Usually when you say or hear the words cement mixers the image you think of is probably a large truck with something spinning on its back, right? And yes, a lot of cement mixers come in this form but have you ever heard of portable cement mixers? These are smaller versions of what you are used to, if you want to learn more or are simply interested in what portable cement mixers do, then continue reading as we cover everything you need to know about these mixers.
Portable cement mixers are easy to maintain, reliable, and multifaceted according to Warren Faler, an experienced product manager; he even adds how they are productive in a large array of applications. These cement mixers are predominantly found in sizes ranging from 3 to 12 cubic feet, smaller forms are able to fit in the majority of cars quite easily whilst larger ones can be transported using a tow.
Due to versatility this mixer ends up being a cost-effective purchase that you would not regret. Specially, when people take good care of and maintain them these mixers can last for years.
Flexibility and independence are just some advantages provided by portable cement mixers. Some ready-mix companies say they have a 3-yard minimum requirement before they deliver, and are also expected to be ready to pour during their working hours. However, with your own portable cement mixer, you have the ability to mix as much or as little as you would like, whenever you want to. You have the control over when and where you would like to pour without having to depend on an outside vendor.
One of the biggest advantages to owning your own portable cement mixer is noticed the most when working on foundations and binding block, sidewalks, as well as when you are preparing mortar bases. Portable mixers are used by many decorative concrete contractors as well!
One of the most popular Gilson models is the wheelbarrow-style mixer which has the ability to fit through a 30-inch-wide opening. This allows the user to pour and mix exactly where the product is required. Because the mixer has interchangeable patented poly drums this means there will be no cross contamination of colours when you are using the Gilson Mixer.
When To Call On Ready-Mix Delivery
There are many factors that go into this decision like; location, job scope, deadline and the amount of assistance you have- should all be considered when you are choosing between a ready-mix delivery or portable cement mixer.
For example, it is counterproductive to have two contractors using portable cement mixers when they are required to pour a slab of 50 square feet. This is much better served when utilising ready-mix. Similar to this if a certain job needs to be completed within an hour so contractors can move onto their next job, then ready-mix is your first choice.
On the other side of this, according to Faler, contractors who work in a backyard or in an area which is space restrictive and accessibility may be an issue then using a portable mixer may be a better option. He strongly recommends using smaller mixers when mixing concrete to anchor fence posts; for patching; for mixing non-stick grout; and for smaller concrete slabs on grade.
Models which have a larger capacity are better suited to high-production jobs like; sidewalks, concrete slabs, as well as block walls. There is a wide array of styles and sizes to pick from, you get the 2-cubic-foot pedestal style and a 31/2-cubic-foot wheelbarrow style. Some utility mixers begin at 11/2 cubic feet and are able to be mounted so that it is stationary; or you can add an optional low- or high-speed tow kit.
Mixers are either manufactured with gasoline- or electric-powered sources. Electric motors with a single-phase can be found in the ½-to 11/2 horsepower range whilst gas engines range from 3 to 133 horsepower. Mixers have built in speed controls that can be adjusted so that it fits the requirements of a very specific job.
Barrel Design Can Sometimes Vary
The design of many barrel mixers can sometimes vary. Every Gilson mixer comes with the Quad-Mixing System, this design is exclusive to the Gilson mixers. This system uses a four-piece replaceable paddle- and-blade combination which creates four different mixing patterns. These designs tend to enhance the quality and mixing efficiency of the batch.
A lot of manufacturers provide steel and polyethylene drums that fit individual preferences dependent on the user. Steel drums tend to be more durable, however cleaning them can sometimes be tedious; they are susceptible to denting and other types of damage is possible. Poly drums do have resistance to rust luckily and can be cleaned really fast thus saving time. They are cleaned by simply tapping it with a rubber mallet.
Depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations, contractors should double check and make sure that all the oil levels and filters of portable cement mixers are correct. This should be done on a daily basis. It is important to also make sure that the mixer V-belts and pulleys are tight while all the required parts are greased on a regular basis. However, it is important to remember that the gears on cement mixers should never be greased. Sand, debris, sediment, and other materials can sometimes get stuck in the gears, which can cause a lot of damage to the unit.
Gilson was able to patent poly-drum mixers making it easier to maintain a clean mixing drum whilst reducing the necessity of replacing the drum and repair. Simple lubrication and cleaning are all that is required to keep the mixer happy and running with no troubles for many years to come.
