Concrete mixers are vital pieces of machinery used in construction sectors across the world. They are designed for a singular, simple purpose of mixing concrete to the right consistency. Yet, like any piece of heavy machinery, they need to be used correctly and maintained well too. In this article, we are going to take a look at how a concrete mixer works as well as concrete mixer tips for getting the best and longest use out of the machine.
How do concrete mixers work?
A standing concrete mixer works on the same principle as a concrete mixing truck. Both have a large oval shaped drum or bucket that is turned constantly. The drum is always tilted to ensure that all the concrete is mixed well. When it comes to a standing concrete mixer, commonly used on building sites, there are a few basic steps to follow on how to get the best concrete mix;
Get the recipe right
The concrete mixture has to be 100% right in order for the best concrete to be made, just like baking a cake. You have to get the ingredients right. Concrete is made from stone, cement, sand and water with the ratio being;
- 1 x 50kg cement bag
- 90l of medium building sand
- 90l of stone/gravel
- 36l of water
The best way to mix concrete is to:
- First, add the stone/gravel while the mixer is running
- Add half the water and mix for a minute
- Add the cement mix and mix for a minute
- Add the sand and the rest of the water
- Let the entire mixture mix for three more minutes
Always tilt the drum
The concrete mixer or drum should always be used in a tilted position to ensure that all the concrete is mixed together well. Ideally, the drum should sit at a 60degree angle on the tilting wheel; just enough not to spill the contents.
Give the mix enough time
Under pressure, you may be tempted to hurry up the concrete mixing process. However, it is important to follow the recipe and always give enough time for the concrete to mix properly.
Don’ts when working with a concrete mixer machine
Here are a few points on what not to do when working with a concrete mixer:
- Don’t overload the mixer. Adhere to its weight capacity in order to get the right concrete consistency, if you overload the machine it might not mix properly and could even break the machine arm.
- Don’t forget to maintain the machine. You should grease the bearings and points of the mixer on a weekly basis.
- Don’t forget to check the ring gear for even running and adjust if required.
- Never leave the mix to dry. Each day you should spray the drum down with a high-pressure washer to get rid of any concrete left. If you don’t do this the concrete will dry and harden in the drum and could cause damage.
- Do not ever attempt to hit the drum with a spade or object to remove old hardened concrete, as it can distort the shape of the drum, which can cause severe damage to the machine.
To keep your concrete mixer in good working order, daily checks should be done on the engine, like the air cleaner for example to make sure it’s clear of dust or dirt and check the oil level. The drive belt should be checked daily as well for correct alignment and tension.
For more information go to our product page and read more about concrete mixers or contact the specialists in power products today.
Call Goscor Power Products on 087 806 6871\2 or request a concrete mixer quote now.
