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A concrete mixer is without a doubt the heart of any construction or DIY project that involves cement. It makes the process of mixing easier, simpler, faster, and of course more consistent. But while the mixer itself is a critical piece of equipment, there are also a number of accessories that can take your mixing and DIY game to the next level. Having the right accessories will help you work more effectively, improve your safety, and make the entire concrete mixing process as smooth as the perfect concrete blend.
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In this article, we explore our team’s top five mixer accessories that you might not have known you need that can totally transform how you use your mixer. Whether you’re an avid DIY enthusiast or a professional contractor, these accessories are sure to make your next project a walk in the park.
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Mixer Stands
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We know that a concrete mixer stand might not be the flashiest of accessories, but it definitely is one of the most practical additions you can make to your concrete mixing setup. A sturdy stand ensures proper stability and also positions your mixer at the optimal height, effectively making the mixing process significantly more comfortable.
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What Is A Mixer Stand?
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While pretty self-explanatory, a concrete mixer stand is a support frame that securely holds your mixer in place while being operated. It keeps the mixer stable, regardless of the condition of the ground, and raises it to a more convenient height, making loading and pouring much easier. Instead of kneeling down every time you need to fill the drum, or having to lift heavy buckets of mixed concrete, a stand allows for an ergonomic working position, which reduces the strain on your back and legs.
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Benefits Of Using A Mixer Stand
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As mentioned above, using a mixer stand has several advantages:
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Stability And Safety:
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The mixer stand can aid in keeping your mixer stable, reducing the risk of tipping over and spills, especially on those annoying uneven surfaces.
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Ergonomics And Comfort:
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Comfort is king, even when working and loading and unloading the mixer at a comfortable height significantly reduces physical strain and ultimately helps prevent workplace injuries.
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Cleaning Systems
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We all know just how messy concrete mixing can be, and any contractor knows that cleaning up concrete before it hardens is crucial. A concrete mixer cleaning system is designed to help you maintain your mixer, making sure that it stays in tip-top shape for many years.
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Importance Of Cleaning Your Mixer
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It’s no secret that concrete mixers require regular cleaning after every use in order to prevent the build-up of concrete on the inside of the drum. Leftover cement can and will harden, which will reduce the efficiency of the mixer over time, and lead to increased maintenance costs, and worst-case scenario, permanent damage. A cleaning system makes the task of keeping your mixer clean so much easier:
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Type Of Cleaning Systems
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Manual Cleaning Tools:
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Simple tools such as brushes, scrapers, and pressure washers are essential for keeping your mixer clean, and manual tools are notably helpful for small mixers or minor cleaning after use.
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Automatic Cleaning Systems:
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Then there are high-pressure automatic systems that can be connected to your mixer, which will thoroughly clean the drum with minimal effort. These systems are notably useful for large-scale mixers or when you’re mixing frequently.
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As with any tool, keeping your mixer in excellent condition requires diligent cleaning. At BS Power, we have concrete mixers for sale that are built to last but adding the right cleaning system will only help you get the most out of your investment.
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Dust Shrouds
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Any veteran contractor will tell you that silica dust is a silent but serious hazard on all construction sites. Regardless of whether you’re using your concrete mixer for a simple patio job or a larger driveway project, a dust shroud can significantly help you minimise exposure to harmful dust particles. This is a very important addition to your equipment, especially when you’re working on projects where cement dust becomes airborne during mixing.
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Health Benefits Of Using a Dust Shroud
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Health And Safety:
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The main benefit to using a dust shroud is protecting the health of the operator by keeping silica dust contained. Prolonged exposure to silica dust can lead to several respiratory issues, thus controlling dust exposure is vital.
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Cleaner Worksite:
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Reducing dust also means you’ll have a cleaner, and tidier site. Of course, this makes the work environment safer, and also vastly decreases the time spent on clean-up after a project day.
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Mixer Lids
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Next on BS Power’s list of top accessories is the mixer lid. This hand addition may also seem simple, but it’s without a doubt a game-changer when it comes to keeping your workspace clean and safe.
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Purpose Of A Lid
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Simply put, a mixer lid is a cover that fits snugly over the drum of the mixer while it works. It helps to contain the mixture, prevent splashes, and ensure that dust doesn’t escape, all of which, of course, contribute to a safer and neater job site.
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Benefits Of Using A Lid
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Safety First:
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Perhaps one of the best advantages of using a lid is the added safety it provides. Mixing concrete can lead to splashes that might end up on your skin or even your eyes. Having a properly fitted lid will keep your mix contained and reduce the chances of accidents.
