If you work with cement mixers or are looking to purchase your own mixer, regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring safe operation. From wearing PPE (personal protective equipment) to following proper safety precautions, there are several measures that are necessary to keep your cement mixer in good condition.
Here at BS Power, we manufacture and import some of the finest high-performance construction equipment, including cement mixers. Whether you work in the construction industry or work independently with cement, following proper maintenance procedures is essential to retain the robustness of your cement mixer. In this comprehensive guide, we break down how to maintain your cement mixer for efficient, durable use and which safety precautions you should follow.
Common Issues For Cement Mixers
Whether you’re a veteran construction worker or you’re new to the construction industry, some issues are bound to show up. While these problems may be easy to avoid, neglecting proper maintenance and not fixing these issues can lead to greater problems in the future. Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the most common issues that arise when using cement mixers and how they can be easily avoided:
Worn Down Mixing Blades
If you’ve been using the same mixing blades for your concrete mixer for a long period of time, they’re bound to incur some wear and tear. This is because the constant friction between gravel and sand, and the mixing blades, causes them to wear down. If you continue to use concrete mixers without fixing this issue, this could lead to uneven concrete that lowers the quality of your construction work.
The best way to avoid this common issue is to regularly check your mixing blades, especially once they start to show signs of wear and tear. If your mixing blades are particularly worn, be sure to replace them with new blades so that you can maintain the quality of your concrete mixing.
Hardened Concrete Buildup
One of the worst common mistakes you can make when using concrete mixers is failing to clean them regularly. The most crucial step you should follow after using your concrete mixer is to fully clean it out so that there is no leftover cement mixture. When concrete mixers are left with cement residue after operation, the leftover cement mixture will harden inside, causing the motor to strain or become damaged when in use.
To avoid this mistake, be sure to clean your cement mixer thoroughly after every use. If you’ve accidentally left any mixture unwashed that has hardened, use power tools or a pressure washer to remove any leftover concrete inside the drum. The cleaner your cement mixer is, the easier it will be to use.
Electrical Issues
A common issue that often shortens the lifespan of cement mixers is electrical problems. These issues can stem from your mixer becoming exposed to excess vibration, dust and moisture, resulting in short circuits and, in severe cases, electrical fires. If left untreated, minor electrical issues can lead to dangerous accidents and major setbacks during your construction work.
Ensuring the longevity of a cement mixer means maintaining the blades, mixing drums and electrical outputs. Before and after every use, your cement mixer should be clean, undamaged and secure. The best way to ensure safe and efficient operation is by regularly checking your output and input connections and keeping them in good working order.
Water Tank Leaks
If your cement mixers are regularly producing weak or watery cement mixtures, it may be due to a leak in your water tank. When mixing concrete, perfecting the water-to-aggregate ratio is crucial for ensuring a good, strong consistency, which is why leaks are such a serious concern. Additionally, leaking water tanks can also cause rusting and additional damage to cement mixers, making them less durable and prone to further deterioration.
Water tank leaks can be easily avoided with regular monitoring and maintenance, where necessary. If your cement mixers are leaking, replace the water tanks immediately so that your concrete mixtures retain a strong consistency.
Motor Failure
The next time your cement mixer starts making unusual sounds or overheating, never ignore these issues, as it may be due to a failing motor. Motor failure can result from a range of different reasons, such as poor maintenance, being regularly overloaded or being too old. If the motor of your cement mixer is posing issues and is left untreated, it could stop working altogether.
Cement mixers require regular cleaning, maintenance and servicing to ensure a long and durable lifespan. Rather than risking a potential breakdown from your cement mixer, invest in proper servicing and perform regular check-ups.
Cement Mixer Maintenance 101: Tips For Maintaining Your Cement Mixer
If you want to maximise the lifespan of your cement mixer, proper maintenance is a must. While these sturdy tools are renowned for their robustness, following the right maintenance tips is essential for ensuring their durability. If you’re not sure how to keep your cement mixer in optimal shape, here’s a quick rundown of some important steps you can follow:
Proper Training & Operation
If you manage a team of construction workers who are set to work with cement mixers, it is crucial that they are properly trained before operating any heavy machinery. If a cement mixer is operated by someone who is inexperienced, it could lead to a host of potential problems, ranging from low-quality cement mixtures to serious injuries.
