A concrete mixer is an essential piece of equipment needed for most construction projects. Just like any piece of hardware, a concrete mixer requires regular maintenance and may present challenges over time. Luckily when you invest in a high-quality mixer, these challenges should be minimal and easily repaired. As leaders in high-performance equipment in Southern Africa we are well versed in common troubleshooting problems that may occur when mixing cement and often find that it is not so much a technical problem with the mixer itself but a user issue which can be quickly resolved.

 

To ensure you and your team spend more time mixing this incredible long-lasting building material and less time pulling out your hair in frustration, we have put together this troubleshooting guide to ensure smooth mixing. Here we will share some common concrete mixer issues from mixing problems to engine issues and we will provide some useful solutions you should be able to resolve yourself. We will also share some advanced troubleshooting issues such as gearbox problems and leaking mixer, and cover some simple mixer maintenance tips to prevent issues from happening in the first place.

 

Common Concrete Mixer Issues And Solutions

 

A concrete mixer is a device that comes in various sizes and capacities and is essential for the proper mixing of concrete-a crucial building material. Proper mixing in a concrete mixer ensures you can create consistently high-quality concrete that is strong and durable for any construction project, with less effort. Although concrete mixers are designed to be tough and withstand demanding construction environments, they are not invincible.

 

Constant exposure to dust and debris, common operating errors such as overloading, and intensive working conditions can lead to wear and tear. Over the years in high-performance equipment, we have come across a few common concrete mixer issues that can be easily resolved.

 

Mixing Problems

 

Inconsistent concrete can affect the overall strength and performance of the hardened concrete which can lead to issues like cracks and failures, uneven curing, wasted materials and project delays, and aesthetic issues like rough surfaces, colour differences and various other imperfections.

 

Here are some common mixing problems that occur and how to resolve the issue:

 

Water level: Adding too much or too little water will disrupt the balance ratio of cement and aggregates. Adding too much water will cause a cement mixture that is too thin and unmanageable, and adding too little water will cause the mixture to become too thick and will not combine properly. Make sure to use the precise water measurements recommended by the mix design.

 

Unbalanced load: Just as you need the right level of water, it’s also important to have the right amount of dry ingredients. If your mixer is overloaded with dry ingredients the paddles may get overwhelmed and leave some areas unmixed. Having a lighter load could result in ingredients clumping and not blending. Make sure to monitor the load according to the concrete mixing guidelines.

 

A clogged impeller: An impeller is the heart of the concrete mixer and if it’s clogged the speed of the blade will be reduced leading to issues like slower mixing time, overheating of the mixer and/or an inconsistent mix. A clogged impeller can be caused by adding aggregates that are too large, overloading the mixer, mix that is too dry or a build-up of material over time.

 

You can fix a clogged impeller by first switching off the mixer and opening up the drum. Then you can use a screwdriver or putty knife to carefully remove any material that you see clogged around the impeller. You can then rinse the impeller with water before reconnecting the mixer and turning it on. If the impeller is still clogged it’s worth taking it to a professional for repairs.

 

Faulty paddles: Over time the mixer’s paddles may get worn or damaged and lose their efficiency when mixing. It’s important to check for wear and tear on paddles and replace them if necessary.

 

Incorrect mixing time: Over-mixing not only leads to air bubbles and possible overheating accelerating cement hydration, but it also adds to the wear and tear of the cement mixer. Under-mixing is also a common issue that can lead to improper blending and consistency resulting in weaker concrete. Mixing shouldn’t be rushed or guessed. Make sure to follow the recommended mixing times and use a timer. Also, know when to adjust the mixing time according to extreme weather conditions.

 

 

Engine/ Motor Problems

 

Starting issues, overheating and strange noises can bring your job to an immediate halt. Fortunately, by understanding the main culprits and their solutions you can efficiently resolve the issue and prevent downtime.

 

The engine won’t start or turn on: Possible reasons include a dead battery which may need to be jump-started, or the fuel tank could be low. Another common issue is a problem with the spark plug, if this is the case it may just need a good cleaning, adjustment or replacement.

 

Engine overheating: An overheating air filter can be caused by issues like a dirty air filter, insufficient coolant or overloading the mixer. If you do see your engine is overheating simply stop the cement mixer and allow it to cool down. Check for leaks and visible issues, you may need to add coolant if needed or contact a mechanic for further assistance.

