The right concrete mixer can make all the difference when you’re working with concrete, especially in terms of your productivity, as it can simplify the labor-intensive blending of your materials. Of course, this will then allow you to streamline your project, with easy access to concrete that’s ready to pour. However, with so many different mixer options available on the market today, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when finding the right mixer based on the scale and frequency of your construction work.

 

In this article, we’re going to explore the key considerations you must bear in mind when choosing a mixer, including the benefits they’ll afford you and your on-site team, the various types of mixers that are available, and beyond.

 

Do Concrete And Cement Mixers Do the Same Task?

 

While many folks mistakenly use the terms “concrete mixer” and “cement mixer” interchangeably, these terms actually refer to two distinct equipment types – each designed for different tasks. It’s important that you understand the difference between these types of mixers when choosing the right tool for your construction or DIY needs. At the end of the day, choosing the right mixer will ensure your materials are properly mixed and deliver the best results.

 

First, it’s important for us to consider cement mixers, which we also stock at BS Power. These specialized machines are designed to mix cement, sand, and water to form a smooth and cohesive cement mixture, which functions as a binding agent and is commonly used for small-scale projects. Think wall repairs, crack patching, or even crafting decorative features. The compact size of cement mixers, along with the straightforward design, means they are often electrically powered and easy to use anywhere.

 

However, it’s important to understand that cement lacks the durability needed for heavy-duty construction and, though it can bind materials effectively, it can be prone to cracking under stress. That’s why cement is rarely used on its own in larger construction projects and is also why concrete (and concrete mixers) are crucial. Concrete mixers are used for the effective mixing of cement, sand, water, and aggregates such as gravel or crushed stone to make concrete. The strength and durability of concrete make it a go-to material for foundations, walls, driveways, and other large-scale construction projects.

 

How Will Purchasing A Mixer Benefit Me On Site?

 

As we touched on in the previous section of our article, concrete mixers are indispensable tools for construction projects, especially medium- to large-scale projects as they offer a wide range of advantages that will enhance your productivity and safety when you’re on site.

 

Mixing concrete by hand is an unnecessarily labor-intensive task that’s time consuming and will definitely slow down the progress of critical tasks where concrete is needed on your construction site. A specialized mixer will automate this process for you, delivering ready-to-use batches of consistent concrete in a fraction of the time it’d take your team to mix by hand. Of course, this allows you and your team to focus on other essential tasks to keep your project on track and, using a mixer will even reduce some physical strain on site.

 

When mixing concrete manually, getting a uniform or consistent concrete mix can be quite challenging, and often leads to uneven final results that won’t impress your clients. However, concrete mixers will produce high-quality concrete each time provided that you blend the right ratio of cement, water, sand, and aggregates needed for your desired mix. Plus, with the proper maintenance of your machine you will ensure its long-term reliability so it can always come in handy when concrete is needed.

 

Finally, concrete mixers can also help reduce hazards associated with mixing concrete by hand, which include the risk of inhaling dust and over-exertion from the physical strain of mixing manually. These mixers effectively limit your exposure to potentially harmful materials while minimizing physical effort required on your part.

 

 

A Quick Guide To The Main Types Of Concrete Mixers

 

Choosing the right concrete mixer from our selection is crucial for achieving efficiency and long-lasting quality with your construction projects. After all, each type of mixer is designed for specific needs, from small-scale tasks to large-scale commercial builds. There are four types of mixers you should be aware of as a buyer.

 

Drum Mixers

 

These are portable and simple to use and, as the name suggests, these machines feature a rotating drum that mixes your concrete for you, making them ideal for smaller projects and DIY tasks that need the convenience and mobility offered by these mixers.

 

Pan Mixers

 

This type features a stationary pan with a rotating mechanism to mix concrete, making them ideal for those working with smaller quantities of concrete, with the design ensuring thorough mixing. These mixers are generally favoured by those using concrete for precision-focused applications.

 

Site Mixers

 

They are a different type designed for large-scale projects, which is the reason they’re designed to be towable and capable of handling substantial volumes of concrete. These mixers can commonly be found on building sites where capacity and durability are crucial.

 

Truck mixers

 

Another sort of mixer is mounted on trucks and is not only used to mix large quantities of concrete, but to transport the mixed concrete directly to construction sites. These mixers are indispensable to commercial projects where the scale and convenience of these machines can help ensure a commercial project stays on track.

