Which is right for your project?
When it comes to placing concrete on your site, choosing the right delivery method is crucial – not just for efficiency, but for ensuring the best results. Two common methods are concrete pumping and wheelbarrowing. While both can get the job done, the right choice can save you time, money and a lot of hassle.
At McHugh Concrete, we specialise in ready mix concrete pumping and for good reason. Below, we’ll break down the pros, cons and ideal scenarios for each method, helping you make the best decision for your project.
Concrete pumping: fast, precise and professional
Concrete pumping involves using a powerful pump and a system of hoses to deliver concrete directly where it’s needed – whether that’s over obstacles, into basements, or up to higher levels. It’s a modern solution designed for convenience and accuracy.
Pros:
- Speed: Pumping is significantly faster than manually moving concrete with wheelbarrows
- Efficiency: Reduces manpower and fatigue, freeing your team to focus on placing and finishing
- Accessibility: Reach hard-to-access areas like rear gardens or projects down steps, with ease
- Clean delivery: Less mess, less disruption and more control over where the concrete goes
Cons:
- Upfront Cost: May appear more expensive at first glance – but often saves money in the long run due to reduced labour time and increased productivity
- Planning required: Pumping requires setup space and scheduling in advance with the concrete supplier
Best for:
- Medium to large pours
- Sites with restricted access
- Projects requiring precision
- Jobs with tight deadlines
Wheelbarrowing: traditional but labour-intensive
Wheelbarrowing is the age-old method of manually transporting concrete from the delivery point to the pour site using manpower. It’s simple – but simplicity doesn’t always mean efficiency.
Pros:
- Low equipment cost: No need to rent or schedule a pump
- Simple setup: Requires little more than manpower and wheelbarrows
Cons:
- Labour heavy: Physically demanding, especially on hot days or over long distances
- Slower pours: Delays can affect the quality of the finish and increase risk of cold joints. You may also incur additional charges for the concrete lorry waiting on site
- Access limitations: Slopes, stairs, or obstacles can make transporting concrete extremely difficult
- Higher risk of spills & waste: More chance of concrete being spilled or wasted in transport
Best for:
- Very small pours
- Flat, easy-access sites with short distances
- Projects with available labour and flexible timing
Why we recommend ready mix concrete pumping
We’ve seen it time and time again: concrete pumping saves our customers time, money and stress. For nearly all domestic and commercial jobs, it’s the smarter option. Even when compared with the “lower cost” of wheelbarrowing, the hidden expenses – extra labour, waiting time costs, delays and waste – can quickly add up. That’s why McHugh Concrete offers expert concrete pumping services along with our high-quality ready mix concrete, ensuring you get a smooth, seamless delivery every time.
Ready to place your order or need advice?
Call McHugh Concrete today on 01273 594394, or fill in our get a quote form online.
