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The volume of the concrete mixer. How to choose a concrete mixer for home? The main criteria for choosing a concrete mixer. Batch mixers, forced, with a fixed tank

Existing types of concrete mixers (concrete mixers) for concrete production.

In this article, I propose to get acquainted with the existing types of concrete mixers and their features. Other articles about concrete mixers:

1. Continuous concrete mixers

Continuous concrete mixers or continuous concrete mixers imply the implementation of a full set of technological processes in a continuous cycle, including the loading of individual components, their mixing, as well as unloading from the device. To achieve this result, concrete mixers are equipped with a full range of production and control equipment.

Continuous concrete mixers are used when there is a need to prepare a concrete solution in large volumes, for example, for a road base. Also, they can be used to make rigid concretes. Additionally, continuous concrete mixers can be divided into gravity and forced mixing. Gravity concrete mixers imply the rotation of the drum on a roller mechanism, after which the mixture is extracted from a special tray. Concrete mixers with forced mixing involve mixing the components of a concrete solution through the use of blades rotating inside the body. The body remains stationary.

2. Batch mixers

If in continuous concrete mixers concrete was given out in a continuous stream, then cyclic concrete mixers give out concrete in portions, upon completion of the next cycle of work. The main characteristic of such devices is the volume of concrete mixture dispensed per hour of cyclic operation. Cyclic concrete mixers are relevant if concrete is poured on the site not continuously, but in small batches. The cycle of operation of such equipment involves the loading of individual components, mixing and unloading. After that, the next cycle begins. Components can be fed into the devices both with the help of dispensers and manually. In the first case, the principle of mechanical dosing is used with the use of special electronic computers. The components of the mixture are measured by the computer according to the specified parameters. In the second case, the loading of the components is carried out by the operator, whose duties also include monitoring the correct percentage of components in the finished concrete solution. Additionally, cyclic concrete mixers according to the principle of operation can be divided into planetary, forced and gravitational.

3. Gravity concrete mixers

Gravity-type concrete mixers use ordinary gravity as the basis of their concrete mixing activity. The design of such concrete mixers includes a receiver for individual components, a drum with blades, as well as an output tray designed to extract the finished mixture. The components of the concrete mixture are mixed at an angle or horizontally. A diesel engine or electric drive ensures the rotation of the drum. The blades located in the drum pick up the components as they rotate, and gravity brings them down. This ensures that the components are mixed to a homogeneous mass. The rotating drum is mounted on a fixed frame, and the roller mechanism is responsible for the rotation. The rotation speed is calculated taking into account the protection against the occurrence of excessive centrifugal forces, which can spoil the quality of mixing and even damage the parts of the mechanism. In gravity concrete mixers, mixtures up to 1 cubic meter are most often prepared. Mobile units can be easily transported from place to place. Concrete mixers can also be attributed to gravity concrete mixers.

4. Forced concrete mixers (horizontal shaft arrangement)

Forced-type concrete mixers, characterized by a horizontal arrangement of shafts, mix the components by rotating the blades. Through the inlet, all components are loaded into the drum with blades, after which the blades begin to rotate from top to bottom and mix the components until a homogeneous mass. They have a lot of advantages over gravitational devices, including the quality of the finished solution. As a result, concretes with a large number of various additives can only be obtained in forced-action concrete mixers. The horizontal arrangement of the shafts forces us to slightly change the design of the device, which from now on is a bowl (trough) with bearing mechanisms in the end bowl. It is these mechanisms that are responsible for holding the horizontal shafts, which, in turn, hold the blades. The rotation of the shafts causes the blades to rotate. It is worth noting that forced shafts can only work with small and homogeneous components, and horizontal shafts are simply not suitable for large components.

5. Forced concrete mixers (vertical shaft arrangement)

Forced type concrete mixer, characterized by vertical shafts, is a fixed cylindrical body with an inlet at the top and a discharge hole at the bottom. The cylindrical body also contains a selective cylinder, which protects the container from the accumulation of the mixture along its edges. Four racks with blades are fixed inside this cylinder. In this case, the blades are additionally divided into mixing and selective. Racks can have different lengths, which leads to the mixture getting from one blade to the next in the mixing process. This determines the uniformity and high quality of the concrete mixture resulting from the operation of a forced concrete mixer. It is worth noting that the speed of unloading the concrete mixture from a concrete mixer with a vertical shaft arrangement is much higher than from a horizontal one.

In addition, the reliability of such a device significantly exceeds the reliability of the previous unit. This is one of the most popular types used in factories and mortar-cement units. The only drawback is the need to use high power supply, which is explained by the presence of an electric drive.

