How do I get the best Cement Mixer?

Buying Cement Mixers

To get the best concrete mixer for the job, it helps to understand your jobsite needs and the capabilities of each mixer. There are three main types of mixers. This article should help you determine whether you would benefit most from a drum mixer, a mortar(barrel) mixer, or a vertical shaft mixer. Each option can come in a variety of sizes and power options.

Drum Mixers

Drum mixers are the conventional choice for mixing concrete with large aggregates. These cement mixers function best when mixing a relatively fluid cement & aggregate mixture. Generally, the more fluid in the mix, the more effective drum mixer is at mixing. A stiff, low slump, mixture will not tumble and churn effectively enough and may require manually scraping the inside of the drum. Drum mixers are very popular and come in many sizes.

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Mortar Mixers

Mortar mixers are designed to mix all-sand mixes like stucco and brick & block mortar. These mixers are more versatile as they can handle mixes that tend to be stiff, sticky and lacking aggregate while also being able to mix fluid concrete with aggregate up to 3/8". However, mixing with heavy aggregates will significantly increase the wear on the rubbing mixing paddles.

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Vertical Shaft Mixer

Vertical shaft mixers are designed to be used for near-continuous mixing of stiff, all-sand mixes. They allow for operators to pour raw material into the top of the mixing barrel and extract mixed material from a chute on the bottom. This can usually be done without the need to stop the mixing operation. Capable of mixing material with small aggregates.

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Mixing Stations

Mixing stations comprise of a portable frame, a mixer, and a dump bucket. These highly portable machines provide flexibility on the jobsite. These mixers allow a user to mix a batch and then remove the full bucket allowing transport directly to the application site. Mixing stations are ideal for mixing self-leveling compounds, adhesives, mortars, and grouts on small to medium-scale.

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What size mixer is best?

It is important to consider a number of things that go into deciding what size mixer is best. Predict the batch sizes that your jobs typically require and the number of crewmen that will be required on site to handle the machine. Consider both the smallest and the largest batches you expect to make. You should also consider your budget as well as equipment storage and transport.

Gas vs Electric

Gasoline remains the most convenient and common power source for light construction equipment. Gas engines do not depend on job site conditions. The downsides are that they are noisy, require maintenance, and they release toxic exhaust fumes. OSHA continues to restrict acceptable levels engine exhaust pollutants and noise levels on job sites. Gas exhaust also limits operators to outdoor use only.

Electric motors are more commonly found on smaller mixers, but some large mixers offer specialized electric power options as well. Small mixers generally have engines up to 1-1/2HP, drawing 110V. Large mixers are equipped with up to 5HP motors that require a 220V power source. 220V power may not be readily available on the job site; requiring the foreman to plan ahead and make arrangements for an adequate power supply before deploying the mixer on site. Major benefits to electric motors include little to no maintenance, low noise, and the ability to operated inside with more access to the application site.

Steel vs Plastic(Poly) Drums

Steel drums are more durable and more common than plastic(poly) drums. Steel drums are more abrasion resistant than plastic drums, but their coating will break down over time when mixing abrasive materials. Once the coating fails, the drum becomes susceptible to rust and will eventually need replacement. Plastic drums will not corrode, but they are more susceptible to abrasion. Customer reviews also mention that plastic drums are easy to clean with a garden hose versus steel drums.