Regardless of whether your project starts with pouring concrete out of cement mixers or that is the final touch, having strong cement begins at the mixing stage. The process of making concrete is simple in theory – you basically mix cement with water and any aggregate like crushed stone or sand. However, the durability and strength of the mixture does and can vary quite significantly depending on the ratio of the water and the consistency of the mix.
Even though it is possible to mix water and large amounts of dry concrete mix within a wheelbarrow with the use of a shovel, it is quite a messy process and can be highly taxing on your back. Additionally, getting a smooth consistency using your hands isn’t easy.
The best mixers help to keep the work progressing quickly and efficiently. This allows you to take the concrete to the exact location you want it to be. This ensures that the mixture is of utmost quality to assist you in doing the job correctly the first time. Continue reading this article for more tips on selecting the perfect mixer for whatever construction work you need to be done, for information on drum cement mixers and more!
What to Keep In Mind When Selecting A Mixer
There is an overwhelming amount of cement mixers available in the market. The perfect one for you depends on the construction projects you are currently undertaking.
To choose the correct cement mixer for yourself, remember your mixer capacity, how easy or difficult it is to clean, and where you would store it.
Things to consider:
• Barrel or Handheld?
• Barrel Material
• Electric or Combustion?
• How big the construction job is?
Drum Cements Mixers 101 – The Building Essentials
Regardless of whether you want to lay down a brand-spanking new patio, fill in some footing, or even build on an extension. One key piece of equipment we will most definitely need is cement mixers. Mixers have been an integral component of the construction industry for over 100 years, with some of its earliest designs being horse-drawn in the 20th century. In more recent times, there is a wider variety of sizes, choices, designs and even jargon you will have to go through to pick for your specific project!
This article has already given you a brief introduction to what you must consider before selecting from the wide variety of mixers. Continue reading for information about drum mixers.
What Is The Function Of Cement Mixers?
All cement mixers have been designed to combine different components to form a product that can be utilised for construction. They have been created to mix aggregate, water, and cement to make mortar or concrete. You can find drum mixers in many different sizes and shapes to meet the needs of all your projects, from smaller residential projects to large commercial-scale projects.
Using this vital construction equipment will assist you to speed up your production process and will help to reduce the amount of manual labour you would have to do. Without a mixer, you are left to combine all materials by hand.
What Are The Different Components?
Every mixer design is slightly different and built with a specific construction task in mind. However, generally, they are composed of the same standard components. A drum, motor, mixing paddles, and a method of extraction. Some cement mixers are mounted on stands, whilst others sit on frames. Some designs can be disassembled whilst other cement mixers are fixed.
Types Of Drum Cement Mixers
As mentioned above, there are many different types of cement mixers. However, the most common style of cement mixer is a drum mixer. More specifically, tilting drum mixers. The cement mixer was designed to discharge your combined compounds when tilted forward. It has a speedy discharge process that is often used for building sites worldwide by workforces who are required to work at a fast pace.
Tilted drum cement mixers can be found with different capacities or volumes which cater to projects of different sizes. Its mixers must be efficient when applied to time-sensitive projects. So, choosing the correct cement mixer is so essential.
What Size of Drum Cement Mixers Is The Best?
Once-off Usage
If you are thinking of completing a once-off project and need a cement mixer, then using a 90L drum machine should be perfect for the job you need to do. Unlike smaller cement mixers on the market, the 90L mixer can produce a full wheelbarrow or mortar at a time. These smaller types of cement mixers can either be powered by fuel or electricity, depending on your job requirements.
Because they can be dismantled, this makes them very easy to transport. Tilted drum cement mixers are mounted onto a portable stand, allowing operators to pour straight into a wheelbarrow when the mixture is ready. With a 90L or even half a bag-tilted cement mixer, you can expect to yield almost an entire wheelbarrow of concrete each time.
Professional Use
Have you found yourself mixing concrete most of the time on building sites? If you answered yes to the question, you should consider using a heavy-duty machine with a larger mixing volume that would be the most beneficial for you. Unlike smaller machines, heavy-duty machines were built to handle a more considerable amount of work regularly and should be able to run for the whole day without issue.
