How to choose a concrete mixer for your home and garden + Video

Concrete is one of the most common building materials. Its mechanical characteristics after hardening largely depend on the quality of mixing. To mix the working solution on construction sites and in everyday life, concrete mixers are used, which are also called concrete mixers. The use of this special equipment, compared to manual mixing of the prepared mixture with a shovel, can significantly increase productivity, as well as improve the quality of poured concrete. The market is filled with models of various types, having different technical and operational characteristics. This article will help you choose the best technology option for both home and professional use.

How to choose a concrete mixer

When choosing a concrete mixer with a girdle drive, you need to pay attention to several main points - the material and strength of the frame, the characteristics of the container and the engine. Design of a crown type concrete mixer

Design of a crown type concrete mixer

Barrel volume

This is the most important indicator when choosing a concrete mixer that you should pay attention to. Modern manufacturers offer devices with a wide range of mixing tank capacities - from 30 liters

up to 300 l.

For private use, you can settle on the golden mean. Particularly popular are devices with a tank volume of 130 - 160 liters. They are characterized by high productivity with a low weight of the device, and allow you to carry out both large and minor concrete work.

The thickness of the barrel walls plays an important role. If strength is a priority, then you need to take a model with thicker walls, but keep in mind that it will have significant weight. If an important quality is the ability to move the unit around a construction site, then a thin-walled model will be lighter and more maneuverable.

Dependence of the finished solution on the volume of the drum

Concrete mixer tank

Engine power

Depending on the duration of the continuous cycle during which the unit will operate and the load on it, the choice of model of a particular power depends. For example, if you need to prepare the mixture for 6 hours continuously, you will need a model with a power of 1 kW. For private use, a concrete mixer with a power of 800 W is sufficient.

The choice of power is also influenced by the nature of the load, which depends on the volume of the solution being mixed - it should not exceed the calculated working volume of the device. In case of overload, engine and transmission damage may occur.

The table below shows the ratio of power, volume, weight and dimensions of the concrete mixer.

Capacity volume	Motor power	Length, mm	Width, mm	Height, mm	Weight, kg
200	1,1	1200	1050	1400	140
250	0,75	1620	1070	1500	200
300	1,1	1620	1070	1500	220
350	1,1	1620	1070	1500	240
500	2,2	1270	1650	1730	360

Engine of a concrete mixer

Gear material

Metal must be used as the material for manufacturing. It may be cast iron, but steel is much more practical, since it is not inferior to cast iron in strength, and has less weight.

It is important to pay attention to the thickness and strength of the shaft to which the drive gear is attached. In this case, a slight backlash is allowed

Metal gear

Crown material

Structurally, the crown is a part with teeth surrounding the kneading container, to which the belt clings. The most common materials for their manufacture are cast iron and plastic. Modern polymers are not inferior in strength and durability to steel or cast iron products.

A concrete mixer with a plastic crown is much cheaper and does not burden the unit due to its low weight. The polymer material affects the noise level during operation of the concrete mixer - with a plastic part it is much quieter.

Cast iron crown

Rotating device

The operation of a concrete mixer is associated with periodic mechanical changes in the position of the container. It will be more convenient to switch the container position mode if the rotating mechanism is made in the form of a wheel.

Options for rotating device in the form of a lever and a wheel

The video in this article will help you evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of crown and gear concrete mixers in order to decide on the choice of the required model.

Rating of the 7 best concrete mixers for 2021

Wester BTM120A

A completely compact device with a power of 600 W and a capacity of 120 liters. Power is supplied via a regular network. The drum rotates at a speed of 28 revolutions per minute. The weight of the unit is 46 kg. For more comfortable transportation, small wheels are provided. Thus, the device becomes surprisingly mobile. If you need to pour the foundation of a house or carry out finishing work at a dacha, then such a device will become an indispensable assistant.

The noise from a concrete mixer is quite impressive, but this is a feature of almost all such devices. Numerous positive customer reviews confirm the high quality of the design. With all this, the manufacturer has maintained a budget price, which can be called a significant advantage for equipment with such a displacement. In general, the model has an optimal price/quality ratio, so the purchase will be completely worth it.

Cost: from 12,994 to 12,999 rubles.

Affordable price;
Mobility;
Availability of wheels for convenient transportation;
Excellent characteristics;
Reliability;
High quality build.

High noise level.

Wester BTM120A concrete mixer

Zitrek Z200 024-0984

The model is considered one of the cheapest, but at the same time retains excellent functionality and high quality. Although it is made in China, the result is more than worthy. The concrete mixer is designed for 200 liters; 150 liters of mortar can be mixed at a time. The engine has a power of 800 W, the crown is made of cast iron. In total, the product weighs 63 kg. There are also wheels that make the device easier to transport. Thus, in an empty state, the unit can be moved by just one person a couple of tens of meters. The manufacturer provides a one-year warranty. The device will perform well during home use if the load is not too intense. If kneading speed is a priority, then it is better not to knead more than 100 liters at a time. However, along with other concrete mixers, the model stands out for its high-quality assembly.

However, it was not without its drawbacks. So, the legs of the support become loose after some time, so they need to be supported with a block to prevent this from happening. Also, you should not overload the device, otherwise it will not last long. For this reason, it is better not to knead more than 120 liters at a time.

Cost: 14,571 rub.

It is highly reliable if it is not overloaded;
The engine does not overheat;
High level of productivity;
Cast iron crown;
The metal is quite thick;
Affordable price;
Has wheels for easy transportation.

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The motor power does not correspond to the declared data;
The supports become loose over time.

