Concrete mixers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each suited to different needs. In modern-day construction, one of the main dividing points between major varieties includes petrol vs electric mixers.

 

This article will be a critical evaluation of each, evaluating the two based on engine power, drum capacity, portability, cost effectiveness, durability, environmental friendliness, and ease of use. By the end of this article, we’re confident that you’ll be able to say which kind of mixer is going to work the best for you and your unique needs.

 

This article is brought to you by BS Power, a trusted South African supplier of world-class construction equipment and power tools, including some of the finest mixers on the market. We help you get it done.

 

The Major Difference Between Petrol and Electric Concrete Mixers

 

The big difference between petrol and electric machines is found in the motor, as one is powered by electricity while the other is powered by petrol. To expand on this, we’ll dive into some of the history behind these machines.

 

Cement mixers are a fairly old invention, marking a significant upgrade from the even older method of mixing crushed aggregates, water and cement powder by hand, a long, laborious and inefficient process. The first mixers were, however, still manually operated, requiring a labourer to work a large crank to rotate the drum. While much easier than completing this process via hand tools, it was still a relatively labour-intensive process.

 

The introduction of motorised machines was a big difference-maker, suddenly making the entire cement mixing process a hands-free one. Not only did this mark a significant increase in power output, but it also freed up hands to help elsewhere on the construction site, leading to major improvements to overall productivity. The petrol engine continued to be refined, evolving into the powerful motors that drive today’s mixers.

 

Access to increasingly advanced electrical technology and a growing concern around sustainability met as factors to give rise to a new construction technology, the electric cement mixer. These electric motors do not consume fossil fuels and give off virtually no emissions, making them an attractive choice for those looking to adopt sustainable building practices.

 

 

Concrete Mixers: Comparing Engine Power?

 

An undeniable benefit of petrol engine mixers is the incredible amount of power they can output. BS Power stocks mixers equipped with world-famous Honda and Baumax engines, which can exert a great deal of force for extended periods of time without lagging.

 

This makes them spectacular for completing tough jobs, allowing the mixer to churn out hundreds of litres of cement without lagging, given that it receives a consistent supply of fuel. Refinement in engine technology has optimised the fuel efficiency of these motors, allowing them to make the most out of every last drop given to them.

 

On the other hand, while electrical mixers can still provide an impressive display when managing smaller loads, the engine simply can’t match petrol mixers in terms of power output. Giving an electrical mixer more than a small to intermediate load could potentially overburden the engine and cause it to lose efficiency, wear down or even burn out.

 

Petrol engines are therefore suited to jobs that require more power, such as heavy-duty and large-scale construction, while electric motors are best relegated to small-scale builds and repairs.

 

Concrete Mixers: Comparing Drum Capacity?

 

The drum capacity of any given mixer is tied directly to its engine capacity, as no manufacturer would want to build a mixer with a drum that exceeds its engine’s abilities. Petrol mixers, therefore, come in a range of sizes, all the way from small portable mixers to massive ones capable of carrying hundreds of litres of cement. This means that for any large-scale construction project that requires big batches of cement to be produced at once, a petrol mixer with a large drum capacity is the ideal choice.

 

On the other hand, the reduced power of an electric motor means that these machines are only capable of handling smaller drums with smaller capacities. This makes them convenient to move around, but capable of only outputting small batches at a time. For DIY projects and home repairs that only require small quantities of cement, this isn’t a problem.

 

Remember to never load a mixer beyond its stated capacity, as it may reduce the machine’s efficiency or break it entirely.

 

 

Concrete Mixers: Comparing Portability

 

Portability can be a major concern when purchasing a cement mixer, as one never wants to be stuck with a machine that they can’t move to or around a site. This is particularly true when one considers that many important construction jobs take place on remote sites where the terrain is rough and access to amenities such as electricity is far from guaranteed.

 

In these instances, petrol engines excel, as they can operate entirely independently of any power grid. All contractors need to do is bring enough fuel with them to last the duration of the job, and they can be confident that their trusty mixer will continue to churn out cement for them, electricity or not.