They have capacities ranging from 170L upwards. These machines are powered by fuel and can distribute large quantities at once. Diesel or fuel-powered cement mixers tend to be ideal for the majority of building sites which do not have access or the means to electricity or a generator.
It is highly recommended that fuel-powered cement mixers are transported on a trailer or directly towed behind a car, depending on the design of the mixer.
What is Mixing Volume?
When choosing the best cement mixer for your project, you must understand the machine’s mixing volume. Two critical terms you will commonly hear when considering renting cement mixers are mixing volume and drum mixing, which both play integral roles in making the correct decision.
The mixing capacity of drum cement mixers is roughly 80% of the volume of the drum. For instance, 170L capacity will give you approximately 137 litres of cement. This is equal to 2 wheelbarrow loads.
When you are mixing builders mix or concrete, it is so easy to get carried away trying to overload the machine so that you can increase your output. Please avoid doing this at all costs. If your machine is overloaded, the mixer cannot correctly bind all your components together.
This can and will have a detrimental effect on the quality of your output. Not only will it look different, which is very important for brickwork, but it also has the potential of being much weaker and workable to utilise.
Mixing Ratios
What are the mixing the mixing ratios? They are essentially the recipes you require to mix. Please remember that different types of concrete will react differently within the mix depending on the quality and brand you choose to use. Regardless, you can utilise the following ratio to get your process started. You mustn’t rush the mixing process, and this is because all the components must adequately bind together.
Builders Mix Ratio
One part cement, half a part water, five parts sand, and mortar plasticiser mixed.
Before you mix any of these components, it has been advised that you should add a small amount of water or plasticiser (mix dependent) into your drum before starting. This is to prevent any of the elements from sticking to the inside of the drum during the mixing process.
The amount of water you decide to use is highly variable. This could be a result of temperature, sunlight exposure, and humidity.
Take note that the amount of water to add, the weaker the cement’s cured adhesive and tensile strength will be. It is recommended that you add your water or plasticiser (builders mix) as you go. If you see that your mixture is too wet, add a little more cement and sand.
Concrete Mix Ratio
Two parts sand, one part cement, four parts aggregate, and half a part water.
Benefits Of Electric Cement Mixers
Electric mixers have unique benefits when compared to the petrol mixers. Firstly, they are straightforward and easy to transport. Most electric cement mixers are small enough to fit in the back of a standard hatchback car to be transported. You can also use them as soon as they are connected to a power source.
The conventional electric mixer designs are 110V or 240V single phase, but some designs require 340V (s phase) to function. Note that you may need a transformer to operate some of these cement mixers.
On-site transformers provide you with more safety in the instance of an accident happening. Please remember that not all tool-hiring businesses include the cost of a transformer with cement mixers hired. As such, it is worth checking with your provider before you hire any tools and equipment.
Another huge benefit of electric cement mixers is that they are easy to maintain and sometimes need little to no maintenance. However, this applies if you make sure to clean it every time you use it.
Benefits Of Petrol/Diesel Drum Cement Mixers
Petrol/diesel cement mixers are, in some ways, unquestionably the stronger mixer of the two types. It can work anywhere without the need for power access, making it the more desirable option. Despite this, with more power comes more significant production and output speeds. Some power-fueled mixers can be towed with the help of your vehicle and can be manoeuvred into working instead. It is not difficult to understand why building sites favour this type of machine.
About BS Power
BS Power is a manufacturer that provides its clients with various high-performance construction equipment suitable for anyone involved in the construction industry in shape or form—even those who are not but would like to know more. In the latter instance, it is essential to learn the basics and all the dynamics involved in construction from the best of the best!
If you are a bit more familiar with the industry and need a few tips about various products, tools, and equipment, then BS Power is your best bet. If you would like to know more about construction products such as concrete and cement mixers and how these materials and tools are used, visit us today!