Standing at the backbone of construction, the concrete mixer serves as a means to provide essential building materials which lay at the very foundation of modern infrastructure. From ancient architecture to modern innovations, the role of concrete in today’s society is as pivotal as ever.
Join BS Power as we explore the world of concrete mixers and explore their diverse applications.
The Role of Concrete Mixers
A concrete mixer, sometimes known as a cement mixer, is a quintessential piece of machinery in the building industry. These machines effectively combine cement, sand, water, and other aggregates, into a homogenous mixture known as concrete. Additionally, the design mix is known as the ratio of concrete and other materials present in the total mixture.
As a universal material in the construction of buildings and materials, concrete has been around since around 6500 BC. Throughout the journey of time, concrete structures are consistent throughout history:
- China: A key ingredient in the Great Wall.
- Rome: The Pantheon’s roof remains the largest unreinforced concrete dome ever built.
- Egypt: The Great Pyramid in Giza used bricks that closely resembled concrete.
Benefits Of Concrete Mixers
Concrete mixers offer more benefits than simple convenience. Although efficiency is crucial when completing a project and meeting deadlines, what you also will be achieving is consistency in your work. The high-quality concrete you produce through using a mixer extends that of manual mixing which could often lead to a design mix of lower quality. The uniformity translates to sound structural integrity and durability, minimising the risk of potential shortcomings.
A concrete mixer proves to be more cost-effective in the long run, by eliminating the need to transport concrete from off-site locations. Concrete mixers offer flexibility in tailoring your design mix, allowing you to tactically change your cement-water ratio, ensuring optimum conditions to produce high-quality concrete. There is also a sustainability factor, as high-quality concrete will minimise the need for frequent repairs and replacements, and subsequently the need for additional aggregates.
Furthermore, by mixing your concrete on site of your project, you also account for minimising waste associated with preparing concrete. By investing in high-quality concrete mixers from BS Power, you can enhance your construction process, achieve optimum results, and contribute to sustainable development practices in the industry.
Concrete Mixers: Weighing Your Options
Concrete mixers are available as portable mixers and permanent mixers, and also come in an array of sizes: small portable mixers, which are important for smaller projects; medium portable mixes, which can fit up to 6 m3 of cement; large scare mixers which are necessary for larger scale projects and have a capacity of 9 m3; and the stationary mixers are designed for permanent installations to mix around 12 m3 of cement.
Stationary mixers come in different as different options: twin-shaft mixer, vertical axis mixer, or drum mixer. All these different concrete mixers are applied in bigger construction projects. Twin-shaft mixers are useful for their high-intensity mixing capacity, while vertical axis mixers are useful for premade or pre-cast concrete and if you require multiple discharge points. Lastly, drum concrete mixers are your ultimate go-to for mixing large volumes of concrete.
BS Power has a range of concrete mixers to meet your construction needs. There is an array of sizes, coming in at 360 L, 400 L, and 500 L; and all of these sizes come with the option of a Baumax or Honda engine.
360L Concrete Mixer
The first model with a Baumax engine available through BS Power, is ideal for contractors and rental companies and features a channel iron and folded metal chassis. This 200 kg piece of machinery is powered by a Baumax RX2000 2:1 engine and boasts 6.5 HP.
In contrast, the second model is more suited for rental companies and individuals looking to get their hands dirty and build their own property. The second model encases a Honda GP160 engine of 5.5 HP and weighs in at 240 kg.
Both models are consistent in their drum volume and capacity. However, the first model is a better option for smaller-scale tasks, or projects that require a lot of movement. BS Power also provides the option to customise your wheels. Decide between semi-solid wheels or high-speed towable wheels for more mobile convenience. Whether you decide to prioritise portability or power, we provide the options to meet your needs.
400L Concrete Mixer
BS Power presents two more concrete mixers tailored to homeowners and rental companies. Both these mixers feature a ring gear cover and enclosed engine cabin to ensure the one who is operating the machinery is safe. With robot-welded cosmetics, these mixers are designed with absolute precision and consistency.
The first model is powered by a Baumax RX2000 2:1 engine and is supported by 6.5 HP. The drum on these concrete mixers has a volume of 400 L. The Baumax mixer weighs 215 kg and has a discharge height of 600 mm and a loading height of 1100 mm.
The second model is fitted with a Honda G160 engine accompanied by 5.5 HP and shares the same loading and discharge specifications as the Baumax model. Both these mixers feature a drum speed of 25 RPM, enabling both machines to complete a mixing cycle in 2.5 minutes. Customers can choose between standard track width, or high-speed towable pneumatic wheels, for added convenience.
