Heavy-duty cement mixers are real miracle machines. They do the work of dozens of labourers at a great speed and help supply construction sites with a steady stream of high-quality cement. However, not just any mixer can work like this. This article will outline the main characteristics of a mixer that make it suitable for performing demanding tasks in challenging environments.

 

This article will examine several attributes, including drum size, engine type, and accessories, to help find the best mixer for heavy work. Furthermore, it will include tips on best maintenance practices and highlight why BS Power is the perfect choice when looking to buy the right mixer.

 

Heavy-Duty Cement Mixers: The Most Potent Tool

 

A cement mixer is a potent tool that serves a critical role on the construction site. With these machines, one can churn out huge quantities of cement at a fantastic rate. Before the invention of cement mixers, we had to rely on people to manually break down and mix the various components of cement in a lengthy and laborious process. However, mechanised cement mixers don’t simply work faster; the cement they produce is smoother and of a more uniform blend, thus producing stronger constructs.

 

We see mixers being used on all scales, from small DIY jobs to massive infrastructure projects. The latter requires serious heavy-duty mixers that can withstand massive batches of cement that need to be produced continuously throughout the day. Moreover, they need to be able to be able to physically cope with the rough working environments without ever lapsing their performance. There are a number of traits one ought to look out for to secure the toughest mixers to provide a reliable supply of top-notch cement on big projects.

 

 

Heavy Duty Cement Mixers: Buying From BS Power

 

Before one starts to examine individual traits that define a mixer as being heavy duty, it’s worthwhile to know where to start looking. Well, the great news is that BS Power has the perfect selection of cement mixers, power tools and other construction equipment for anyone seeking a powerful and reliable piece of machinery. We sell top-of-the-line mixers famed for their durability and power, with a lineup tailored for optimal performance in the South African geography, climate and market.

 

What’s more is that we are well known for our generous warranty and attentive customer care. We guide our clients towards purchases that suit their needs and are available after a purchase to help resolve any issues that may occur with the product. Should the durability of any of our machines fail a client, we are happy to troubleshoot the issue and facilitate a repair, or even total replacement if need be.

 

All part or whole replacements are done through an efficient nationwide shipping system that prioritises speed, to ensure that any delays caused by malfunctioning equipment are kept to an absolute minimum, letting our clients get back to work again as soon as possible.

 

What To Look For In Your Heavy Duty Mixer

 

Selecting A Sizable Drum

 

One of the first and foremost traits that defines a mixer is the size of its drum. This will directly influence the amount of cement the mixer can process at a time, with a big drum being able to output substantial batches after each use. Considering the sheer amount of cement needed throughout a large construction project, a large drum is an absolute must for bigger projects.

 

BS Power offers large mixers with a capacity between 400 and 500 litres, able to provide a steady supply of high-quality cement in big batches for sustained periods. Take note of the exact specification of a mixer and be sure to never load it beyond its stated capacity. Doing so could potentially damage the motor or even the drum itself, decreasing efficiency, resulting in fast wear and tear, and even potentially causing it to break down.

 

A Powerful Engine

 

With so much heavy material being churned around in a huge steel drum for hours at a time, it’s no surprise to anyone that heavy-duty mixers require a powerful engine to keep them running. There are two primary kinds of engines used to run concrete mixers: the first being the more traditional petrol engines and the second being the more modern electric motors. Whilst electric motors are a great, efficient, environmentally friendly and low noise option, their lower power production relegates them to a smaller capacity. For any large jobs needing heavy-duty work, a powerful petrol engine is the obvious choice.

 

Petrol engines can then be further divided into two more categories: two-stroke and four-stroke engines. A two-stroke engine completes a combustion cycle in just two piston strokes, or one revolution of the crankshaft. This allows it to produce more power per unit of weight, making it a great choice for robust work. They’re fairly straightforward in their design, making them easy to repair if necessary. On the other hand, they’re not particularly fuel-efficient and release a fair amount of emissions.