 

Unusual noises: Your mixer may be talking to you and asking for some TLC. Grinding may indicate worn bearings, needing lubrication or replacement. Clanging may indicate loose bolts which can be tightened with a wrench. More serious engine noises like knocking or ticking may require professional assistance.

 

Advanced Troubleshooting

 

Most issues should be able to be resolved yourself, however, there are a few instances where it is advised to get professional assistance.

 

Mixing barrel won’t turn: There are typically two reasons why the barrel of your mixer won’t turn. It is either that the belt that connects to the output pulley has either broken, stretched or loosened, in this case, you will need to take it off and take it to a parts store to have it replaced. Another common issue is particles from the mix like pieces of sand getting caught in the bearings. If you see any smoke you will need to take it to a professional for fixing.

 

The mixer is leaking: A leaking concrete mixer can be a serious issue leading to wasted resources, environmental concerns, possible safety hazards and accelerated wear and tear on your cement mixer. If it’s a small leak try tightening connections or wrapping a sealant tape around hoses. If it is a major leak coming from the drum or involving cracks you will need to contact a mechanic for professional repairs.

 

Gearbox problems: The gearbox on your mixer is a very intricate part of the machine with multiple components and is responsible for transmitting power from the engine to the drum. Signs that there may be an issue with your gearbox include unusual noises, difficulty mixing, leaking fluids and/or a burning smell. Because of the complexity of the gearbox, we advise getting a qualified technician to assist, they will likely disassemble your cement mixer to do a more in-depth inspection and do specialised testing to get to the root of the issue.

 

 

Preventative Maintenance Tips

 

• Prepare your site: Before you begin with the job, always make sure the ground where you are working is cleared and level for the mixer and the area is sectioned off.
• Regular inspection: Before you get cracking on mixing, allocate some time to quickly check your machine for any possible wear and tear. It’s better to find a potential issue before it becomes a major problem and needs to go in for repairs.
• Keep it clean: Just like all tools and machines, it’s important to clean them thoroughly after each use. Your cement mixer should be wiped down and cleaned inside to avoid any concrete build-up which can lead to major issues.
• Take care: Your mixer should be looked after with care whether it is being transported or stored to make sure it’s protected and safe in a cool, dry and secure place.

 

Additional Tips

 

• Wear the right safety equipment: Concrete can be dangerous if breathed in or if it gets in your eyes so always make sure to put the right gear on before getting a closer look at your concrete mixer.
• Troubleshoot first: It is also important to note that before you attempt fiddling around with your concrete mixer, you should first try to troubleshoot the situation. Doing something wrong could worsen the situation or cause additional issues to appear. If the problem with your cement mixer appears to be too confusing or you can’t identify the root cause, rather speak to a professional.

 

Reasons To Opt For A Concrete Mixer

 

Mixing concrete is a long and tough task, especially if you don’t have great upper body strength, spend long strenuous days out on the job, are feeling tired or don’t have much time to hand mix. Having well-mixed concrete is essential for creating high-quality, effective concrete that does the job.

 

Productivity: Concrete mixers are incredible machines that make it easier to mix batches of concrete with less effort and time so that your team can focus on other activities,

 

Improved quality: To achieve a superior mix, your ingredients need to be mixed evenly, this can be challenging to do by hand and may result in a weak, uneven lumpy mix. With our high-quality mixers, you will be able to produce consistently high-quality concrete for better performance.

 

Safer choice: Manual mixing involves strenuous repetitive motion which can result in fatigued muscles, or worse, injury. Having a mixer will reduce the amount of manual exertion.

 

Cost-effective: While purchasing a cement mixer from BS Power will involve an initial investment, the long-term benefits of increased efficiency, limited material wastage and reduction of labour costs, can often far outweigh that initial cost.

 

 

Get Your Concrete Mixer With BS Power

 

At BS Power we supply a comprehensive range of robust, high-performance equipment for professional and personal use. We stock a wide range of cement mixers that come in different sizes, from small portable mixers suitable for DIY projects to large industrial mixers capable of mixing large amounts of concrete in one go. Our concrete mixers also offer a variety of different features such as drum speed and discharge height.

 

BS Power has been servicing customers throughout South Africa for over two decades and we are passionate about helping our clients find the best total solution for their projects. Head to our online store to view our selection of high-quality mixers or feel free to contact us for guided assistance from our expert team.