The best way to maintain the quality of your mixer and ensure proper user safety is to follow the manufacturer’s operational guidelines. When a trained professional operates a cement mixer, it reduces the risk of overloading the mixer or misusing it. Ensuring the training of your construction workers not only protects their safety but also lengthens the lifespan of your mixer and reduces overall maintenance costs.
Keeping The Moving Parts Lubricated
While some wear and tear may be unavoidable, cement mixers can remain in relatively good condition if their parts are well-lubricated. Cement mixers require regular lubrication as it helps to prevent corrosion, rust, friction and wear and tear. If you aren’t sure which lubricant to use, be sure to research which type is recommended for your model and follow the instructions as provided by the manufacturer.
Additionally, your lubricant levels should also be regularly checked and replaced where necessary, as lubricating too little or too much could also cause further problems down the road.
Regular Inspections
No matter how frequently you use your concrete mixer or how seldom you overload it, you should always regularly inspect all its components before and after each use. This means checking the motor, belts and electrical components on a regular basis to ensure that there is no damage.
Even if you’re following all the proper safety guidelines and maintenance procedures, minor damage is tricky to avoid, especially if there’s been any wear and tear or potential misuse. Damaged cement mixers can be visible in a number of ways, such as loose bolts/connections, worn belts, leaks, unusual noises, irregular vibrations or noticeable smells.
To keep your cement mixer in good condition or to rectify any existing problems, be sure to fix any pressing issues immediately or contact the manufacturer for professional help. Additionally, it may be a good rule of thumb to track any servicing your mixer has undergone while in your possession.
Proper Storage
An often overlooked maintenance step that is essential for cement mixers is proper storage. As the moisture levels of a cement mixer can directly affect cement mixing, these robust pieces of equipment should always be kept in an environment that is secure, covered and dry. If the area you’re storing your cement mixers is wet or overly moist, it could cause them to rust or erode over time. Another important step to follow is to ensure that your mixer is placed on a sturdy, levelled surface during installation.
Daily Cleaning
Whether you’re mixing a small amount of cement or preparing several batches, your cement mixers should be cleaned on a regular basis before and after every use. As previously covered, failing to properly wash hardened concrete can hinder your mixing and even damage valuable components of your mixer.
You should always turn off the power source of your cement mixer before washing. Then, with a hose or power washer, clean off any residual concrete by letting the water run. Be sure to also clean the discharge chute and inside of the mixing drum with a powerful hose. If there is still some residual cement, use a brush or shovel to scrape off any leftover mixture that has hardened. Once your cement mixer is fully cleaned, you can drain the water and let it dry before packing it in storage.
Following The Manufacturer’s Guidelines
No matter your level of expertise when it comes to using cement mixers, you should always follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines that come with your mixer. Minor issues and safety concerns may be easily avoided by referring to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Whether it be cleaning, storage, inspection checklists or oil changes, the maintenance guidelines should provide you with all the important information you’ll need to keep your equipment in pristine, working condition.
Get Your High-Quality Cement Mixers From BS Powers
Following proper maintenance procedures and safety protocols is essential for keeping your construction equipment in good shape, especially when it comes to cement mixers. From thoroughly cleaning your mixer to performing regular checkups, there are several steps that are crucial to follow to ensure the longevity of your cement mixer.
If you want to own a cement mixer of your own that will stand the test of time, investing in high-quality cement mixers is the way to go. While maintenance and servicing go a long way toward keeping your mixer in prime condition, purchasing an industry-grade, professional cement mixer is the best way to guarantee durability and longevity.
As a manufacturer of concrete mixers and other construction equipment, we at BS Power are dedicated to delivering the best solution for all our customers. Whether you’re new to the construction industry or are a seasoned professional, we stock the best quality cement mixers from a diverse range of popular brands, such as Baumax, STIHL and Husqvarna. Visit our website to learn more about our extensive range of cement mixers or give us a call on 0219816040.