The concrete mixer is arguably one of the most important tools in the construction industry. Whether it be in the construction of roads, schools or hospitals, they play a pivotal role in laying the foundation for concrete-based construction projects. If you want to learn more about concrete, than our BS Power guide to mixers is the right article for you.

 

In this article we will briefly cover a variety of aspects concerning the concrete mixer, from what they are and where they originate from, to the different types of mixers on the market and those offered in our wide range at BS Power. After this article you will under these important construction tools better.

 

What Is A Concrete Mixer?

 

A Concrete mixers is defined by the construction industry, as a power tool (or device) used to create concrete through the mixing of cement, water, and aggregate. Although people commonly mix the terms concrete and cement mixers up, there is a slight difference between the two based on the materials they are able to mix. Although both mix cement, sand and water, a concrete mixer also generally mixes aggregate as well, where cement mixers do not.

 

Whilst there are several types of mixers with varying sizes and designs, the standard model typically involves a rotating drum that is used to mix the components to create concrete. This drum is a critical component for making concrete as once the aggregate, water and cement are combined, the mixture may begin to harden if left to stand still, however the rotating drum helps keep the mixture in a useable liquid state. Furthermore the drum also helps ensure that mixtures are precise.

 

More advanced concrete mixers can even dispense the mixture directly to where the construction is taking place.

 

 

The Origins Of A Concrete Mixers

 

In 1904, the first ever portable cement mixer was patented by Richard Bodlaender. This device was horse-drawn and was used for transporting concrete until it was replaced by the first motorised transit mixer created by Stephen Stepanian in 1916, with the mixer fixed to the back of trucks. In its infancy, the machine was bulky and slow, using wooden paddles to mix the concrete as the wheels of the cart would turn.

 

Whilst technology has improved over the past hundred years, the concrete mixer and its components have stayed true to Stepanian’s original design. Most commercial mixers used in construction today consist of a tuck frame, the engine and the rotating mixer in varying compositions. One development that has been made to the design of transit mixers is the addition of separate water tanks. When the driver is nearing the location of the construction site, water from the tank is poured into the spinning drum of dry ingredients to create fresh concrete.

 

Types Of Concrete Mixers

 

Depending on the demands of constructions sites, cement mixers can come in varying sizes and models suited for the volume of construction projects. These varying models can be broken up into two main categories: batch mixers and continuous mixers and both can be found in our wide catalogue of concrete mixers at BS Power.

 

Batch Mixers

 

Batch mixers can produce and mix concrete one batch at a time. These types of mixers are composed of a pan or drum, which contain blades inside. These blades aids in mixing once the pan or drum is rotated. Aspects of the concrete production can be controlled, such as the angle and rotation of the drum. These mixers are most commonly used in smaller to medium scale construction projects.

 

Drum mixers and pan mixers are two of the main categories that batch mixers can be divided into:

 

• Drum mixers are portable, have double cone-shaped drums and varying sets of blades for mixing. They also come in different model types, namely tilting drum, non-tilting drum and reversing drum mixers.
• Pan mixers are stationary mixers and differ in shape to drum mixers. These mixers consist of pans instead of drums which are shaped in cylinders. Like drum mixers, pan mixers use blades to create the concrete mixture, which are typically arranged in the shape of a star.

 

Continuous Mixers

 

Another type of commonly used concrete are referred to as continuous mixers. Whilst batch mixers can be interrupted during the mixing process to make individual batches, these mixers continuously make concrete as it is supplied with raw materials. Because these mixers are always making concrete to be released and collected by workers, they are typically only assembled on the construction site. When it comes to large construction projects, these mixers are best suited for the job, these projects include roads, tunnels and bridges.

 

 

The Concrete Mixer At BS Power

 

At BS Power, we offer a varied assortment of concrete mixers. As leaders in the world of construction equipment, we take pride in our cement mixers being efficient and durable. Many of our products are supplied by reliable and popular mixer manufacturers, including but not limited to Baumax, Turner Morris, Silla and Winget and Carmex South Africa. We recommend doing research into the different types of mixers available ensuring that you get the tool best suited to you and your construction project. Choosing the right mixer is essential to getting optimal construction results.

 

Below is a guide to the concrete mixers available for sale at our online store:

 

360L CONCRETE MIXER WITH BAUMAX ENGINE:

 

Priced at R19 995, this mixer is best suited for rental companies and owner builders. It consists of an enclosed engine cabin to ensure that the mixer is safe to use when being operated and also comes with a ring gear cover. Other aspects of this mixer include a drum volume of 360L, semi solid wheels, a Baumax RX200 2:1 Engine 6.5HP and a weight of 200kg.

