Used Concrete Mixers

Concrete mixers are used to mix concrete during the processing of water, cement, and aggregate media, or during the delivery and final pour preparation. These mixers use a motor, a revolving drum, and a chute to mix the components homogeneously. Materials spin around in the drum, mixing together evenly while remaining soft for the application and formation of the concrete.

Applications

Concrete mixers, also commonly known as cement mixers, range from large commercial mixing trucks to small portable mixers, which may be referred to as “mini mixers." Commercial concrete mixers are typically used for mixing and transporting large volumes of concrete to a building site. For batches of concrete up to two cubic yards (1.83 cubic meters), portable concrete mixers are sufficient. Portable concrete mixers are commonly powered with electricity, and are situated on a base with wheels for providing easy transport.

Types

When selecting a concrete mixer, there are two main types to choose from: a mobile or stationary dispenser. Mobile concrete mixers are used for batching concrete in one area and then moving to another. Mobile mixers, such as trucks, are often used for pouring sidewalks and other applications where concrete is needed in multiple areas. This type of concrete mixer allows the user to control the amount of concrete that is needed in one area at a time and provides the ability to add additional media to the batch. Mobile concrete mixers will also mix the concrete and other materials without the addition of extra water. Stationary concrete mixers are another option for mixing applications. This type of mixer is designed to stay in place while concrete is being poured. There are three common types of stationary concrete mixers, including twin-shaft mixers, vertical axis mixers, and drum mixers. Twin-shaft style concrete mixers are known for high intensity mixing and short batch times. They are commonly used for mixing high strength concrete, often in batches of 2-6 m3. Vertical axis mixers include pan and planetary mixers, and are typically used for precast and prestressed concrete, colored concrete, small concrete batches, and for having multiple discharge points. Drum concrete mixers are used for producing large volumes of concrete. These mixers are noted for having high production speeds, low maintenance, and for being ideal for slump concrete. Other types of concrete mixers may also be commonly available.