Concrete mixer Zitrek Z200 024-0984

VORTEX BM-180 74/1/4

The engine has a power of 550 W. Also noted is the presence of an electric drive, a cast iron crown and excellent performance. With all this, the concrete mixer has retained its compact dimensions and relatively light weight. Thanks to these advantages, the model can be easily moved around the construction site. The motor has reliable and durable protection in the form of a casing. Therefore, with proper care, the device is durable and reliable. The stiffening ribs that complement the structure give it additional strength. And the wheel of the tipping mechanism, characterized by an increased level of convenience, significantly simplifies the work in the process of making the mixture.

In their reviews, users call the concrete mixer one of the best in its capacity. It will become indispensable both for professional activities and for home use. Moreover, there is protection against overheating.

Cost: from 15,390 to 15,890 rubles.

The presence of additional stiffening ribs is noted to strengthen the structure;
Small dimensions;
Light weight;
Availability of overheating protection;
Ability to work with the device alone;
The motor is reliably protected.

Some of the reviews complain about the equipment not matching the stated list, i.e. sometimes details are missing.

Concrete mixer VORTEX BM-180 74/1/4

Eco CM-192

This concrete mixer is equipped with an electromagnetic switch. Moreover, there is a protection system against accidental start-up and an air-cooled asynchronous motor. Tipping the bowl is more convenient. This is achieved by slowly tilting the steering wheel. Quite durable material was used in the manufacture of the support frame. Both gears (drive and driven) are cast iron, which once again confirms the high quality of the product. The drive belt is of the ripple type and is considered highly durable. It is reinforced with synthetic reinforcing cord. This ensures durability and reliability.

Users in their reviews note a powerful engine that works great even when fully loaded. Also, during intensive use, the solution does not splash out, but the mixing is quite fast. Moreover, the design is easy to assemble and equipped with wheels for transportation, so the model can safely be called very mobile. But doubts arose about sustainability. Some complain that when fully loaded the unit becomes unstable, especially if the surface is not completely smooth.

Cost: from 14,470 to 17,430 rubles.

Affordable price;
Use of quality materials;
Excellent work with any amount of solution;
Mobility;
Availability of a protection system against accidental activation of the mechanism.

There is some instability.

Concrete mixer Eco CM-192

BISON Master BS-180-850

The model is considered an excellent tool for preparing mortars. It has a simple design and reliable elements. The case is made of steel and has a thickness of 2 mm, which is considered a good indicator. So, the walls will not be erased after a month. The indicated characteristics include not only the total volume indicator, but also the value of the actual volume of the finished batch. This is rarely found in products from domestic manufacturers. The coating is made using special solutions and materials, so it will perfectly withstand external work in harsh climatic and operating conditions. The presence of an electromagnetic switch is noted. With its help, the risk of accidental switching on when voltage is restored is minimized. The crown is made of cast iron, which guarantees long and reliable service.

The motor is asynchronous. It does not require maintenance throughout its entire service life. The blades are bolted to the body. Thus, they do not break off during use due to constant vibrations. However, in critical cases they can be easily replaced in any conditions. The drum can be fixed at any angle, so unloading the finished solution is greatly simplified. When studying a huge number of reviews, it becomes clear that the model will become indispensable during construction work both in the private sphere and on the construction site.

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Cost: from 12,261 to 15,990 rubles.

Walls of optimal thickness;
High-quality coating that can withstand any conditions;
Use of high quality materials;
Asynchronous motor;
Fixing the drum at a convenient angle;
Affordable price.

Not detected.

Concrete mixer BISON Master BS-180-850

ELITECH Concrete mixer B120

The concrete mixer is intended for use on construction sites when it is necessary to prepare solutions or concrete mixtures. It is based on a high-quality asynchronous motor. There is a high degree of protection against dust and moisture. The design is characterized by increased ease of use. The circular knob allows you to change the position of the tank. The crown is made of cast iron, which increases the overall strength of the mechanism. The model is compact and relatively light weight, so it can be easily transported. This is facilitated by the presence of small wheels. At the same time, the cost remains low. The walls of the tank were not particularly pleasing with their thickness - 1.5 mm. With intensive use, they will be erased due to constant interaction with solutions. The manufacturer promises to prepare the solution in just 5 minutes. In addition, there is an increased degree of electrical protection.

Cost: 9,200 rub.

Asynchronous motor;
Reliable protection from dust and moisture;
Comfortable, high quality design;
Mobility;
Affordable price.

The engine gets very hot.

Concrete mixer ELITECH Concrete mixer B120

Parma BSL-200CH

The model is used during construction work for mixing mobile concrete solutions and plaster mixtures. Powder paint allows you to create a wear-resistant coating. Reliable protection against corrosion is noted. Steel tank. The material is of high quality and quite durable, so a long service life is guaranteed. If the engine overheats, operation stops. This is due to the presence of a special thermal relay with which the motor is equipped. This allows you to protect the structure and, accordingly, extend its service life. The drive contains a steel insert. This increases reliability when turning the shaft under maximum loads.

Buyers in their reviews note the inability of the concrete mixer to work for a long period of time. This is especially true when the drum of the model is fully loaded. With constant such use, the device quickly breaks down, so you should use the system sparingly.

Cost: from 14,230 to 15,520 rubles.

High-quality assembly;
Excellent corrosion-resistant coating;
Use of reliable and durable materials;
Engine overheat protection.

Cannot withstand maximum load.

Concrete mixer Parma BSL-200Ch

Concrete mixer drive

Which concrete mixer to choose also involves selecting the type of its drive. As a rule, this is an electric motor, but there are other options.

Homemade manual drive

Let's describe them:

Manual drive. There are no industrially manufactured samples, but hand-made ones are not that rare. One can argue about the effectiveness, but it seems to me that it is still more convenient than shoveling the solution, and the mixture turns out to be more homogeneous.
The second option is a drive from the power take-off shaft of the machine. An excellent solution to the problem is a concrete mixer for the home, which one to choose if you have a tractor or walk-behind tractor. The problem of pulling power cables and protecting them from accidental damage disappears.

