We, at BS Power, know just how useful cement mixers can be and how they are a necessity for those who are involved in DIY or building projects. These machines are suited to work on their own or can be paired with other pieces of equipment and have added modifications to complete more than just the cement mixing task. Read further to explore the different modifications and enhancements of cement mixers, as well as some DIY projects you may not have considered using your cement mixer for.

 

Cement Mixers: Enhancements and Modifications

 

Innovation has become prominent in the world and enthusiasts and professionals are constantly pushing the boundaries to find ways to improve efficiency and durability. Uniqueness is appreciated, leading to everything having a special personalised touch. Even in the building industry, innovation has met construction, leading to creative and practical modifications to many pieces of equipment and machinery, including cement mixers. Let’s explore the different modifications and enhancements that are made to cement mixers below:

 

Custom Paint Jobs:

 

Is your cement mixer looking a little worn for wear? Are you keen to add a fun touch to your building equipment? Perhaps a paint job is needed. Whether it is vibrant colours or detailed drawings, keep your cement mixer looking modern with a custom paint job. Maybe you would like each cement mixer to have a unique drawing, giving it a special touch. Whatever the design is, your builders are sure to be a hit amongst those who pass by the bustling construction site.

 

Reinforce the Drum:

 

Many professionals look to enhance the durability of the drum part of the cement mixer. As time passes and the drum cement mixer is used daily, or if there is a lack of maintenance, the drum part of the cement mixer may require reinforcement. This can sometimes involve modifying the equipment and using stronger materials, adding extra layers, or incorporating some design elements to help the drum withstand the wear and tear from being used in heavy-duty construction projects.

 

At BS Power, we stock several drum concrete mixers with different-sized drums. The designs of our concrete mixers are suited to withstand a variety of forces that come with mixing concrete. We also have a warranty on our equipment, allowing you to use your cement mixer freely and without having to worry about the drum falling off.

 

Speed Control:

 

One of the more commonly found cement mixer modification is adding variable speed controls. The operator is given more control over the speed during the mixing process, creating a better quality concrete and more operator safety. The machine simply has be adjusted on the variable speed controls, quickening the concrete-making process and meet the mixing requirements of high-quality concrete making.

 

Most concrete mixers don’t come with this feature and so a speed control mechanism or system needs to be installed. This involves connecting it to the mixers electrical system so chat to your electrician or mechanic for more information about adding this simple yet effective feature to your equipment.

 

Alternative Power Sources:

 

Keep up with the modern trends of sustainability and environmentally friendly practices by installing an alternative power source to keep your cement mixers engine running. This involves chatting to an engineer about installing an electric motor, hybrid system, or a renewable energy option.

 

These alternative power sources not only contribute to sustainability, but also create a more reliable source of power for your cement mixers. In South Africa, loadshedding is prominent and so installing an alternative power source for your cement mixers should be considered by just about all cement mixer owners.

 

Vibration Dampening Systems:

 

Installing a vibration-dampening system helps to reduce the vibration feeling that comes with the cement mixing process. This modification allows the cement mixer’s operator to feel more comfortable and also helps to reduce the amount of wear and tear the mixer faces from operating.

 

Dust Collection Systems:

 

A dust collection system is a necessity for your cement mixer. They are used to catch and filter dust particles that are created during the cement mixing process, keeping the cement mixer dust-free. Not only does this prevent wear and tear as dust affects equipment operations, but it also keeps the machine operator safe from breathing in dust particles. Dust particles are dangerous and can cause health issues over time, so it’s best for your machine operators to wear masks and to install dust collection systems in your cement mixers.

 

Adjustable Height:

 

Adjustable height and swivel mechanisms are also popular modifications made to cement mixers nowadays. This small addition to your clement mixer will allow you to position the mixer at the optimal height for loading and unloading materials, making the job easier to complete. Adding a swivel mechanism to the mixer allows extra flexibility in navigating confined spaces, creating a better usability of the machine.

 

Onboard Water Systems:

 

 

Adding an onboard water system to your cement mixers gives you more control in adjusting the water content during the mixing process. Maintaining a consistent water-to-cement ratio is very important when creating durable and high-quality concrete. Not only does an onboard water system give the operator more control, but also reduces the amount of material wastage as water can be added gradually when needed.