Which Portable Cement Mixer Should You Buy?
The PortoMix
The new PortoMix cement mixer originally from STOW Construction equipment but can be found at many construction manufacturers is known as one of the ultimate cement mixers for homeowners, do-it-yourselfers, and contractors.
This cement mixer has a sturdy polyethylene drum mixer which can mix up to 3 cubic feet of material and is available in a strong steel frame. It has a ¾ horsepower, 115- single-phase Baldor electric motor that can be used with a standard household power.
This mixer is roughly 34 by 23 ½ by 48 ½ inches, making it small enough to fit into the boot of most cars. It features the usual replaceable blades that are bottled to the drum, while its mixer allows for a 360-degree rotation. Other usual features on this 138-pound mixer includes an improved gearbox for less friction operation, a dustproofed power switch, as well as pneumatic wheels for more mobility. You can even utilise this mixer as a wheelbarrow for the transportation of debris, concrete, and other materials.
Whiteman Mortor
The Whiteman mortor and cement mixers are known to be heavy-duty mixers that are extremely reliable, available in a range of sizes and colours, easy and simple to maintain, and have engine configurations for almost any application you would require. The Whiteman Family feature their cement mixer models that include capacities of 6 cubic feet, 4 cubic feet, and 9 cubic feet.
You can purchase each of these with either steel or polyethylene drums which come in a range of engine options, such as Honda and Robin. These mixers are also built with 14-gauge steel engine covers. Other features include a muiltiposition dump lacth, an easy-loading drum, a heavy-duty retractable tow tongue, and a heavy-duty one-piece cast iron ring gear.
Little Champ Cement Mixers
These little champ cement mixers have 2 cubic feet capacities and are the most ideal if you need to do small mixing jobs. They are sturdy in design, modular, and compact, they are available in three types. This is sure to please the needs of small contractors. The 25CMP is also known as the wheelbarrow-style mixer, it allows for easy transport, lifting and dumping. It has 6-inch turf tires as well as adjustable handles.
The 25CMPT, is a pedestal-style mixer that offers an adjustable drum angle and can turn 360 degrees so that loading can be easier and the precision of dumping. The three-part pedestal is simple and easy to assemble. The 25CMPC mixer combines elements of these other two mixers for a model that provides the transportation convenience of the wheelbarrow type. It also provides the charging and the discharging ability of the pedestal mixer.
It is the heaviest of all three weighing up to 67 kilograms.
All three of these types of mixers include an easy to clean poly drum, a 1/3 hp electric motor, and steel mixing blades.
Hippo Mixer
The Hippo mixer features an easy-tilt component that helps contractors transport and pour materials easily. Additionally, this mixer motor makes it a natural to mix self-leveling materials. It has a mixing capacity of roughly 18 gallons, this mixer is powered by a high torque, two-speed, 16-amp motor.
The Hippo’s drum shape as well as the helical mixing paddle that has shear bars creates a vortex. This vortex creates sufficient shearing and lifting action when mixing these batch sizes. A paddle with similarly large diameter increases periphery speed, which reduces the flash curing which comes with the increased temperature that is created by high rpm speeds.
Choosing the Correct Mixing Option
In the past concrete mixing meant that sand, lime, cement, and water in different ratios would be mixed together to make mortar so that it can be applied to different building projects. The recipe for these mixtures were not usually precise and the consistency could change depending on who was mixing and measuring on that day.
In our current times, preblended materials are the go-to with manufacturers selling dry materials that have been pre-mixed according to specific calculations to make sure the appropriate strength of the final product can be achieved.
These preblended mixtures turn into mortar through the just add water process, however there are many ways to incorporate the water into the dry mix. Every bag of dry mix comes with a manufacturer’s recommendation for the amount of water that needs to be added, but the contractor is responsible for this decision at the end of the day.
Traditional hand mixing, continuous mixing, and batch mixing provide contractors with options when picking which mix material they want to use on the site that day.
About BS Power
BS Power manufactures a wide range of high-performance construction equipment for the use of any individual involved in the agricultural, forestry, and construction industries as well as any person who would like to know more about these and all the equipment that would be needed if they would like to begin their journey in these spheres.
BS Power also cares about the environment, so reducing waste and using environmentally friendly products is at the heart of our company. If you would like to know more about construction products such as cement and cement mixers visit us today!