Do you have a big DIY project coming up? Are you looking for concrete mixers to help you complete a task? Having the correct equipment on hand can speed up the time spent on various tasks in a project and we’re here to tell you how to find just the right one for the job!

 

When trying to stay on track in a project, efficiency is an extremely important aspect to consider. If tasks are completed efficiently, you will never run behind schedule and your projects will always finish on time. BS Commercial Power has a wide range of concrete mixers to choose from to best match your requirements.

 

 

BS Commercial Power procures, manufactures and imports a vast range of high-performance equipment that can be used in the following applications:

 

• Agriculture
• Forestry
• Construction
• At-home DIY projects
• And so many more!

 

BS Commercial Power has just the right product for you!

 

What are concrete mixers?

 

The function is in the name – they are used to mix all the materials that make up concrete. The units of this machinery consist of a motor, a rotating tank, and a crank wheel. The crank wheel is used to tilt the tank into various positions, depending on the requirements of the job at hand, and the rigid chassis, placed on wheels, is a vital component that keeps the concrete mixers standing upright.

 

Tips on choosing the correct concrete mixers for your job

 

There are various necessary considerations when you are looking to purchase the perfect concrete mixers. The amount of cement that you need to have mixed as well as the source of power that you have available are two key considerations when deciding on the mixer to buy. If you have a big job at hand, it is recommended to get a mixer that has a bigger rotating tank drum volume, allowing you to mix more cement at one time. It is also important to keep in mind that the mixing capacity of concrete mixers is around 80% of the volume of the drum. So, if you need to mix 80 L of cement at a time, you would only be able to do this in a drum with the capacity of 100 L or more.

 

 

A few other important components of concrete mixers include the gear box transmission and mixing blades. To enhance the productivity of the mixer, a model with a double or triple blade can be selected. Not only will this improve the efficiency of your tasks, but in doing so you will be able to keep on track and finish your project on time.

 

Here are a few more useful tips for you follow when purchasing concrete mixers:

 

Choose the concrete mixers that are durable – It is important to spend your money on a machine that will be able to satisfy needs that are greater than just the task ahead of you. When investing in such a machine, you must make sure that your money will go a long way. It is therefore important to choose a mixer with a strong chassis that will prevent it from toppling over when you are working on uneven surfaces. It is also important that can be maintained well over a long period of time.

 

Choose one that can be cleaned properly, because cement accumulation can be a nightmare to remove over time. We can guarantee that the environments in which you will be using your concrete mixers are by no means luxurious and pretty. It will have to endure tough terrains so be sure to select the best quality that you can.

 

Consider whether you need it to be portable – Decide whether you are going to prepare your concrete on site or whether you will require transporting your concrete from far locations. Portable concrete mixers might be the best option for you if you need to prepare your concrete beforehand and transport it to the location of your project. Along with the option of a mobile unit, comes the option to purchase a portable trailer mounted mixer. This option is larger and sturdier and can be moved around easily.

 

 

Choose concrete mixers that will best perform the job required – As it has been stressed before, the efficiency of construction and other DIY projects is an extremely important aspect. You will need to select a mixer that will deliver a good performance and be able to suit your needs and more. Larger units typically deliver a faster performance and therefore ensure greater efficiency.

 

Choose the appropriate power supply to suit your requirements and to fall in line with what is available to you – You will have the choice of a fuel-powered or electric machine. If you have a power supply readily available, consider choosing an electric machine as you will not have to withstand the cost of fuel, however an electric power supply can be quite expensive so if you do not have the capital on hand, choose a fuel powered mixer so that the costs can be spaced out over time. While electrically powered mixers perform the job perfectly, petrol mixers are typically more powerful and durable can handle bigger mixing volumes. That being said, petrol mixers are also heavier and can create more pollution.

 

Choose the correct dump mixer design – Both-side dump and end-dump mixers are available. An end-dump mixer only has one opening and is the best option if you wish to have your concrete mixing unit attached to your truck in order for you to be able to pour concrete into smaller places.