 

Meanwhile, four-stroke engines complete a combustion cycle in four piston strokes, or two revolutions. They may be less powerful than two-stroke engines, but they have better fuel efficiency and produce fewer emissions. They operate on separate fuel and oil systems, with the oil being circulated to lubricate the parts of the engine rather than being burned alongside the fuel. Their designs are more complex compared to two-stroke engines, including parts like valves and camshafts, making them slightly more difficult to repair if need be.

 

The selection of engine for your heavy-duty mixer will ultimately come down to personal choice, but for rough and tough work, one can generally recommend a two-stroke petrol engine.

 

Remote Site Capabilities

 

Another major factor one will want to look out for in a cement mixer is its ability to function on a remote construction site, away from infrastructure such as electrical grids. Many developments take place on rural sites without power, easy access to water and often face limited labour availability. Moreover, these sites will often be exposed to harsh weather such as intense sun, strong winds and powerful rains that create mud. Altogether, this requires a set of key strengths to continually put up a reliable performance.

 

An important capability for remote work is a petrol engine, as this allows the mixer to run independently of any power grid, as long as it receives a steady supply of fuel. Any additional accessories that help load or discharge the cement will be incredibly valuable, as they reduce the amount of labour required in the process. A hopper or feeder is useful, allowing one to easily load in cement powder, aggregates and water with speed and efficiency.

 

The next essential aspect will be the tilting mechanism to allow one to simply tip the drum while mounted on its frame to discharge the cement. To control the flow of that cement, one should look out for a mixer with a chute, as this will allow one to more precisely discharge cement.

 

Finally, one will need to consider mobility. Regular wheels will not suffice over the rugged terrain or a rural site, so reinforced wheels will be necessary. For particularly large mixers, caterpillar treads or steel skids may even be used.

 

It is particularly important that every individual component of the mixer be of outstanding quality, to give it the durability it needs to ensure the harsh conditions of remote work sites. However, there are a number of steps one can take to ensure the preservation of one’s investment.

 

 

Heavy Duty Cement Mixers: Securing A Longer Lifespan

 

A heavy-duty cement mixer, for all its power and bulk, is of little use to anyone if it’s neglected and left to deteriorate. There are simple steps that one can take to maintain a cement mixer and keep it working at top condition for years and years. Before starting the machine, it’s a good idea to give it a quick once-over and ensure that all moving parts are securely fastened and well lubricated.

 

Keep in mind that the high vibrations of the engine may at times, shake loose certain parts, which will wear down fast and potentially cause a malfunction if they come completely loose. Take note of any sign of deterioration along the frame and address this as soon as possible if noticed, a damaged frame could cause the mixer to eventually collapse, which might even result in injury.

 

Ensure all electrical components are well sealed to avoid having any water leak in and cause short circuits. After use, one will also need to check the interior of the drum for any lingering clumps or traces of cement. Cement that stays inside the drum and hardens will reduce the mixer’s efficiency and potentially cause cracks or chips in the drum itself. A stiff bristled brush and high-power hose should sort this out, but a cement-dissolving solution can work wonders in getting rid of those extra stubborn traces.

 

When the mixer is not being used, one should always store it somewhere cool and dry where the elements can’t get at it. It’s a good idea to also cover it with a waterproof tarp, especially if it’s being stored in a particularly wet and rainy area or someplace near the sea, where salt in the air wreaks havoc upon metal.

 

 

Conclusion

 

In conclusion, cement mixers are the perfect tool for rough and tough work on big construction sites. They can produce a reliable stream of high-quality cement all day long, all the while withstanding the harsh conditions of the worksite. There are, however, several features one ought to look out for in particular when working to secure the perfect heavy-duty mixer.

 

 First off, one needs a mixer with a high drum capacity of between 400 and 500 litres to ensure a steady supply of cement throughout the job. It will also need a powerful engine to handle this capacity, ideally a two-stroke petrol engine. Add-ons such as a hopper for easy loading, a chute for discharging and reinforced wheels for mobility will grant the mixer the capabilities needed to handle tough work on remote sites. Conducting regular maintenance and care, such as cleaning, checking for damage, and correctly storing the mixer, will help secure a long and productive lifespan for your BS Power cement mixer.