A concrete mixer is a powerful tool, capable of performing incredible feats on the construction site. As with any machine, this mechanical miracle worker requires the right care and attention to ensure it continues producing these incredible results for years to come.

 

In this article, we break down the ways in which you can help prolong the usefulness and lifespan of your own mixer. We cover seven key tips, including buying from a trusted supplier, getting the right kind of mixer, proper cleaning and maintenance routines, swift replacements, how to add the right mixture and the correct storage methods.

 

At BS Power, we are leaders in cement mixers and other high-performance construction machinery. We’re here to help you get it done right and efficiently.

 

Buy Your Concrete Mixer From The Right Supplier

 

One of the best ways to ensure that a mixer won’t fail you when it matters most is to purchase one from a trusted supplier. While it may be tempting to buy a cheaper mixer from a less reliable source, you are taking the risk that the machine is of poor quality or worn condition, which may cause it to fail mid-job. You’ll not only have to purchase a whole new mixer, but it may also lead to additional costs stacking up as a job is delayed or otherwise compromised.

 

Getting a mixer from a reliable and trusted business, such as BS Power, guarantees quality and efficiency. We only provide our customers with the finest tools, and even back this confidence up with a generous warranty. Should any of our machines ever give you trouble, we’re more than happy to step in to help you resolve the issue, see to repairs or even replace the entire unit.

 

We want you to know that your investment in a BS Power product will always be a worthwhile one. Our state-of-the-art machines are built to last for years to come.

 

 

Get The Right Concrete Mixer For Your Job

 

The concrete mixer is a versatile tool, and different types of mixers are better suited to certain tasks than others. When properly used, a mixer can output incredible performance and show great durability, making it an invaluable tool on the construction site. However, when a mixer designed for one task is thrust into another, you not only run the risk of subpar performance, but also threaten to damage and wear out the machine.

 

The two primary variables to look out for are drum capacity and engine power. The former relates to the size of the drum and how much cement mix it can carry and process. There is a great range of sizes available; some small machines can churn only enough concrete for small home projects, while others are capable of outputting huge quantities of concrete at a time for industrial or infrastructural projects.

 

Should you use an overlarge drum when only a small one is necessary, that’s no big deal; it’ll simply be a waste of space and energy. On the other hand, a mixer that is loaded with more cement mix than it can handle quickly becomes overburdened, causing its performance to plummet and the machine to potentially break down in the process.

 

Similarly, you need to consider the engine power of the mixer. Small electric mixers are great for quiet residential work, but they can’t handle too much concrete at a time, or they could burn out prematurely. Whatever concrete they do produce is likely to be unevenly blended and of a lesser quality. Larger jobs require powerful petrol engines to churn all of the heavy materials and output uniformly blended cement.

 

You should also keep in mind the mobility needs of the mixer. Many of these machines have frames equipped with wheels that allow them to be transported around a site. Mixers built for residential use often optimise portability with simple, lightweight wheels, which are great for even surfaces but suffer on rougher terrain. This can quickly become an issue for mixers that need to be used on remote work sites in rugged conditions. In these cases, always make sure that the mixer has reinforced wheels, or if it’s much larger, thick treads or metal skids.

 

Clean the Drum Thoroughly After Each Use

 

A key step to take after a mixer has been used is to thoroughly clean it. Any concrete left over in the drum is likely to harden, slowly building up inside and reducing the efficiency of the machine. It’s best to clear this issue immediately, before the leftover concrete lumps harden and become very difficult to remove.

 

You should start by rinsing the drum with water straight after its finished being used. You can then reach in with a stiff-bristled brush to scrape away at whatever’s clinging to the interior of the drum. If there are stubborn spots or clumps in difficult-to-reach areas, you can try to use a high-pressure hose to jet this residue off. If this still isn’t working, a concrete dissolver can be added to the drum along with water. This method should be used if a mixer has been previously neglected and now has hardened clumps inside.

 

The final point to keep in mind while cleaning is that you should never aggressively chip or hammer away at any concrete residue in a drum, as this will likely only cause unintentional damage to the drum. If you need assistance with cleaning your mixer, give us a call at 0219816040 and speak to one of our team members for guidance.