PTO driven design: how to choose a concrete mixing plant

Driven by its own internal combustion engine. There are also such models. They are several times more expensive and have decent dimensions and weight.

The photo below shows just such a model. They are mainly used not by private owners, but by construction organizations.

Choosing a concrete mixer for your dacha should not stop at this option, since if there really are problems with the power supply, then it is easier to purchase a separate generator with an internal combustion engine, from which you can power other power tools, a welding transformer, and also use it as a backup power source for your home .

Concrete mixer with diesel engine

For domestic use, concrete mixers are usually chosen with a single-phase motor or (more often) with a three-phase motor connected to a single-phase network. This is not entirely correct; the efficiency of the unit and, consequently, energy costs are significantly reduced.

When thinking about how to choose the right concrete mixer, if possible, and this is not difficult, install a full-fledged power network on your site and choose three-phase models. By the way, this also applies to any other home craftsman’s equipment.

By design, drives are divided into gear and girth drives. Let's consider the question of how to choose a concrete mixer, taking into account these structural differences.

Gear drive

Even the slowest electric motor does not provide the low speed required for high-quality mixing of concrete. Therefore, the drum shaft is connected to the engine not directly, but through a reduction gearbox, or less often, through a belt drive.

This method of transmitting torque is considered by many to be the best, since the gears are hidden from contamination by the housing and are reliably lubricated. When advising on how to choose a concrete mixing plant, we note that the gear drive also has disadvantages, which many are silent about. The axis around which the drum tilts is located above the center of gravity.

In addition, in the case of unloading the mixture from a concrete mixer with a gear drive, the lever has to lift the mass of ready-made concrete, and the weight of the motor and gearbox, located at a large distance from the axis, is added to it. For small-volume concrete mixers this is not a problem, but if the volume is larger than a cube, then it is necessary to provide either a large-diameter steering wheel, or an additional gearbox, or even an autonomous drive.

In addition, this design increases the height of the neck, therefore making it difficult to load the mixture components.

Another disadvantage of the gearbox is that if it fails, repairing it is relatively difficult and expensive, and for units from some manufacturers it is difficult to find spare parts. When deciding how to choose a concrete mixer for your home, take this feature into account.

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Gear drive

In this case, the gear on the shaft moves through an intermediate belt drive, or the gearbox interacts with the rim on the outer surface of the drum, which is located in the same plane as its rotation axis for loading and unloading.

Gear drive

This design is simpler. It does not increase the weight of the drum, since the drive is mounted on the mixer frame. The height of the mixer may be slightly higher than the height of the drum.

The disadvantages in all the advice are “how to choose a concrete mixer?” include the fact that the gear and ring are not protected from contamination. They can quickly fail from interaction with abrasive particles of aggregates, cement and hardened concrete. This happens especially often if these parts are made not of steel, cast iron or, in extreme cases, of fluoroplastic, but of cheap polymers.

But if there are no problems with spare parts, then repairs are simple. If you work carefully, the problem of contamination is not so acute. The disadvantages of a ring drive include increased noise if the ring and gear are metal. This is a disadvantage if the work is carried out in a residential apartment building.

Concrete mixer designs

The most commonly used are gravity concrete mixers equipped with a rotating container
. In fact, they are pear-shaped devices equipped with a tipping loading mechanism. The blades, due to the work of which mixing occurs, are located on the walls of the container. The quality of the mixture and the speed of its mixing depend on the rotation speed of the container, the number of blades and the angle of inclination of the bowl. The main advantages of a gravity concrete mixer with a rotating container are reliability of installation, simplicity of design, quick unloading of the device, low energy load, and the possibility of using coarse aggregate.

Continuous gravity type construction mixers

They consist of a cylindrical drum supported by two bands on support rollers. To prevent the drum from moving horizontally, one of the tires rests against the support rollers with its outer surfaces. The rollers themselves are mounted on a metal frame, which is installed, in turn, on a concrete foundation. From the electric motor (through the ring gear and gearbox), rotation is transmitted to the drum. Inside it, 30 bucket-type blades are installed along a helical line. They lift the elements of the solution and ensure their free fall.

The gravity concrete mixer is loaded by rotating the drum through the loading funnel. In this case, the blades capture the concrete mixture, lift it up and throw it down. As the solution falls, it moves to the discharge end of the drum along its axis. Thorough mixing of the mixture components is ensured by the special arrangement of the blades. There is a special tray at the end of the drum to unload the mixture. Water is supplied to the drum through pipes, and the dosage is monitored by a special device - a water meter.

Continuous forced mixing concrete mixers

They are most often used in stationary and mobile concrete plants.
Their body is welded from sheet steel and lined inside with a lining made of armor plates or sheet steel of increased wear resistance to ensure long-term operation. The housing is installed on the frame and closed with a lid on top. Two shafts with mixing blades attached to them are installed inside the housing. When starting, the shafts begin to rotate towards each other. In order for the mixture to move in the desired direction, the blades are installed along an intermittent helical line. This design of the construction mixer ensures intensive mixing and movement of the mixture to the discharge hole due to the presence of counter flows. The productivity of a concrete mixer with forced mixing is adjusted by rotating the blades from 0 to 90 degrees relative to the shaft axis.

The drive of the shafts of such a concrete mixer is carried out from an electric motor through an open gear transmission, a gearbox and a V-belt drive. The loading hopper is installed at the front of the construction mixer. The dry mixture is continuously fed into it. At the other end of the concrete mixer there is a pipeline supplying water to the device. The finished solution is transferred to a special storage tank or directly to vehicles. During interruptions in the supply of vehicles, the storage tank makes it possible to collect the concrete mixture, ensuring the fastest possible loading of vehicles and preventing downtime of the concrete mixer. In order for the finished mixture to be of high quality, it is necessary to accurately calculate the ratio of the components supplied to the device.

Concrete mixers of cyclic action, forced, with a fixed container.

