cheaper, cleaner option.
- Tell the operator your mix. Aggregate size and slump affect which pump and pipe diameter will work.
Boom pump vs. line pump vs. Telebelt
- Boom pump — truck-mounted, articulating arm; fast setup, high output, best for most slabs, walls and elevated decks.
- Line (trailer) pump — pumps through hose or steel line laid on the ground; great for tight access, grout and small pours.
- Telebelt / conveyor — places concrete and aggregates by belt; handles low-slump mixes and stone.
- Placing boom — separate boom mounted on a tower or the deck, fed by a stationary pump; standard on high-rise work.