Choosing the Right Concrete Mixer: A Complete Guide

Concrete mixing by hand can be a taxing task. How to use a concrete mixer is frequently a key consideration for fellow DIYers on projects that require large amounts of cement or concrete, and it ends up saving them a lot of time, money, and labor. The good news is that these mixers are inexpensive to buy or rent. They are easy to use if you’re in this situation and want to become an expert user of one. Whatever project you are working on, the fundamental operating procedures for using a mixer will be the same.

Getting Started with a Concrete Mixer

Whether you are hiring a cement mixer for a large construction project or just a few bags for your garden, it is critical that you select a cement mixer that is up to the task and can assist you in getting things done efficiently.

Concrete mixers make it simple to mix large amounts of concrete and cement. Concrete must be mixed thoroughly and quickly in order to be effective, which is difficult to achieve by hand. Mixers are ideal for a wide range of projects, from minor home improvement projects to large commercial construction projects.

Depending on the task you need to complete, there are many different mixers from which to choose.

Knowing what will be the best option for you can be challenging given the abundance of options. When selecting a cement mixer, bear the following in mind:

 

  1. Mixer capacity

Size is among the most crucial factors to consider when selecting a cement mixer.

A larger mixer, like a drum or barrel mixer, which can prepare more concrete at once and make your job easier, should be used if you are undertaking a large project that will require a lot of concrete.

 

A smaller machine will be adequate if you’re only mixing small amounts of concrete.

 

2. Type of Mixer

There are three types of cement mixers: planetary, drum, and continuous feed. Each type has its own set of benefits and drawbacks:

Planetary mixers are typically less expensive than drum mixers, but they require more time to complete a batch.

Drum mixers are more expensive than planetary models but faster.

Continuous-feed mixers enable continuous mixing without having to wait for one batch to finish before starting another (which makes them ideal for large jobs)

Concrete mixers in bulk

This robust, diesel-powered, trolley-mounted mixer is the one for you if you’re mixing mortar or concrete in large quantities on the job site. It has large hopper and high-speed paddle that allow it to mix up to 110 liters of concrete in cycle of six minutes. 
Because of its trolley design, the mixer is easy to move around your construction site and works well for mixing granular materials like sand and gravel. Since the entire apparatus, including the drum, is made of steel, it is long-lasting. 
It has safety switch that prevents the motor from accidentally turning on when it is not in use, as well as an adjustable safety guard that allows you to maintain safe distance from the blade.

Cement Mixers on Wheels

A tip-up concrete mixer is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized projects. These mixers are not as large as bulk mixers, but they can still mix a substantial amount of concrete

A tip-up cement mixer is small and portable, making it ideal for transportation

Because of its small size, the mixer is ideal for small jobs like building decks or sheds. If necessary, the mixer can be wheeled around the site or left in place.
The mixer is equipped with a large mixing drum that can hold up to 85 liters of concrete.  When the concrete is finished, simply tilt the mixer over and pour the wet mixture into a wheelbarrow.

Make sure the mixer you select is user-friendly and has sufficient safety features. If necessary, take into account the environment you will be working in and select a model that can handle things like uneven terrain, obstacles, and small spaces.