How Do I Calculate the Concrete Trailer Pump Capacity I Need for My Job Site?

Choosing the right capacity for a concrete trailer pump isn’t just a technical decision—it directly affects your efficiency, labor cost, and project timeline. As someone working in the construction industry, you already know that every minute counts on-site. That’s why selecting a pump that’s too small or too large can lead to delays or waste. So, how do you figure out the right size for your needs? Let’s break it down step by step.

Understand Your Daily Concrete Demand

Before looking at pump specs, start by calculating how much concrete your project needs each day. This depends on your construction scale, working hours, and pour volume per shift. For example, if your project requires pouring 50 cubic meters of concrete daily over 8 hours, that means you need a pompa kodok beton that can reliably deliver at least 6.25 m³/h to stay on track.

Why daily demand matters

Knowing your daily concrete need helps you avoid two common problems—under-capacity pumps that cause delays and oversized pumps that waste fuel and increase upfront cost. A well-matched capacity keeps your site running smoothly.

Once you have this daily figure, you’re ready for the next step: matching it with your working rhythm.

Factor in Actual Pumping Hours

Not every hour on-site involves pumping. Consider preparation time, equipment cleaning, and crew breaks. Realistically, the concrete pump portable may operate 5–6 hours out of an 8-hour shift. So, if your daily concrete demand is 50 m³ and the pump runs 6 hours a day, your required capacity becomes approximately 8.3 m³/h.

Adjusting for pumping breaks

This adjustment ensures your pump won’t be overloaded during actual operation. Running a pump too close to its maximum capacity for extended periods may reduce its lifespan and efficiency.

Now that you understand the importance of matching output with real working hours, it’s time to look at the site layout and pumping distance.

Consider Vertical and Horizontal Delivery Distance

Pumping capacity isn't just about volume—it’s also about pressure. The longer and higher your pump needs to deliver concrete, the more power and pressure it requires. A 15m vertical lift is very different from a flat 100m horizontal distance. You’ll need to refer to pump spec charts to see how capacity changes with different delivery distances.

Why pressure and distance matter

For example, if you’re pumping to the second or third floor of a building, you’ll need a pump with higher output pressure. Underestimating this could cause slow pours or clogs, which cost you valuable time.

Once you’ve considered the delivery range, don’t forget to look at the type of mix you’re using.

Think About Your Concrete Mix Design

Not all mixes are pump-friendly. A pumpable mix needs the right water-cement ratio and aggregate size. Harsh or dry mixes increase friction in the pipeline and reduce output. If your mix has large stones or is low on slump, go for a pump with more power and a larger outlet diameter.

Choosing the right pump for your mix

If you're using standard ready-mix concrete, most trailer pumps with 40–60 m³/h output will do. But if you're working with specialized or low-slump mixes, it’s safer to choose a high-power model with better hydraulic performance.

With the mix type clear, there’s one more critical factor—job site conditions.

Match the Pump to Your Job Site Conditions

Job site terrain, accessibility, and power supply also affect your pump choice. For remote sites, a diesel engine trailer pump may be better. For urban work with stable power, an electric trailer pump saves fuel and operates more quietly.

Plan for flexibility

If your job site has narrow spaces or frequent relocations, a compact and mobile pump model will be easier to work with. Don’t underestimate setup time—especially in tight or uneven terrain.

By now, you’ve assessed your concrete volume, real working time, delivery distance, mix design, and job site conditions. What’s next?

Find a Model That Balances All Factors

You don’t need the biggest or most expensive small concrete pump for sale—just the one that best fits your actual job requirements. For most small to medium construction projects like house building, foundations, and road work, trailer pumps with 30 to 50 m³/h capacity are ideal. Larger commercial jobs may need 60 m³/h or more.

Example: A typical housing project

Say you’re working on a 2-story house with a daily demand of 40 m³ and a 25m delivery height. A 40 m³/h diesel trailer pump with 10 MPa output pressure will keep your workflow steady, without overloading the machine or the crew.

Need Help Choosing? Let’s Talk

At this point, if you're still unsure, don't worry—you're not alone. Many contractors find it helpful to talk to equipment suppliers for expert advice. And that’s exactly where I come in.

I’ve worked with hundreds of clients across Indonesia to match them with the right concrete trailer pump. Whether you're handling a rural housing project or an urban commercial build, I’ll help you find a model that makes sense for your work rhythm, budget, and location.

Why Choose a Trailer Pump from Us?

Our concrete trailer pumps come in a variety of capacities, from 30 to 80 m³/h, with both diesel and electric options. They’re designed for real-world job site conditions—easy to move, stable under pressure, and efficient to operate. And yes, we help you figure out the best model based on your actual construction needs—not just what looks good on paper.

If you're planning a project and want to make sure you get the pump size right from the start, reach out to me through our website below.

Let’s make sure your site stays productive, your costs stay low, and your project stays on schedule.