 

 

Perform Regular Maintenance Checks

 

The routine maintenance of a concrete mixer goes a long way to ensuring an extensive lifespan. You should meticulously inspect the individual components of a mixer, catching any signs of wear or damage fast and addressing it before it becomes an issue.

 

You can start by looking over the drum, the paddles inside and the seals for any signs for wear and tear. Move onto the moving components and tighten any bolts if required, check belts for fraying and apply a lubricant to any part that needs a bit of loosening up. Moving directly from there, it’s worth performing an oil change on the mixer and greasing all of its bearings when necessary. Always make sure that this is done in adherence to its specific manufacturer requirements for best results.

 

Replace Worn Parts Promptly

 

If you’re regularly conducting maintenance checks on the concrete mixer to extend its lifespan, it should be easy to spot any parts that are wearing down or have become damaged. There’s always the possibility that you’ve missed some important weak point, so be alert for any odd squeaking or grinding noises coming from the machine. If you notice any inexplicable performance drops, it may be an indicator of some damaged component.

 

Once the damaged part has been identified, it should be quickly replaced, no matter how small. Identifying and replacing damaged components goes a long way to preventing more extensive damage and breakdowns from occurring at a later stage, saving you both time and money.

 

The great news? With our help at BS Power, this has never been easier. Our outstanding customer service handles the hassle-free replacement of any damaged parts. We use an efficient nationwide delivery system to make sure that this all happens quickly and without interruption, which means that any interruption caused by the damage is swiftly resolved, letting the work flow once more.

 

 

Use the Right Mix Consistently

 

You should always load your concrete mixer with the right kind of mix. We’ve already established that quantity is an important aspect of this, and a drum loaded with mix exceeding its capacity will have its motor and bearings strain to keep up with the overload, likely failing later on. But this also counts for the makeup of the mix itself. You should only ever use an appropriate cement mix, never adding rocks or other debris not intended for the process. Adding unintended components to a mix can damage the interior of the drum and the churning blades, quickly ruining the machine’s efficiency and reliability.

 

Modern mixers are being adapted to take more and more kinds of aggregates, ranging from certain mixers that can withstand rougher materials like recycled debris to others that can blend more delicate aggregates for artistic projects. To know what your machine can and cannot take, always consult the manufacturer’s specifications. You can also give is a call for any guidance that you may need.

 

Store the Mixer Properly

 

While it’s easy to envision how you can preserve a concrete mixer during or immediately after use, looking after the machine even when it’s not being used is just as important. One of the greatest threats to a dormant concrete mixer is the elements, which can slowly rust and wear away at it, threatening to weaken its structural integrity and cause motor issues.

 

You can avoid all of this by storing your mixer in a dry area, preferably indoors under a cover or tarp. Consider the specific environmental conditions of the area.

 

If it’s particularly rainy and wet or near the ocean, where corrosive sea spray can rust the mixer, take extra precautions to protect it. Lastly, you should thoroughly clean and then carefully dry the concrete mixer before putting it in storage for any extended periods of disuse.

 

Final Thoughts

 

In conclusion, concrete mixers are incredibly powerful, reliable and efficient machines. They can handle heavy work and withstand harsh conditions while consistently outputting great power, but this does not mean that they do not require attention and care. There are many ways for you to extend the lifespan of your mixer.

 

The first step is to buy your mixer from a trusted supplier like BS Power, which will provide a quality machine backed by a generous guarantee. Next up, you should select a mixer build for the specific task that you have in mind for it, lest it become overburdened. Similarly, never add inappropriate aggregates to a cement mix.

 

You should also regularly clean the interior of the drum and perform routine inspections of the individual components. Should there be any damaged parts, replace these promptly with the help of BS Power’s great customer care service. Finally, mixers should always be stored with care when not in use, keeping them safe from the deleterious influence of the elements.

 

To learn more about our concrete mixers and high-performance construction machinery, give us a call at 0219816040 or visit our website today!