Concrete Mixers: What You Need To Know

Mixing concrete by hand can be exhausting work. 

 

For fellow DIY-ers on projects that require large amounts of cement or concrete, ‘how to use a concrete mixer’ is often a key consideration that ends up saving them a lot of time, money, and labour.

 

If you’re in this boat and want to master how to use a concrete mixer, the good news is that these mixers are both affordable to buy or hire and simple to operate. 

No matter what kind of project you are taking on, the basic operating steps for using a mixer will be the same. Our tips on how to get the most out of your mixer will therefore be beneficial, whether you are pouring a building’s foundation or creating a few steps for your garden.

How to Use a Concrete Mixer: Getting Started

Whether you are hiring a concrete mixer for a large construction job or just a few bags for your garden, it’s important that you choose a cement mixer that is up for the job and can help you get things done efficiently.

Concrete mixers make mixing large amounts of concrete and cement easy. To be effective, concrete needs to be mixed well and quickly, which is hard to do by hand. Mixers are ideal for all kinds of projects, from small do-it-yourself home improvement projects to large commercial construction projects.

 

If you want to know how to use a cement mixer properly, we're here to help you with these simple steps. HSS is the go-to place for hiring cement mixers and building equipment. If you're ready to start your project, get your equipment from us today. 

Choosing the Right Concrete Mixer Type

There is a wide range of mixers to choose from depending on the job you need to complete. 

With so many options, it can be difficult to know what will work best for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a cement mixer:

1. Mixer Capacity

One of the most important things to look for when you choose a cement mixer is size. 

If you are taking on a large project, which will require a lot of concrete, you should hire a larger mixer, such as a drum or barrel mixer, which can prepare more concrete at once, making your job easier. 

If you're just mixing small batches of concrete, then a smaller machine will be sufficient. 

2. Mixer Type

Cement mixers come in three types: planetary, drum, and continuous feed. 

Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages:

• Planetary mixers are typically cheaper than drum mixers but take longer to complete a batch
• Drum mixers are faster but more expensive than planetary models
• Continuous-feed mixers allow for continuous mixing without waiting for the batch to finish before starting another one (which makes them ideal for large jobs)

Bulk Concrete Mixers 

If you're mixing mortar or concrete in bulk on site, this heavy-duty, diesel-powered, trolley-mounted mixer is the one for you.

With a high-speed paddle and a large hopper, it can mix up to 110 litres of concrete in a 6-minute cycle. The trolley design means that you can easily move the mixer around your site with ease – and it's also great for mixing granular materials like sand and gravel.

The whole unit is made from steel – including the drum – so it's built to last. It has an adjustable safety guard so you can keep your distance from the blade, as well as a safety switch, which prevents accidental activation of the motor when not in use.

Tip-Up Cement Mixers

For small to medium-sized projects, a tip-up concrete mixer is a good choice. These mixers aren’t as large as bulk mixers, but can still mix quite a lot of concrete.

 A tip-up cement mixer is compact and portable for easy transportation.

The mixer's compact size makes it ideal for small jobs, such as building decks or sheds. The mixer can be wheeled around the site or left in place if needed.

The mixer features a large mixing drum that holds up to 85 litres of concrete. 

When the concrete is ready, you can easily tilt the mixer over, pouring the wet mixture into a wheelbarrow.  

Be sure to choose a mixer that has adequate safety features and is easy to use. Consider the area you are working in and choose a model that lends itself to things like rough ground, obstacles and tight spaces, if needed.

How to Use a Concrete Mixer in 5 Steps

In this blog, we’ll talk you through how to operate a petrol concrete mixture. Most concrete mixers are operated the same way; however, you should always read the instructions to be sure that you use yours correctly and safely.

This fuel-powered mixer utilises a four-stroke petrol engine, meaning that unleaded petrol will need to be obtained before use.