The main function of devices of this type is to produce mobile, molding, rigid concrete and lightweight concrete with special additives. Currently, the most common are two subtypes of such concrete mixers, equipped with:

cylindrical body with a vertical shaft.
trough-shaped body with a horizontal shaft.

Their main advantage is the production of high quality solution. In addition, builders value them for their versatility, which allows them to produce mortars of varying mobility and density.

Concrete mixers are forced, cyclic, with horizontal shafts.

The container of such concrete mixers is made in the form of a trough. The blades that mix the solution are located on horizontal shafts. This design ensures thorough mixing of the solution. The main disadvantage of these devices is considered to be:

difficulty in repairing the mixing part;
large mass of the mixer relative to the working volume of the container;
using only small and medium-sized aggregates;
long unloading of finished material.

Forced concrete mixers, cyclic, with vertical shafts.

The mixing container of such mixers is made in the form of a cylindrical bowl, additionally equipped with a selection cylinder inside.
This inner cylinder prevents mixture from accumulating in the center of the device. The mixing part is constructed of four racks on which mixing and sampling blades are attached. This type of concrete mixer is considered the most universal. At the same time, the solution it creates is of high quality, which is why this technique is quite popular in the construction environment. With the help of these devices it is possible to make rigid molding compositions as well as low-slump and mobile concrete. The disadvantages of forced concrete mixers in this category include too high power of the electric motor and the inability to use components for mixtures of different densities.

Planetary cyclic concrete mixers

They belong to forced concrete mixers and have the following advantages:

high quality mixing with relatively little time;
cleaning the walls of the container using selected scrapers;
the ability to use components of different densities and obtain high-quality finished material.

However, for all their advantages, planetary concrete mixers are quite expensive and technically complex (complex transmission, high drive power, need for regular maintenance). However, they are highly productive and produce a superior quality blend.

Criterias of choice

Although the design of concrete mixers is quite simple, if it fails at the most crucial moment, the entire construction will stop. It will also be unpleasant if it does not function effectively enough. For high-quality work, in order to understand which concrete mixer is better, even when choosing it, you need to evaluate some additional parameters.

Forced or combined gravity

It all depends on the price that the buyer is willing to pay and the solution that will have to be worked with. Forced concrete mixers mix faster, but they consume more electricity and do not cope well with large fractions of impurities (at least household devices).

The design of gravity ones is simpler, so they are highly reliable and unpretentious. The unloading of the solution from forced concrete mixers is most often done through a hatch in the bottom of the mixer, while the gravity bucket simply tilts and the finished mixture is poured out.

As a result, the optimal choice of a good concrete mixer for the home is a combined gravity mixer.

Solution drum capacity

This indicator determines how much solution the concrete mixer can prepare in one cycle. It should be borne in mind that it is not recommended to fill the tub more than 30-40% - otherwise the solution may splash out or mix poorly. For home use, in most cases, a device with a capacity of 100-150 liters is sufficient. The maximum for household mixers is 350 liters, and for periodic work 50-60 is enough.

Motor power

How to choose a concrete mixer if the larger volume of the mixer requires less engine power? This is one of the controversial indicators and it depends more on the personal preferences of the owner of the concrete mixer

Things to take into account:

Electricity consumption. On the one hand, the more powerful the engine, the greater the electricity consumption

In practice, few people during construction pay attention to the overconsumption of a dozen or two, even a hundred or two kilowatts. Starting a concrete mixer after an unscheduled stop, for example, if the power was cut off or the cable was pulled out of the socket. Yes, a weaker engine may not be able to pull a full drum, but usually it’s enough to just turn it a little by hand for the engine to pick up speed and “move” further

Reviews from owners of concrete mixers say that a 0.7-1 kilowatt engine is quite enough for reliable operation of the device with a drum of up to 130 liters. It’s another matter if the concrete mixer is of a forced type - with it such “help” is a very traumatic activity. Engine overheating. All manufacturers of household appliances recommend not to overload the concrete mixer and periodically allow it to “rest”. In practice, this recommendation is rarely heeded - often the concrete mixer simply does not turn off (at least the gravity mixer), and the components are loaded and unloaded on the go.

As a result, the main criterion is possible overheating, so it is better not to take engines of too small power into account

The golden mean is 0.75-1 kilowatt and it is advisable to pay attention to the ventilation of the motor

"Seasonality" of use

The first question is relevant only if the work is planned at sub-zero temperatures. By default, any concrete mixer will operate without failure in the temperature range from +5 to +40 °C. If you plan to operate it at sub-zero temperatures, then you need to take a closer look at the winter versions of the device.

If you need to start a “summer” concrete mixer in winter, you must remember the possibility of condensation forming in the engine, which will lead to a short circuit. It is advisable to carefully warm it up before starting it with a blowtorch or heat gun, start it and then do not turn it off.

Number of motor phases

The number of phases has one dependence - a single-phase device can be powered from a three-phase network, but the opposite cannot be done. Three-phase motors are installed on industrial equipment; you rarely see them in household devices.

It is also worth considering whether a concrete mixer will work in one place, or whether it will be transported from site to site - if three phases exist “here and now”, it is not a fact that they will be “there and then”.

Visually about the selection of design in the video:

Characteristics of concrete mixers

Drum size

First of all, you need to decide on the size of the drum. The subtlety in choosing the volume of the mixer lies in its size, and it does not always coincide with the working volume of the finished solution. This happens due to design features. Therefore, when choosing, we focus on a larger volume than you require. For example, if we are talking about small construction sites (a one-story or two-story house in the country), then you can use household concrete mixers from 45 liters to 150 liters.

Power

High indicators of this characteristic do not mean at all that the concrete mixer is capable of producing a large amount of solution. Rather, power affects the ability of the device to better mix heavy and large fractions of concrete. As a rule, it all depends on the volume of equipment. The larger the drum, the more powerful the engine must be. For a drum up to 150 liters, a 700 watt engine is quite suitable. We must not forget that the less powerful the engine, the less electricity it consumes.