 

On the other hand, electric cement mixers are quite reliant on a nearby source of electricity to keep them running. While some electric tools can build up a charge in a battery, most of these mixers require being directly plugged in at all times to function. Even if it had a battery, one would need to recharge this with an electric source sooner or later, making these eco-friendly mixers less viable on remote sites.

 

Even with nearby access to power, an electric mixer is still limited by the length of its cord, which is, however, designed to give it maximum reach. As such, while electric cement mixers have their place, they are far less portable than petrol-engine mixers.

 

Concrete Mixers: Comparing The Cost Efficiency

 

While petrol engines can output a great deal of power with relative fuel efficiency, the reality is that they still need a steady stream of petrol to keep them operating. In general, this can be more expensive to operate than an electric mixer.

 

On the other hand, while electric mixers still incur costs to run, they are more cost-effective overall. While the initial cost of an electric mixer might be a bit higher than a petrol mixer of a similar size, any difference in cost is made up for in the long run. This makes electric mixers a great long-term investment, particularly in cases where large-scale construction isn’t needed, and the focus is more on at-home, DIY projects.

 

Concrete Mixers: Comparing Durability

 

Mixers are tough machines, renowned for their durability and reliable performance. There are, however, some differences in the durability of electric and petrol mixers. That’s because the two different kinds of engines produce different levels of vibration, which affects how fast individual parts wear down and how easily bolts are to loosen.

 

One of the drawbacks of a petrol engine’s powerful output is the high vibrations it produces, which may affect the lifespan of the machine. This can be mitigated by regular maintenance and operational checks before use. Electric motors produce far lower vibrations, thus sparing the internals of the mixer from being rattled around quite as much. Take extra precautions to protect the electric motor from exposure to elements, especially during storage, as any damage to the electric components can cause a critical failure.

 

At BS Power, our petrol-engine mixers are designed to withstand the vibration and last for years to come, so you never need to worry about durability.

 

Concrete Mixers: Comparing Environmental Impact

 

Petrol-powered mixers are avid consumers of fossil fuels and emit carbon fumes into the atmosphere. Electric mixers, on the other hand, represent a far smaller carbon footprint as they consume no fossil fuels and produce no emissions. While there are environmental consequences to the use of electricity, they are less directly impactful than fossil fuels. Furthermore, electric mixers can be made even more environmentally friendly by running them on a renewable energy grid, such as solar or wind power.

 

Although electric mixers may not be viable on larger jobs, a homeowner only in need of small batches of cement may rather opt for an electric mixer over a petrol option to reduce their own carbon footprint. The eco-friendly nature of electric mixers make them more suitable for DIY projects.

 

 

Concrete Mixers: Comparing Ease Of Use

 

There are a number of factors that influence a mixer’s ease of use, such as noise levels, maintenance complexity and the simplicity of its operation. No matter what kind of cement mixer it is, it functions in a generally straightforward way.

 

Noise levels are a different story. As aforementioned, petrol engines are known to produce higher vibrations than electric ones, which translates directly into noise levels. Electric mixers might be more pleasant to work around for labourers due to this, and are also better suited to residential work than the louder petrol mixers.

 

Maintenance is a more complex point with a less definitive winner. Petrol engines require more frequent maintenance, including topping up fuel and checking oil regularly. However, these tasks can be completed easily and quickly, making them only a slight hassle. On the other hand, electric motors require less frequent maintenance, but the processes tend to be more complex and lengthy. So, ease of use and maintenance essentially come down to preference, as both machines are functional, practical and straightforward.

 

Conclusion

 

In conclusion, the question is not whether a petrol or electric mixer is best, but which of the two suits your needs best. Petrol mixers have powerful engines that allow them to carry large drums with an impressive cement capacity. They are also capable of functioning on remote sites independent of any power grid, making them highly portable.

 

On the other hand, electric mixers have weaker engines and can thus only carry a small capacity for cement. They also rely on access to an electric grid to function and are not highly mobile. They balance out these negatives with great fuel efficiency and cost-efficiency in the long run, not to mention environmental friendliness.

 

At the end of the day, the choice will be balanced upon the demands of the project at hand and the personal preference of the buyer. At BS Power, we provide high-performing construction equipment to help you get the job done. Browse through our selection of powerful machines or reach out today to learn more!