Concrete mixers have become a staple of construction sites, used by contractors around the world to complete projects of all sizes, including some of the largest infrastructure builds that support a country. However, this might lead some to believe that mixers are solely useful to these large entities, when the opposite couldn’t be truer.
Mixers can be an invaluable tool to whoever uses them, including the everyday user simply interested in completing small projects around their residence. This article will be all about these users, giving guidance around the casual use of mixers. We will include a variety of tips around selecting the right kind of mixer, how to maintain it effectively, which safety practices to employ, how to add extra value to your purchase and more.
This article is brought to you by BS Power, a trusted supplier of high-quality construction equipment and power tools. Not only are we known for the great quality of our products, but our generous warranties and comprehensive support system also allow us to stand out amongst our competitors.
Everyday Concrete Mixers: Understanding the Everyday User’s Needs
While cement mixers are a staple tool of large construction sites, used frequently by large contractors, this certainly doesn’t mean that the laymen of the world aren’t using these powerful machines too. When we talk about the everyday user, we are referring to small-scale contractors, crafty homeowners and those interested in DIY building.
The sort of projects these individuals might be interested in includes anything from building a new driveway, fixing up a weather-worn patio, trying their hand at cement sculptures or creating modern cement-based outdoor furniture with an industrial vibe and excellent durability. The truth is that cement is a highly versatile and reliable substance that just about anyone with the knowledge and means can use to great effect.
The knowledge part is simple enough, but it’s that latter half that can be quite tricky. Mixing concrete by hand is an incredibly time-consuming and laborious process that produces inconsistent results, translating into concrete of dubious quality.
Everyday Concrete Mixers: Why Choose a Concrete Mixer Over Hand Mixing
As we’ve clarified, relying on hand mixing when producing cement is laborious, time-consuming and unreliable. All of that is completely turned around with access to a good concrete mixer. With these powerful machines, the labour and time invested in the process are reduced to a fraction. On top of this, using a cement mixer provides a far smoother and more uniform blend, producing a stronger final product.
These factors are useful for just about anybody, but for the everyday user, they can be a lifesaver. This is because the everyday user is often completing projects alone, with all of the strain of the labour falling on themselves. A cement mixer will go a long way to help reduce the physical strain and fatigue by the end of the job.
Everyday Concrete Mixers: Features That Matter for Everyday Use
While all mixers are capable of great feats, one will need to take into consideration a host of factors that determine their suitability for an everyday user. One of the most salient will be size; the concrete mixer needs to be compact enough to navigate a residential area. Smaller mixers also sometimes have wheels to allow for easier manoeuvrability, which can be a great help. Note that a smaller mixer will be able to handle smaller batches of concrete at a time, but for a small-scale project, this should be of little issue.
The concrete mixer should be easy to operate and maintain. Features like a tipping mechanism can help discharge the concrete, reducing the laboriousness of the process. The mixer should be outfitted with user-friendly controls and safety features; an emergency stop feature should be available. Cement mixers also come in two different major power types: petrol mixers and electric mixers.
Petrol engine mixers are the most traditional variety and are capable of outputting great power with good fuel efficiency. They are also able to operate totally independently of a power source, making them the ideal tool on a remote construction site where electricity isn’t available. Unfortunately, they produce carbon emissions and can be costly to run in the long term, factoring in their fuel demands. Their engines are high vibration, making them quite loud and liable to slowly loosen screw and components over time.
On the other hand, electrical mixers are an eco-friendly alternative that helps users save on fuel costs. They aren’t as powerful as petrol mixers; they have an electrical cord limiting their mobility, and they need access to a power grid to function. However, their low-vibration engines make them ideal for residential work. Their smaller load capacity and reliance on power tends to also be a non-issue for everyday work, arguably making them the ideal choice for the layman.
Everyday Concrete Mixers: Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Mixer
There are a number of steps you can take before and after using your cement mixer that will guarantee more value from your purchase, avoiding unnecessary damage. The startup procedure for a cement mixer begins with the area, not just the machine itself. Make sure that the mixer is placed on a flat, level area clear of any obstructions or tripping hazards. For an electrical model, this will include the electrical cord as well.