Operating mode

If you need to stop the drum from time to time and then start it again, then the question of which concrete mixer to choose resolves itself. In this case, you will need a device that can operate periodically. If a continuous concrete mixer is used, then its technical characteristics will not allow stopping the process of mixing the solution.

Material from which the drum is made

Most models are made of steel. It all depends on its thickness. It must be borne in mind that the solution has the ability to corrode the walls of the drum. Therefore, if you count on the durability of the device, then choose a wall thickness of at least 1-2 mm.

Motor protection

The concrete mixer engine must be protected by a special casing or located in a metal box. Because you often have to work outdoors.

Decide for yourself what time of year you are going to do construction. Most models are designed for the spring-summer-autumn period. It is not recommended to do masonry and pouring in winter, because the quality of concrete deteriorates sharply. However, especially for our harsh climate in Russia, the production of special concrete mixers has been launched, which allow pouring in winter, preventing a decrease in the quality and properties of concrete produced at low temperatures.

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Watch the video on the Internet, it will help you decide on the choice of concrete mixer.

The best are made in Germany, Italy and France. Good models are produced by Croatian and Polish manufacturers. Foreign tools are more convenient to use, as they are equipped with wheels or carts for transportation.

Although, in terms of performance and service life, domestic models compare favorably with quality. And the cost of our products is much lower.

Types of concrete mixers

Mixing units are divided into two categories according to the principle of operation - gravitational (rotary) and forced.

Gravitational type of action

This type of equipment is used for private construction and other household uses. It is a barrel-shaped container with internal blades. The tank rotates around its axis, with a possible change in the position of the container in the horizontal plane.

While mixing the solution, it sticks to the walls of the tank and then, under the influence of gravitational forces, falls. The rotation speed increases when the barrel is tilted. Such a concrete mixer mixes both cement and concrete, or other mortar with coarse filler, with equal quality.

Concrete mixer with gravity principle of operation

Forced action type

This equipment is based on a stationary drum equipped with rotating blades. Such units are convenient for mixing solutions with various fillers.

The finished mixture is unloaded through a window located on the side of the drum. This installation is equipped with a powerful motor, so it consumes a large amount of electricity. Belongs to the class of professional equipment.

Forced type concrete mixer

What else should you pay attention to?

We have listed the most important characteristics that you should pay attention to when choosing a concrete mixer. Among other things, it is worth asking the seller about the manufacturer of the unit, its warranty obligations and the availability of service centers (where you can contact if the machine breaks down)

The country and manufacturer are selected depending on the personal preferences of the buyer. Remember that both domestic and imported models have both high-quality and low-quality options.

But customer service points must be present in your city. If there are none, be prepared for the fact that if the concrete mixer malfunctions, it will need to be sent to the supplier, which will take quite a lot of time. And most importantly, do not forget that when choosing a concrete mixer, you should give preference to models whose capacity is one third larger than the volume you need.

Lebedyansky plant of construction finishing machines lzsom.ru.

Homemade concrete mixer - instructions for making the device

Construction of any type uses concrete material. In the case of the construction of a small-sized object, a DIY household concrete mixer, made independently, will come to the rescue. Preparing concrete manually, without a concrete mixer, is labor-intensive, and buying or renting a construction unit is quite expensive, so the homemade option is often used.

Advantages and disadvantages

When it is planned to repair or rebuild an independent structure, the first material used will be concrete mortar. When constructing large buildings, it is practiced to order ready-made concrete or use a large professional electric or mechanical concrete mixer.

For the construction of small-scale structures, an actual replacement would be a concrete mixer or a self-made foam concrete mixer; it can have the desired dimensions and mix the required proportions of building materials.

Professionals who have encountered making a concrete mixer at home recommend first practicing on a purchased device, for example, a mobile BX 65 or Parma B-101-E, in order to better understand the principle of operation of the unit, calculate convenient parameters for operation and make a drawing of the device.

At home, you can make a concrete mixer using available parts, which will significantly save money. The concrete mixing system has the following technical advantages:

comfortable shape;
production from scrap materials;
the mechanism of action of a homemade product is practically no different from the purchased version;
The power of the electric motor in the case of an electric concrete mixer is selected at your discretion;
volume of concrete mixer depending on wishes;
economical repair and replacement of parts;
making your own concrete mixer is a reason to be proud.

The disadvantages include factors such as:

unkneaded residues in the corners of the container;
constant monitoring of the mixing process;
waste of time on invention.

Container for a concrete mixer: manufacturing details

A large volume of a concrete mixer does not mean good; a large unit requires a lot of energy. Both small and large containers are distinguished by the limitation of concrete based on one cycle of starting the mechanism, so you should choose the capacity parameters that are statistically average; the current solution is a tank from a 200-liter barrel.

For a homemade product, you need to prepare a metal barrel with a volume of up to two hundred liters. The production of homemade concrete mixers of any type is based on general technological principles. To carry out the procedure, you will need a strong container with a cylindrical shape and a bulb with an average volume of 150-200 liters. Next, strong metal for the proposed frame; for small mixers, wooden or plastic holders, blades for turning the solution, a bucket for unloading and transferring the material to the tractor are suitable or other special equipment, a gearbox or electric motor for a concrete mixer. For movement, the unit is installed on rollers. Innovators will find this manual helpful, which will help them quickly make a homemade concrete mixer. Required:

A metal tank that is responsible for the volume of the concrete mixer.
A steel rod or angle will be the basis of the frame.
Two new or previously used bearings.
A metal pipe or a piece of fittings, this will be an axis and a handle.
Grinders and welding machines.
Mechanical sketch or computer program "designer".