 

 

Choose the correct type of drum – The type of drum you choose and the dimensions of which are both important considerations when purchasing concrete mixers. Poly-drums are typically lighter and easier to maintain whereas steel drum units are more durable and are better suited to heavy duty applications. If you are looking for a drum that is easier to move, consider a poly-drum with a smaller dimension, but if you are working on a big construction project and are expecting a lot of heavy-duty work, consider a steel drum as it will last you longer and be able to withstand the rough wear and tear of your project.

 

Now that you have chosen the perfect concrete mixer, knowing how to use it properly can get things done much faster. When working on a construction project or even when paving a simple driveway, the tasks can become very tedious but there are a few tips and tricks for using your machine that can get the job done in no time.

 

11 tips and tricks for using your concrete mixer:

 

Thoroughly prepare the site – the first thing you should do is prepare the foundation Upon which you were going to work and to prime the work site for pouring the concrete. This preparation includes marking the area, coordaining it off, and making the ground level to prepare for pouring. By preparing the foundation, concrete will sit and dry evenly, the quality of your job will be at its best, and the product of your project will last for years. Before undergoing a big project, it is also important to make sure that all legal action has taken place.

 

Wear the appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) – It is important to ensure that you and the workers around you suit up with personal protective gear before switching the mixer or any other heavy-duty machinery on. Basic protection wear includes goggles, a respirator, insulated gloves and steel toed boots. Some construction sites also require the wearing of a hard helmet. When working with a concrete mixer it is especially important to wear a respirator and hand gloves because concrete is acidic and the dust can burn your eyes and hands.

 

 

Keep your concrete mixer nearby – because concrete hardens immediately, be sure to have your mixer as close to the worksite as possible. This allows for you to have more leeway in the time that you take to use the concrete that you have mixed.

 

Inspect and maintain your concrete mixer frequently – Inspect the components before, during and after every operation to make sure that all components are still intact and that the mixer blades have not been bent. Perform all necessary maintenance and adjustments as soon as you notice any issues. A quick inspection and acting right away may save you from wasting a lot of time and money in the future.

 

Try to position your mixer on level ground – To protect your concrete mixer from toppling over, which would cause the loss of cement and damage, position it on a flat, stable, and level surface. Always place still hardboard (or something similar) under the mixer’s chassis for added security in case of accidental spillage.

 

Coat your mixer with industrial grease – Applying a thin coat of industrial grease on the surface of the outside of your mixer can prevent cement from accumulating and hardening on this surface. Adding a light coat of diesel to the drum’s interior before mixing can prevent the cement from sticking to the inside. This helps with the maintenance of your concrete mixer and will keep the machine cleaner for longer, increasing its lifespan. However, when coating the inside of the drum with diesel, be sure not to add too much because it can change the cement composition and ruin its consistency.

 

Grease the wheels and gears – Regularly greasing the gears, pulleys and other moving joints on your concrete mixer will combat the damage caused by the friction experienced when the heavy wet cement is turning inside the drum. This will increase the lifespan of your machine as well as ensure that it will perform at its optimum level.

 

Pressure-wash the inside of the drum – Make sure to use a pressure hose to wash out any concrete accumulated inside of the drum after each use. If a pressure hose is struggling to remove the hardened concrete on the inside of the drum use a chisel to carefully chip away at the build-up before washing again.

 

 

Keep the machine’s motor as clean as possible – Because concrete mixers are mainly used outside, they are exposed harsh environments where there is dust flying around. The dust usually pollutes the mixer’s motor. To protect the motor and increase its lifespan, use an air compressor to dislodge any cement or dust that may have collected inside of the motor. Clean motors perform more efficiently and optimally and a simple clean up can prevent lots of costly maintenance in the future.

 

Clear the drum out – Always drain the drum of all concrete immediately after the turning stops. Do not wait until the last minute to pour your concrete out else it will immediately harden in the drum and removing it will become a nightmare.

 

 

Clean the mixer after every use – Last but not least, make sure to thoroughly clean your mixer with a mixture of water and gravel after every use. This cleaning method is safe and cost-effective and does not include the use of corrosive chemicals that will damage your machine. Rotate a mixture of two scoops of clean gravel and 3 gallons of water for 15 to 20 minutes for the best results. Also remember to keep adjusting the drum’s angle so that all crevices are tackled.