Line pumps and boom pumps are both used to transport liquid concrete to construction sites, but they differ in design, flexibility, and use cases. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Line Pump (Trailer Pump or Ground Pump)
Design:
A line pump is a portable, trailermounted concrete pump connected to flexible hoses.
Requires manual setup: Operators lay and connect hoses from the pump to the pour site.

Range and Reach:
Limited by the length of the hoses (typically up to 150 meters/500 feet).
No mechanical arm; hoses must be repositioned manually for precise placement.

Applications:
Ideal for smaller projects, tight spaces, or sites with obstacles (e.g., residential driveways, sidewalks, basements).
Great for projects requiring concrete placement in hard-to-reach areas.

Advantages:
More affordable to rent.
Compact and maneuverable in confined spaces.

Disadvantages:
Labor-intensive setup and hose management.
Slower pour rate compared to boom pumps.

2. Boom Pump (Truck-Mounted Pump)
Design:
Mounted on a truck with a hydraulic, articulating robotic arm (boom) that extends and positions concrete.
The boom folds into sections and can reach over obstacles.

Range and Reach:
Booms vary in length from 20 meters (65 feet) to over 60 meters (200 feet).
Remote-controlled for precise concrete placement without manual hose adjustments.

Applications:
Perfect for large-scale projects (e.g., high-rise buildings, bridges, industrial sites).
Efficient for open sites requiring rapid, high-volume pours.

Advantages:
Faster placement with minimal labor.
Greater reach and flexibility; the boom can maneuver over walls, trenches, or machinery.

Disadvantages:
Higher cost due to advanced technology and larger size.
Requires ample space for the truck and boom deployment.

When to Choose Which?
Line Pump: Use for tight spaces, small pours, or projects with budget constraints.
Boom Pump: Opt for speed, precision, and large-scale efficiency where space allows.