How to do it yourself: detailed instructions

A homemade forced-action concrete mixer, which is used to produce all types of concrete, including foam concrete, is made at home in this way:

For high-quality mixing of the mortar, you need to weld the blades inside the container.

Cut a rectangular hole in the center of the flask or barrel so that a narrow gap is formed equal to the joints. Weld a protrusion from a metal profile inside the container and seal it using rubber.
Use a grinder to cut a round hole in the bottom of the barrel; this will be a lid that only swings outwards; for reliability, install metal cufflinks and a lock. It is not necessary to weld the hole for filling the solution; the standard barrier will become a completely reliable protection against spontaneous opening.
Weld 3-4 blades inside the cylinder, which will be responsible for the quality of the material mixing.
The sides of the tank, closer to the center, are where the bearings are located, which need to be welded with a welding machine. A steel axle with a hub is also attached there.
Attach the prepared cylinder to the frame, weld a metal handle on the other side and the do-it-yourself manual concrete mixer is ready for use.

Drawings of homemade concrete mixers

Many people practice connecting the electric motor of a concrete mixer with a homemade version based on the purchased brand “Gambit RBG-250”; for this you do not need to buy a new part; an electric motor from an old washing machine or even a moped is quite suitable. No less popular are electrical circuits, the differences of which lie in the automation of concrete mixing, however, the machines will be completely dependent on electricity. The electrical circuit built into the device is especially relevant for heavy concrete, the mixing of which requires special power costs if the concrete mixer is auger (forced action).
For wood concrete, a manually driven concrete mixer is suitable. For a concrete mixer, you can use a motor from a washing machine, which can withstand more load. High-quality mixing of concrete is possible only with active torsion and turning of the solution. The motor from the washing machine, which can withstand heavy loads, can handle this task well. The average rpm threshold should be no less than 20 per minute. This quantity is provided by gearboxes of various designs that have a coupling belt system.

Development of mechanisms: subtleties

Gravity system

The best purchased option for such a concrete mixer would be a 180 liter Bruder or Zitrek; the Skiper CM-120 brand is no less popular, although this is a more expensive option. Or you can save money completely by making a gravity-type concrete mixer yourself from scrap materials, using a drawing of the device. This type differs from other options in the mixing method, which is carried out using gravity. A mandatory point is the presence of fixed blades inside the drum. The difference is that the drum is located on an axis so that the pear can tip over freely, which simplifies the moment before transferring the solution to a tractor or to a construction trolley. A gravity concrete mixer allows you to prepare cement mortar from fillers of different fractions. There are both manual, forced type, and electric.

Mechanical concrete mixer

When making a concrete mixer, it is necessary to decide on the operating mechanism, for example, whether there will be a built-in mixer or not. The construction of small structures or the usual pouring of the foundation does not require large concrete mixers; developers often make do with homemade mechanisms that differ in the principle of influence, namely:

Forced mechanical method. Often combined with gravity. The principle of the device is a horizontal or inclined pear with a built-in mixer inside. There are also mixerless concrete mixers, in which case the fixed blades are responsible for the quality of the mix. Purchased analogues - Limex 190 LS, Lebedyan.
Forced vibration. While mixing concrete, the container remains motionless. The role of the mixer is carried out by the mixer, which produces compression waves. An electric drive is used, the power of which must be no less than 1.5 kW.
Combined gravitational-mechanical. Involves combining two methods.

How to make an electric drive: advice from professionals

Differences from other concrete mixers:

stationary tank;
movable blades that actively mix the solution.

The electric drive unit does not require a sealed hole compared to manual devices; this is considered the main advantage of the mixer. The disadvantages include the need for additional parts, such as oil seals and the axis of the drive itself. A do-it-yourself electric concrete mixer made from a barrel is the best option, its volume is 200 liters. Additional metal sheets are welded onto the walls of the container, and the upper part is welded with iron rods. The base is constructed from a profiled pipe. For high-quality operation, the tank must be firmly secured, without the possibility of spontaneous movement. The hole for the components is located at the top.

The discharge of ready-made concrete into a tractor bucket or onto a construction minitractor is located on the right or left side and is fixed, sealed with rubber, with a shutter.

Organization of transmission using a motorcycle chain and a second belt

Specifications

The fundamental criteria when choosing a concrete mixer are usually its volume and power.
The overall performance of the device and the ease of its use in specific construction conditions depend on the volume and power.

Instruments with the following drum volume are widely used:

Up to 100 liters. These are lightweight, compact concrete mixers designed to be operated by one person. They are convenient for the construction of small outbuildings: garages, sheds, gazebos, etc.
From 100 to 150 liters. Such concrete mixers are the most popular; their potential is quite sufficient for the construction of one-story residential buildings, country houses, garages and other simple buildings. The weight of the device still remains small - up to 50 kg.
From 150 to 300 liters. Such a volume indicates a serious construction tool that will justify itself in the construction of two- and three-story buildings. Typically, these concrete mixers are operated by several people. Weight reaches 100 kg.
More than 300 liters. This volume is justified only on large-scale construction sites where a large team of workers is involved. Transporting the concrete mixer poses serious difficulties here - its weight will be at least 150 kg.

Many modern models with a capacity of 120 liters or more have automatic loading and unloading systems that simplify the work of the concrete mixer. Of course, this also affects the cost of the device. Simpler devices are equipped with a manual tilt and reset mechanism - a “steering wheel”.

Expert opinion Kuznetsov Vasily Stepanovich

Regardless of the volume of your concrete mixer, it should be loaded only 50-65%. Otherwise, there is a high risk of engine overheating, failure of gear parts and other breakdowns.

The required electrical power can be calculated based on the volume and mass of the mixture, its preparation time, gear ratio and other indicators. In practice, a simpler approach is used - only the continuous operation time of the device is assessed.