Before starting the mixer, we advise you to quickly go over the machine, ensuring that all moving parts are lubricated, all components securely fastened and that there’s no visible damage anywhere on the machine, especially where it will affect performance or safety. As you load the mixer, you’ll want to ensure you do it in the right order: water, aggregates and then cement powder. Add these in ratios according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Never overload the drum, as this can reduce efficiency, strain the engine and even break the mixer. After use, the interior of the drum should be cleaned out immediately to prevent any cement from hardening along the lining. A buildup of hardened cement can reduce the efficiency of the mixer and chip or crack the drum. After cleaning, the concrete mixer should be stored somewhere dry and protected, ideally under a weatherproof tarp. This will prevent the elements from eating away at the machine while it’s dormant, waiting for the next time it’s used.
Everyday Concrete Mixers: Staying Safe
Of course, if you’re going to be using a concrete mixer around your home, you’ll want to do so safely. First off, you’ll want to ensure that your mixer has functioning safety features such as an emergency stop button. The immediate area surrounding the mixer should be kept clear of any tripping hazards.
The user should be clad in PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), including goggles, tight-fitting clothing, gloves, sturdy boots and a breathing mask. Together, these will prevent debris and dust from getting in one’s eyes, stop clothing from snagging in moving parts such as the drum, keep one’s feet safe and stop cement particles from being breathed in.
One should never reach into the drum while it’s operating, with either a hand or a tool. Should one need to manipulate the contents of the drum, do so only when the mixer is turned off, using a tool. The cement mixture should not come in contact with your skin, as this can cause skin damage, allergic reactions and severe irritation.
If you’re using an electric mixer, keep the cord somewhere where nobody is going to trip over it and prevent contact with water. If you’re using a petrol mixer, ensure that there are no fuel leaks and that any nearby fuel containers are stored safely, where they cannot become a fire hazard.
Everyday Concrete Mixers: Cost-Efficiency and Value
At the end of the day, buying a concrete mixer is a great investment for the everyday user. There might be a substantial upfront investment, but the benefits this machine brings are great and long-lasting, especially if one takes proper care of the concrete mixers.
While fuel may represent a continuous cost, the availability of electric models mitigates operational costs. While you have the option to rent out a concrete mixer, the cost of doing so on a regular basis will soon eclipse the amount one would spend on their own mixer. Here at BS Power, we aim to offer our customers the highest value possible, aiming to balance quality with affordability. The durability of our products also increases the value of the investment with a prolonged lifespan.
Everyday Concrete Mixers: Where to Buy and What Support Is Offered
If you’re looking for a good concrete mixer for everyday use, there’s no better place to look than BS Power. Not only do we offer top-notch machines, but we also include a system of spectacular support, both before and after a purchase. This means that we’re happy to listen to exactly what plans you have in mind and suggest a suitable product based on your unique needs.
After the purchase, we protect all of our products with a generous warranty. If you encounter any issues with your concrete mixers, you can give us a call, and we’ll be happy to help. If a quick troubleshoot doesn’t solve the issue and you identify a damaged part, we’ll happily send a replacement. If the issue is more systemic, we are willing to replace the entire unit.
We are always easy to contact and respond swiftly. All of our replacements are facilitated through a logistically sound nationwide shipping system, letting us sort your issues out quickly. This means that you have to spend a minimal amount of time waiting around, letting you to leap back into the important work quickly.
BS Power: The Best Concrete Mixers For The Everyday User
In conclusion, a concrete mixer is definitely not just a tool of large contractors working on big projects. They are equally valuable to everyday users; DIYers, passionate homeowners and small-scale contractors. Mixing concrete by hand is simply too time-consuming, laborious and inconsistent in its results to be relied upon for the layman. Instead, with a concrete mixer in their arsenal, they can enjoy quickly produced batches of stellar concrete with minimal labour output, letting them compete with home projects with ease.
In turn, a concrete mixer should be regularly inspected and cleaned, as well as safely stored to prolong its already considerable lifespan. When using concrete mixers, the everyday user should employ proper safety practices to prevent any disaster. Buying this valuable asset from BS Power will add additional value to the purchase with generous warranties and a robust support program.