 

On our website, you’ll notice we specialise in fuel-powered mixers. There’s a reason for this. These variants offer many benefits, including lower energy consumption, a design that’s light and easier to transport, and larger drum capacity at a better price point. Of course, one of the biggest advantages of choosing this type of mixer in South Africa is that you don’t require any electricity, which means you can use these mixers even when loadshedding is taking place.

 

Purchasing Based On Frequency Of Use

 

Purchasing the right concrete mixer from our selection ultimately depends on how frequently you plan to use the mixer and the scale of your projects – an important consideration as it’s an investment that’s meant to streamline your construction work. Buying the wrong mixer can lead to inefficiency, wasted resources, and unnecessary frustration on site, which is why it’s important to match your mixer to your needs.

 

While smaller-capacity mixers (such as those ranging from 60L to 120L and 190L) are suitable for lighter, small-scale projects, we specialize in larger-scale capacity mixers at BS Powers. Essentially, our selection of mixers are designed to deliver consistent performance and withstand the demands of intensive construction tasks.

 

While a mixer boasting a smaller capacity could be ideal for occasional use or small projects where only some concrete is needed, upsizing can be advantageous for those who plan on working on more projects in the future where a larger capacity can come in handy. If you’re looking for a mixer equipped to handle medium to large-scale projects and semi-regular usage, a 360L mixer such as the 360L Concrete Mixer with Baumax Engine we stock on our site is a robust choice. From this mixer, you can expect excellent efficiency with its 260 litre unmixed capacity and a quick two and a half minute mixing cycle, making it the ideal choice for contractors and rental companies alike.

 

For professional or intense usage, where large volumes of concrete are required on a daily basis, we’d recommend considering a high-capacity option, with the 500L Concrete Mixer with Honda Engine being a great example of this. This mixer we stock features a 420 litre unmixed capacity, allowing it to handle heavy workloads while maintaining an exceptional level of reliability needed on site, and even features solid rubber wheels for mobility. Completing it is a sturdy chassis that will ensure your mixer performs optimally in demanding construction environments.

 

The selection of mixers we stock as BS Powers are chosen specifically to meet the needs of contractors and professionals alike, offering the durability and efficiency you need for medium size to substantial construction projects. So, regardless of whether you’re managing medium-sized builds or tackling a large-scale development where concrete is needed in abundance, our selection of mixers ensures you’ll find the perfect solution for any of your upcoming projects.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

While it’s evident that concrete mixers are essential tools for a wide variety of construction projects, we recommend understanding their usage, maintenance, and the cost of these machines. Below, we’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions about these specialized mixers, which can make all the difference in achieving the results you want.

 

How Much Will It Cost Me To Purchase My Own Concrete Mixer?

 

The price of your mixer will ultimately depend on its size, features, and power source. Smaller mixers with a drum capacity of 120L to 360L, such as those we stock at BS Power, are ideal for small-scale to medium-scale projects and will range from affordable electric models to more versatile petrol-powered options. On our website, a high-quality 360L drum mixer will mean an investment of around R20,000, with prices increasing from there for more specialized or higher capacity mixers.

 

How Many Bags of Concrete Will My Concrete Mixer Be Able to Handle At Once?

 

It’s important to note that mixers that are smaller and more portable will typically be able to hold between one or two bags of concrete. Larger or stationary mixers, on the other hand, can handle between four to six bags, often even more for larger, industrial mixers. Picking the right size mixer will help you prevent overloading the mixer, which could lead to straining the machine, uneven mixing of your concrete, and you could even damage the machine you just purchased!

 

How Long Can I Let Concrete Stay In My Concrete Mixer?

 

Concrete should generally be discharged within an hour to an hour and a half of mixing, as this will prevent it from setting. This timeframe can of course vary based on weather conditions. On hot days, drying times can be even faster, meaning concrete can stay in your mixer for shorter time frames, while cooler temperatures may allow for a slightly longer window. Regardless of the climate, prompt cleaning/removal will ensure high-quality mixes and will protect the mixer from damage.

 

 

About BS Power

 

At BS Power, our team prides ourselves on being many professionals’ go-to company for high-performance equipment tailored to the needs of professionals across industries such as constriction and agriculture. From mid-range 360L models to heavy-duty 500L mixers, our lineup caters to projects of every size in these industries and beyond.

 

Our Cape Town-based team serves customers across Southern Africa to provide them with durable equipment that’s backed by expert support With fully trained staff, an extensive inventory of spare parts, and in-depth expertise, we’re here to support you every step of the way as you find the right concrete mixer. Explore our range of products today and let us help you power your projects confidently.