For concrete mixers with a volume of 80 to 200 liters (they are most widely used), the following selection method is suitable:

Before purchasing, do not forget to pay attention to the supply voltage of the electric motor. For a household model, it should be 220 V, but there are compact industrial concrete mixers on sale that are powered by a 380-volt network

They are not suitable for a home or cottage.

How to choose a concrete mixer by manufacturer?

The concrete mixer market offers a huge selection of models from domestic and foreign manufacturers. The highest quality is demonstrated by equipment produced by French, German, Italian and Croatian companies. Domestic brands, in most cases, are somewhat cheaper, although they are not always inferior to their foreign counterparts in quality, reliability and ease of use. And in conclusion, we note that it is not at all necessary to overpay for the functions of a concrete mixer that you do not intend to use - you need to buy equipment that meets your and only your needs.

Which manufacturers should you trust?

It is very difficult to unequivocally answer the question whose concrete mixers are the best today. Croatian Limex, Czech Zitrek, and German Denzel are popular among builders. Those for whom a foreign label is not an end in itself are happy to use Russian-made concrete mixers, which are not inferior in quality to their foreign counterparts. Among them we can highlight “Prorab”, “Belamos”, “Profmash” and, of course, the Lebedyansky plant, whose products consistently rank at the top of all kinds of professional ratings. It should be noted that domestic equipment has at least two undeniable advantages: firstly, it is designed taking into account the climatic conditions of our country, and secondly, it is much easier to find the necessary spare parts and consumables for it than for foreign ones.

Regardless of whether you are focused on purchasing exclusively European equipment or you also trust Russian manufacturers, we advise you not to rely only on the information contained in advertising brochures in this matter. The opinion of real users is much more important. Chat with participants in various construction forums, talk to a friend who recently poured the foundation for a house on his site, ask builders working nearby - and you can make your own independent rating of manufacturers and understand which concrete mixer is best to choose for your purposes.

How to choose a concrete mixer: two operating principles and their advantages

All modern professional and household concrete mixers, according to the principle of their operation and the method of mixing mixtures, are divided into two types: gravitational and forced. Both types of concrete mixers cope well with the tasks assigned to them and differ exclusively in design and, as a result, in capabilities.

Forced action concrete mixers. The main difference from similar gravity-type equipment is a stationary container for mixing the solution. Such a device can rather be called a powerful mixer, in which the solution is prepared using movable blades driven by a powerful electric drive. Such devices have one significant drawback - they are not able to work with coarse filler. That is why in most cases they are combined with concrete pumps, which are also not able to pump coarse concrete over distances. In addition, due to this design, forced-action concrete mixers are not economical enough in terms of energy consumption - in order to reduce the load on the engine and thereby increase its service life, they are equipped with obviously powerful motors. There are also units separate from the concrete pump that are used for domestic and professional purposes - they are mainly used for mixing light plaster solutions or floor screed.
Gravity concrete mixers are a familiar design for everyone, which is popularly called a “pear”. Its operating principle is based on the rotation of a drum with fixed blades, which raise the solution to a height, after which, under the influence of gravity, it falls down, mixing in a similar way. In this design of a concrete mixer, the filler fraction does not matter at all - this concrete mixer is capable of mixing both heavy and light concrete. The answer to the question of which concrete mixer to choose for private construction is simple - gravity. In any case, you will have to mix all types of mortars - you will have to prepare heavy concrete for the foundation and light mortar for plaster or floor screed.

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Advantages and disadvantages of gravity equipment

A gravity concrete mixer mixes the components of the working solution due to the rotation of a drum, inside of which there are stationary blades, that is, the mixture particles are mixed as a result of gravity.

The technique of the gravitational principle of operation, according to the method of transmitting rotation from the motor to the drum, is divided into 2 subtypes:

gearbox;

coronary.

These subspecies are distinguished by various criteria:

price;
durability and reliability;
maintainability.

Models with a gearbox are durable equipment, more reliable and less noisy in operation than their crown counterparts. In units of this type, the transmission mechanism itself is well protected from particles of sand, crushed stone, cement and other building materials getting inside it. But the equipment requires a more careful and careful attitude, because if it breaks down, it is very problematic to repair it. In most cases, you will need to buy a new unit, since high-quality repairs are comparable to its price. The crown models of concrete mixers are equipped with an unprotected transmission unit: the ring gear is fixed along the entire circumference of the drum. For this reason, it often fails due to the clogging of building materials between the teeth. But such problems can be eliminated by simple cleaning.

Due to their ease of maintenance and unpretentious operation, concrete mixers with a crown are popular and in demand in the construction equipment market.

Gravity equipment (regardless of the type) has the following advantages:

unpretentiousness in maintenance;
reliable and simple device;
with significant volumes of mixed concrete, the equipment weighs little;
ease of unloading: the solution is poured out by tipping, leaving nothing inside;
you can mix concrete with different size components (even more than 100 mm);
Electric models have low energy consumption due to the low power of the installed motors;
efficiency.

At the same time, the technique has the following disadvantages:

mixing the solution until it reaches a state of homogeneity takes a lot of time;
the preparation of concrete with fine-grained components is characterized by low efficiency;
Fiber fibers or pigments do not mix well in the mixture.

A cyclic type gravity mini-concrete mixer (its bucket volume is up to 50 liters) is a good option for infrequent home use. It takes up little space and is useful, for example, when pouring screed. But to build a house or build a garage, models with a larger drum capacity are needed.

Which concrete mixer crown is more reliable?

If you are rating concrete mixers based on reliability, then, firstly, you need to pay attention to the material from which the crown is made. It is he who is responsible for the service life of the concrete mixer

Cast iron

Most mid-price concrete mixers are equipped with a cast iron crown. The cast iron crown is easy to manufacture: the cast iron melt is poured into a mold, after solidification the workpiece requires minimal processing. The inexpensive cost of the material and the simple method of manufacturing parts create a relatively low cost of the finished ring and drive gear. This is the main advantage of a cast iron product.