 

Telescopic Chutes:

 

Telescopic chutes help during the pouring and placement phases of concrete making. Telescopic chutes are extensions or extendable spouts which can be added to the opening of the drum, creating an extended reach of the concrete output. The concrete can be poured precisely where it needs to be laid, ensuring precision, and reduced manual labour. Angles can be adjusted, giving more control to those who are pouring the concrete from the mixer.

 

Heated Drums:

 

In colder climates, adding a heating mechanism to your concrete mixer’s drum might be a good idea. The heater helps to prevent the concrete from setting too quickly during the mixing process, which can result in damage to your drum. Time and effort are saved, including the loss of materials that would have had to be taken from the drum and thrown away.

 

Drum Washout System:

 

Installing a built-in washout system might solve some of your problems. This system makes it easier for you to clean your concrete mixer after using it, saving you time and effort. This means less downtime for the concrete mixer, meaning you can get the construction job completed in less time. Having to wash out the concrete mixer’s drum each time can become a hassle so every concrete mixer owner should consider installing this modification.

 

Noise Reduction Modifications:

 

Everyone knows how noisy and loud cement mixers can be which is why this modification has gained popularity. Install some noise reducing modifications by either applying dampening coatings or wraps to the transmission components, installing anti-vibration mounts between the cement mixer’s engine and mixer frame, installing rubber bumpers between the metal components that knock against each other loudly during machine use, and much more. It is up to you to decide whether you want to try a noise reducing modification of some kind, however, we can guarantee that it will contribute to a more comfortable and less disruptive work environment.

 

Mixing Auger Extensions:

 

Also known as a helical blade or screw, the mixing auger plays a crucial role in the concrete-making process and many building companies are extending it for several reasons. Not only does extending the mixing auger provide a greater surface area for the concrete mixer to properly blend the concrete ingredient, but it also increases the operator’s control over the consistency of the concrete. This is beneficial when the project requires specific properties of the concrete, such as workability and slump.

 

Anti-Clog Systems:

 

Anti-clog systems are very helpful and should be considered by all cement mixers owners. When your cement mixer gets clogged, you cannot use it. This means the project may be delayed and you might have to pay someone to clean it and fix it up. It is best to avoid all this by installing an anti-clog system which makes sure there is a continuous flow of materials within the mixer during the mixing process. An anti-clog system also increases the mixing consistency as there will be no interruption of the flow of materials.

 

Automated Lubrication Systems (ALS):

 

Just as it says in the name, an automated lubrication system is used to automatically lubricate a concrete mixer and its moving parts. This means you won’t have to remember or worry about oiling up the moving parts of the concrete mixer yourself. An ALS helps to reduce and prevent friction on the concrete mixer’s moving parts, which can lead to wear and tear. Concrete mixers that have an automated lubrication system usually have a longer lifespan as they are regularly maintained. On top of a long life, the cement mixer will be able to easily operate at all times, even in harsh conditions because of its continuous maintenance.

 

Integrated Weighing Systems:

 

Integrated weighing systems allow for an exact measurement of the cement materials. This modification will help to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the quantity control during the concrete-making process. An integrated weighing system is used to measure the different and exact quantities of each of the cement ingredients (aggregate, cement, water, and other additives), creating batches of concrete that are consistent in quality. This modification means less wasted materials from inaccurate measuring, as well as easy inventory management.

 

 

Cement Mixers From BS Power:

 

We, at BS Commercial Power, are here to talk equipment with you! We import and manufacture a range of high-performance equipment for professional use in construction, agriculture, forestry and much more. Below are just of some of the items that we stock at BS Power:

 

• Generators
• Plate compactors
• Rammers
• Engines
• Water pumps
• Lawnmowers
• Power trowels
• Ride-on-mowers
• Scaffolding
• Chainsaws

 

While we are based in Cape Town, we ship plenty of our equipment to our customers in other countries around Southern Africa, providing the best service and the best equipment.

 

If you’re looking for a concrete mixer, you’ve come to the right place. We have several concrete mixers up for grabs. We currently stock Baumax and Honda engine powered drum mixers, but we don’t plan on stopping there. Check out our range of cement mixers on our website and don’t forget to read our cement mixer guide if this is your first time buying one. Don’t forget to take a look at our other blog posts for more information about cement mixers and other equipment involved in construction, gardening, cleaning and much more.

 

If you would like to find out more information about cement mixers or other commercial equipment, contact us through email or phone call. We would love to help your find the best produced suited to your needs.