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Increased Mixing Efficiency:
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A proper mixing lid also helps retain moisture in your mix, which is significantly beneficial when mixing in hotter weather. It makes sure your mixture does dry out too fast, giving you a smooth and consistent mix for pouring.
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Adding a mixer lid to your concrete mixer from BS Power will allow you to work safely and efficiently, whether you’re tackling a small garden job or larger projects.
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Wheel Kits
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Another essential accessory for your construction site, is a wheel kit, a durable set of wheels that attach to the frame of your concrete mixer, effectively turning it into a mobile piece of equipment. This makes moving your mixer to different locations on site easier, without additional help or equipment.
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Benefits Of A Wheel Kit
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Portability:
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Moving a mixer requires significant physical effort, especially if you’re working with bigger models or heavier loads. A wheel kit makes this job much easier, giving you the freedom to transport your mixer whenever you need to.
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Efficiency:
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Wheel kits will help you save time and effort, especially if you’re working on projects that cover bigger areas or if you require your mixer to be repositioned more frequently. Instead of struggling to move a heavy machine, a wheel kit allows you to easily relocate your mixer as often as possible.
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At BS Power our Honda range of concrete mixers all come stock standard with wheel kits that are specifically designed to offer mobility without compromising on stability or safety.
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Bag Splitters
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Loading those heavy bags of cement is no easy feat but having a bag splitter makes it super easy. Designed to be used alongside your mixer, it helps cut open bags and guides the cement straight into your drum with minimal mess.
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What Is A Bag Splitter?
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Simply put, as it’s really simple, a bag splitter is a simple tool that attaches to the top of a mixer drum. It helps open bags in quick motion, making your loading process much more efficient and helps prevent spillage.
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Benefits Of Using a Bag Splitter
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Reduced Waste:
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Minimises spillage when transferring cement in your mixer.
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Easier Handling:
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Makes loading cement far easier, especially for one-man jobs.
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Portable Cement Silos
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If you’re undertaking larger construction projects, a portable cement silo can be a very handy accessory. It provides on-site storage for cement, and allows for easy, measured feeding of materials into your mixer.
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What Is A Portable Cement Silo?
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Another simple explanation: a portable cement silo is a large storage container that can be moved to job sites. It stores cement in bulk, making it easy to mix large volumes without the need for managing smaller cement bags.
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Benefits Of Using a Portable Cement Silo
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Bulk Storage:
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Reduces the need for frequent deliveries of materials, or storage of multiple cement bags.
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Easy Access:
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Delivers cement directly into your mixer, simplifying the process and drastically cutting down your handling time.
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Mixer Auger Attachments
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A mixer auger attachment is an innovative accessory that can significantly help improve the efficiency and quality of mixing by mechanically stirring your concrete mix.
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What Is An Auger Attachment?
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An auger attachment is a rotating blade that is inserted into your mixer drum to mix the contents efficiently. This accessory is notably useful for larger batches or when specific mixers need bolstered precision.
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Benefits Of Using and Auger Attachment
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Thorough Mixing:
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Helps achieve completely uniform mixers by mechanically agitating the materials in the drum.
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Less Effort:
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Reduces your need for manual intervention to stir the mix, making the process much easier and faster.
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Digital Scales
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Last but not least, is the mixer digital scale. If you need precise measurements to achieve specific mixers, you can’t go wrong with this accessory.
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What Is A Digital Scale?
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A digital scale is a nifty tool that can be integrated with your mixer to measure out exact amounts of cement, water, and aggregates to ensure a perfect mix every time.
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Benefits Of Using A Digital Scale
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Precision:
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Ensures that your mix has the exact proportions for optimal strength and durability.
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Consistent Quality:
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Helps maintain consistency across several batches, which is vital if you’re undertaking large-scale projects.
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Get The Most Out With These Essential Accessories
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A concrete mixer is quite simply an invaluable tool for any DIY enthusiast or professional contractor, but by adding the right accessories you can transform your mixer into a powerhouse of productivity, efficiency, and of course, safety.
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The top nine accessories you might have not known you needed; a stand, cleaning system, dust shroud, mixer lid, wheel kit, bag splitter, cement silo, auger attachment, and a digital scale, are all designed to enhance your overall experience and make every project run smoothly, safely and efficiently.
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These accessories not only make the mixing process easier but also help ensure the safety and quality of your work. Whether you’re just starting your DIY journey or you’re an experienced builder, the right tools will make all the difference.
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For the best concrete mixers along with a wide selection of these essential accessories, visit BS Power online. We offer high-quality products that are perfect for both small DIY projects and larger construction endeavours. Make your next project your best one yet, with the convenience and power of BS Power’s reliable products and accessories.
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