There are several disadvantages:

Cast iron is a brittle material; under mechanical stress, the part can break;
With repeated use, the teeth wear out;
During operation, the heavy cast iron crown makes a lot of noise.

Steel

Steel is a very strong and reliable material that does not wear out as quickly as cast iron and does not burst when dropped or hit. By the way, the steel crown makes much less noise during operation. However, it costs an order of magnitude more than cast iron. This is due to the manufacturing process of the part. First, the hot metal composition is poured into the mold and cooled. After extraction, it is finished using special equipment (grinded and sharpened). In addition, the steel is subjected to hardening. All these processes increase the cost of the part, but at the same time contribute to its strength and reliability.

Plastic

The plastic crown is the cheapest of these. It does not require large financial and production costs during production. Another advantage of the plastic crown is its silent operation and its light weight. The disadvantages include the rapid wear of the teeth, which are worn out by friction with the gear.

Polyamide

Polyamide is a modern, durable and lightweight material that began to be used in the manufacture of concrete mixers not so long ago. It is not inferior to steel in terms of strength, and plastic - in lightness. In addition, the material is resistant to high temperatures. Therefore, it is able to withstand heavy loads in the hot summer without deforming or wearing out. The synthetic material is also resistant to natural factors - it does not rust from water and does not react to the effects of many abrasives. Among the advantages of a polyamide crown: strength; durability; ease; resistance to heat; resistance to electrical breakdown; collapsible design of the ring, simplifying disassembly and repair; quiet work.

Any crown, whether it is made of plastic or steel, is a gear ring fixed around the drum. It sets the drum in motion through a gear that transmits movement from the engine. During frequent use, the ring teeth wear down along with the gear teeth under the influence of friction and vibration. However, these parts can be replaced after they wear out.

The following factors also influence the wear of parts:

Ambient temperature;
Water flowing into the drive mechanism during rain;
Getting sand, water or ready-made change into an unprotected mechanism;
Incorrect assembly of the device;
Impacts, mechanical damage, falling of the filled device.

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Homemade concrete mixer with your own hands

Most owners of individually built houses, garden plots and small dachas sooner or later face tasks related to carrying out repair or construction work, which, for the most part, are aimed at improving landscaping or constructing new outbuildings. For this, various cement materials are mainly used mixtures as the most affordable building material today. If the amount of work is small, then you can prepare cement mortar with a construction mixer or in a small bucket, mixing it with a shovel. But if you need to pour a concrete area in front of the house and pedestrian paths, build a stone shed or make a fence with a concrete base and brick pillars, then it is advisable have a mechanism on hand that will ensure the preparation of a cement or concrete mixture. In we will tell you how to make a concrete mixer with your own hands and what materials you will need for this.

Existing types of concrete mixers

The main types of devices for preparing cement mortar or concrete are determined by the mixing method.

gravitational, based on the simple turning over of the constituent components of the mixture;
mechanical, which resembles gravity, but to improve mixing, additional dissecting elements are added to the design;
vibration, in which the mixture is prepared thanks to a vibrator immersed in it;
combined, where two or three mixing methods are used simultaneously.

Each type of concrete mixer has its own positive and negative qualities, which depend on the cost of materials, the complexity of manufacturing and the required level of quality of the concrete solution prepared in them.

Gravity-type mechanisms

This is the simplest manual concrete mixer with your own hands, requiring a minimum of cost and effort in manufacturing. However, the quality of the prepared mixture in such a device can be called no more than satisfactory, and it will not be possible to produce large volumes of mortar in it. And yet, with relatively small needs for mortar, taking into account its simplicity and low cost, such a do-it-yourself concrete mixer is quite widely used in the production of construction work on personal plots. Structurally, its design is a horizontally located, closed container with an opening door through which components are supplied. You can use a metal can or an ordinary steel barrel as a container.

After placing the necessary materials through the door, close it tightly, and begin to rotate the container using the handle.

After mixing, the gravity-type concrete mixer is turned with the door down, and the finished solution is dumped through it into a tray.

Criterias of choice

Knowing the equipment classification and technical characteristics, you can select a concrete mixer.

Based on the type of work, you need to decide on the type of mortar needed and its quantity. The technical characteristics of the device will help with this. The volume of the finished solution should not occupy more than 2/3 of the drum volume. The quality of the batch and the safety of the engine will depend on compliance with this rule.

When choosing by type of drive, the most convenient would be a concrete mixer with an internal combustion engine or an electric one, since turning the drum manually will require not only great physical effort, but also time.

The way the device mixes the material determines what kind of building mixtures it will prepare. Gravity ones are suitable for individual construction, since they can be used to prepare both rigid concrete mortar and other building mixtures. With forced ones, you can achieve better quality work in preparing concrete mixtures; they are more convenient for large-scale construction. In vibration systems, the intensity of interaction between components is insufficient, and quality may suffer as a result.

Continuous concrete mixers allow you to prepare a solution in large quantities with a continuous supply of components, cyclic ones dispense building mixtures in portions after completing the cycle provided by the device.

Mobile ones are convenient because they are mobile in movement, they can be moved from one site to another without much difficulty, and stationary ones are used where there is a large volume of construction work. Therefore, concrete mixers are rarely moved.

The shape of the mixing drum and the direction of the working shafts determine the movement of the particles of the components that make up the mortar, and this affects the preparation of a high-quality, uniform mixture composition necessary for construction work.

Existing types of concrete mixers

The main types of devices for preparing cement mortar or concrete are determined by the mixing method.

gravitational, based on the simple turning over of the constituent components of the mixture;
mechanical, which resembles gravity, but to improve mixing, additional dissecting elements are added to the design;
vibration, in which the mixture is prepared thanks to a vibrator immersed in it;
combined, where two or three mixing methods are used simultaneously.

The barrel is 200 liters, its edges were cut, bent and welded, forming the usual “pear”.