Concrete Mixers

Concrete mixers help take some of the heavy stirring out of projects around the farm, home and jobsite, from setting fence posts to pouring a small shed pad or patching a walkway. By turning cement, aggregate and water together in a rotating drum, a concrete mixer helps create an even blend for placement and finishing. Choosing the right concrete mixing equipment starts with the size of your pour, how often you plan to mix and how easily you can move materials to the work area. Check the rated mixing capacity rather than drum size alone, since a drum needs open space for the ingredients to tumble properly. For smaller batches and tight work areas, a portable concrete mixer may make it easier to position the machine near your forms. For bigger jobs, think through your batch schedule, unloading method and available help so you can keep the pour moving without rushing. Access to power matters, too: An electric concrete mixer requires a suitable electrical supply, while gas-powered equipment must operate outdoors, well away from doors, windows and vents. Getting good results from a cement mixer takes more than loading the drum and letting it spin. Set your concrete mixer on firm, level ground, keep the work area clear and follow the equipment manual for loading, operation and cleaning. Measure ingredients carefully and follow the concrete mix manufacturer's directions for water amounts and mixing time; adding extra water to make a batch easier to pour can weaken the finished concrete. Have forms, reinforcement where required, and finishing tools ready before mixing begins, and plan a clear route for moving each batch. Wear waterproof gloves, eye protection and protective clothing to guard against wet concrete, and follow label precautions to limit exposure to dust while handling dry mix. Keep hands and tools away from moving parts, and shut down and disconnect the power source before servicing the machine. Clean the drum as directed before leftover concrete hardens, then follow the mix instructions for curing your finished project. Those simple steps help keep concrete mixing equipment ready for the next job and give your pour a better start.