500L Concrete Mixer
The last set of concrete mixers we will examine here are specifically designed for contractors and rental companies. Both these models prioritise durability and stability through the chassis design which features channel iron and folded metal. With safety as a top priority, each mixer includes a rind gear cover and enclosed cabin to protect the one operating the machinery.
The ultra-durable 3 mm drum bottom ensures machine longevity and optimal performance. Both mixers boast a 500 L volume capacity, making them suitable for a wide range of construction projects.
The main distinction between these concrete mixers lies within the heart of the machine, the engine: one of the models is equipped with a Baumax RX2000 2:1 engine measuring up to 6.5 HP, whilst the other boasts a Honda GP160 engine with 5.5HP. Despite these differences, both concrete mixer options promise reliability to help you get the job done with ease.
Steps For High-Quality Concrete Mixing
When using a concrete mixer, make sure you follow these steps to ensure high-quality output and concrete that will make your project stand out from the rest:
1.Measure out your materials
Start by planning your project and researching the best design mix to fit your needs. Measure each ingredient of aggregate, cement, and sand into a separate pile on the floor. Ensure you have water readily available in case your design mix leans more on the drier side of things.
2.Get your mixer ready
Clean your concrete mixer’s surrounding area and ensure your mixer is obstruction-free, without any room for error.
3.Get the mixer started
The mixer’s drum should now be lean slightly to the side, at an approximate forty-five-degree angle before turning it on.
4.Incorporate your ingredients
Now it is time for all the design mix components to become familiar with one another. First, start by adding around seven litres of water, followed by an initial small amount of aggregate. Continue to work in the rest of the aggregate over time until it is all incorporated.
5.Add more water if needed
Now that all your design mix is fully integrated into the mixer, make sure the mixture can do a full 360-turn before falling. If it falls when reaching the top, your mixture is too dry, and more water is needed. If the mixture doesn’t turn with the mixer at all, then your design mix is too wet. The perfect consistency is achieved when you can see the mix going halfway us the side before falling.
6.Turn off the mixer and pour
As soon as the concrete mixture has reached your desired consistency, turn off the mixer and position it over your chosen container. Tilt the drum slowly and pour the mix into the wheelbarrow.
- Repeat steps 1 – 6, or proceed to cleaning
- After completing enough mixing cycles you need for your project, add a small amount of sand and plenty of water to the drum and leave it on for a while. The exterior can be cleaned by simply hosing down the exterior with water.
Cement Mixers: Tips For Proper Care
When investing in a cement mixer, you must be sure to take care of your equipment, to ensure longevity in your product. It is critical to perform routine checks and troubleshooting to make sure your concrete mixer is working just as well as it should. Here are some tips to ensure you are taking care of your equipment:
Daily Cleaning:
Clean your mixer immediately after use and make sure you leave no concrete residue behind. Especially pay attention to the drum and mixing paddle, it is here where a build-up of concrete over time tends to go unnoticed. By using a hosepipe, you can easily clean cement residue before it hardens making sure your mixer is held up to standard.
Motor Maintenance:
Keep the motor of your mixer clean and free from any concrete and dust to ensure optimal performance. Compressed air is a handy tool to have on hand as it seamlessly blows away any debris that may get lodged in the motor. A clean motor ensures your building process is efficient and reduces the risk of future repair costs.
Remove Concrete Build-up:
If you find yourself in a position where there already is a build-up of concrete, a pressure hose can help you remove the accumulation of cement. For more stubborn build-ups, carefully chip away to make sure you get rid of all the remaining concrete.
Grease Moving Parts:
All moving parts require the regular application of grease to prevent any friction damage. Apply proper lubrication to extend the mixer’s lifespan and ensure all operations are running smoothly.
Warranty:
- Make sure to check the warranty on your cement mixer. The warranty can assure you peace of mind when something goes wrong and alleviates potential financial strain.
- Remember, proper maintenance is key to extending the lifespan of your mixer and ensures it is running reliably without strain.
Final Thoughts
In the landscape of construction, concrete mixers serve as a way to make sure projects are approached with maximum efficiency and progress. Every detail matters here at BS Power, and we want to ensure that you are supplied with only the best tools – tools which serve as the foundation of quality and sustainability.
We are dedicated to providing you with top-quality mixers which meet and exceed all your expectations and needs. By investing time in proper maintenance and care, you guarantee yourself the longevity of your equipment and the success of your projects.
So, as you embark on your construction journey, know that every grain of poured cement brings you closer to the project of your dreams. Explore our concrete mixer guide for more information on selecting the right mixer for you.