 

360L CONCRETE MIXER WITH HONDA ENGINE:

 

This mixer has most of the same specs as the 360ML concrete mixer, except for its engine. It consists of a Honda GP160 engine 5.5 HP and is priced at R21 995. Some other specs of this mixer include a chassis strongly built from folded metal and channel iron and a weight of 240kg. Its dimensions are 190 × 100 × 156 cm.

 

400L CONCRETE MIXER WITH BAUMAX ENGINE:

 

This mixer is robot welded and is priced at R22 995. It has a drum volume of 400L, a drum speed of 25RPM, a mix cycle of 2.5 minutes and a Baumax RX200 2:1, 6.5HP engine. Its loading height is 110mm and its discharge height is 600mm. It weighs 215kg. This type of mixer is recommended for smaller to medium scaled projects as it is designed to make mixing concrete simple.

 

400L CONCRETE MIXER WITH HONDA ENGINE:

 

This 400L mixer comes with all the same specs as the Baumax mixer apart from its engine. This mixer uses a Honda GP160 5.5 HP engine and is priced at R24 995. These mixers are considered reliable and sturdy for their engine and can manage more heavyweight construction projects.

 

500L CONCRETE MIXER WITH BAUMAX ENGINE:

 

Priced at R26 995, this mixer comes with an ultra-durable drum bottom of 3mm. Its total volume comes to 500L with a drum rotation of 24RPM. Other specs of this product include solid rubber wheels with bearings for easy transportation, unmixed capacity of 420L and mixed capacity of 280L and a weight of 20kg without the engine. It has a Baumax RX200 2:1 6.5HP engine.

 

500L CONCRETE MIXER WITH HONDA ENGINE:

 

Much like the Baumax 500L mixer, this product has a drum thickness of 3mm, a total volume of 500L and a drum rotation of 24RPM. This mixer comes with a Honda GP160 5.5HP engine. Unlike the Baumax mixer, the Honda mixer weighs 250kg without its engine.

 

Other Products From BS Power: Brushcutters

 

In addition to providing you with an efficient and professional concrete mixer, we also offer a diverse range of tools for the forestry and agricultural industry as well. These products include but are not limited to chainsaws, blowers, misters and for the purposes of this article a variety of brushcutters. Our bruschutter range has different models to choose from, some that are used for farm work and others that are specially designed for gnarled bushes and thin trees. Here are a few brushcutters that can be found on our online store:

 

HUSQVARNA 535IRX BATTERY BRUSHCUTTER:

 

This battery-powered brushcutter is modelled for full-time professional application. With its internal battery, this tool offers the adaptability of a truly cordless grass-cutting experience. It has 3 different speeds, a high handlebar and anti-vibration dampeners. It has an interchangeable battery system and an optimised shaft & gear. Not only is this brushcutter weatherproof and rain resistant, but it also produces low carbon emissions as it does not release any CO₂ while in use. This brushcutter is priced at R12 900.

 

HUSQVARNA 321R BRUSH CUTTER:

 

This brushcutter has been specially adapted for farm work. It has a double standard harness, an offset handlebar, a transparent fuel tank and easy-to-use controls. This model comes with Smart Start®, allowing the operator to start the machine efficiently and with minimal effort. With its 2-stroke engine and durable die cast reinforced bevel gear, you can trust that this machine is durable. The price of this brushcutter is R2 995.

 

HUSQVARNA 553RS BRUSHCUTTER:

 

If you’re a landowner looking for a trustworthy and simple brushcutter, this may be the tool for you. The 553RS comes with a powerful X-TORQ® engine, a robust handle system, an efficient air filter and bevel gear design. This machine is perfect for trimming thick grass and weeds frequently. This brushcutter is priced at R9 990.

 

STIHL FS 410 BRUSHCUTTER DM 300-3:

 

This machine offers a high mowing performance with its impressive STIHL 2-MIX engine. It comes with ErgoStart for an efficient engine startup and is petrol-powered. With its anti-vibrational system, this tool helps to avoid the damage done to blood vessels from intense vibrations. Additionally, this brushcutter reduces exhaust emissions with nearly 20% less fuel consumption because of its STIHL 2-MIX engine. This petrol brushcutter’s price is R13 852.

 

HUSQVARNA 143R-II BRUSHCUTTER:

 

Need a brushcutter that’s simple to switch on and designed for tough use? Look no further than the 143R-II. This machine has an asymmetrical handlebar and double harness, making it more comfortable for the operator to use. It comes with a heavy-duty clutch and an efficient air filter. It also comes with a grass bevel gear, which allows for precise and effective grass cutting. Its combi-guard attachment makes the tool versatile as it can be used with a trimmer head or a grass blade. The 143R-11 is priced at R7 295.

 

 

BS Power: Your Power Tool Provider

 

Looking for professional and efficient construction and agricultural tools? At BS Power, we’ve got you covered whether you need concrete mixers or brushcutters. Visit BS Power today and let us help equip you with the very best tools South Africa has to offer.