6. Forced planetary concrete mixers

All planetary concrete mixers are considered forced according to the principle of operation. The mixing of the concrete solution in them occurs with the help of the rotational energy of the mechanism with the blades. Planetary concrete mixers are characterized by the use of technological innovations that allow achieving excellent final results. Such devices got their name due to the presence of a planetary gearbox in the design. This is the name of a mechanical gearbox, which consists of several planetary gears rotating around the main central gear (sun gear). The gear system has a rigid fixation on the "carrier" and can have a different design, depending on what type of gearbox is used. The body of the planetary concrete mixer remains stationary, and inside the body this same planetary gearbox operates, the disc case of which is mounted on the shaft. The rotational moment is transmitted by the drive motor to the central sprocket of the gearbox, and it, in turn, leads to the rotation of the planetary sprockets and the mixing blades fixed to them. Such a scheme protects the internal space of the body from the formation of "dead zones", which leads to an increase in the quality of mixing and an increase in the speed of concrete preparation.

7. Single shaft concrete mixers

Single-shaft concrete mixers include a frame on which there is a fixed container of the mixing chamber. On the container, in turn, there is a mixing shaft, and mixing blades are fixed on the shaft. Their rotation forms two spatial semi-spirals moving towards each other. Moreover, the blades necessarily overlap each other, protecting the space from "dead zones". Side scrapers automatically clean the side surfaces of the device during operation. The number of mixing blades depends on the cost and class of the single-shaft concrete mixer. Such devices are good in that they can guarantee a decent quality of mixing the components in the shortest possible time. At the same time, planetary and twin-shaft concrete mixers outperform single-shaft mixers in this indicator. The devices under consideration are characterized by unpretentiousness and simplicity of the circuit, maintainability and the highest reliability. Even a non-professional user can restore the electrical circuit, consisting of protection and starting the engine. By the way, their energy consumption level and dimensions are much lower than those of twin-shaft and planetary devices.

8. Twin shaft concrete mixers

Twin-shaft concrete mixers are forced mechanisms characterized by continuous action. Reliable and very convenient units make it possible to produce high-quality concrete mixtures of any complexity in large volumes. Twin-shaft concrete mixers have a housing made of ductile iron, which is reliably protected from vibrations and the accompanying wear. Moving parts can be replaced directly during operation. The design of the two-shaft type uses a valve nodal connection, which allows you to extend the operating time of the individual components of the device. The use of sensors allows you to automatically adjust the oil supply, thereby reducing its consumption without constant inspection of the mechanisms. The components of the concrete mixture are fed using special dispensers located in the upper part of the machine. The mixing drum contains two shafts, each with five blades. The shafts rotate towards each other, as a result of which the mixture moves in the vertical and horizontal directions, and is also dissected by the blades. Twin-shaft concrete mixers are ideal for the production of ready-mixed concrete and other building mixtures. They support the mixing of large components, which is important when creating high-strength reinforced concrete structures.

The modern construction services market offers a wide range of auxiliary equipment. Large and stable demand is noted for concrete mixers for home use. If you only need the equipment for a few days, you can rent it. In cases where the work will last a long time, and the concrete mixer will be operated repeatedly, it makes sense to buy it. User reviews and the authoritative opinion of professional experts will tell you what characteristics you should pay attention to in order to choose the best option for home and garden equipment.

A successful choice of a building unit is determined by the main parameters:

• operating principle;
• type of constructive device;
• specifications.

There are several other criteria that you should pay attention to based on specific requests.

How to choose a concrete mixer according to the principle of operation?

According to the method of mixing the solution, two types of mixers are distinguished.

• Gravity - concrete mixers for cement mixtures of various densities. The uniformity of the structure is ensured by the uniform action of the blades inside the rotating drum.
• Forced action - the mixing of the components is carried out by rotating blades inside a stationary drum. The equipment is intended for preparation of large volumes of liquid fine-grained solutions. In individual construction, the use of such a mixer is considered inappropriate.

Conclusion: the gravity device is the best choice for work around the house and in the country.

Which concrete mixer to choose according to the type of device?

According to the design of the transmission mechanism, gravitational units are of two types:

• coronal - affordable, subject to frequent breakdowns, easily repaired;
• geared - reliable, durable, expensive, in case of failure they cannot be repaired.

According to the device, models of periodic and continuous action are also distinguished. In the first case, the operation of the concrete mixer can be stopped at any time. The unit with continuous operation is intended for the production of solutions in large volumes. This is a complex technical design that requires certain knowledge and operational skills.

For home construction, it is best to choose a batch concrete mixer with a crown made of cast iron or polyurethane.

How to choose a household concrete mixer for home and garden according to technical specifications?

The purchase of a specific model of a household mixer depends on the type of construction work and the planned volume of the solution. Based on the task, several factors should be taken into account.

1. The size of the working container. According to construction experts, it is advisable to choose a concrete mixer model with a drum that exceeds the planned volume of mortar by 10-15%.

2. Capacity up to 100 l, weight over 20 kg - the unit is suitable for repair work or the construction of small architectural objects (gazebo, garage, outbuildings).

3. 100-150 l, weight from 40 kg - a concrete mixer for pouring the foundation and erecting one-story structures (house, bathhouse);

4. 150-300 l, weight over 50 kg - the unit is used in low-rise construction.

5. The volume of the drum is from 300 liters, the mass is more than 150 kg - the concrete mixer is used for the construction of large objects and multi-storey buildings.

6. The thickness of the walls of the drum. The characteristic directly affects the durability and practicality of the unit. The containers of household mixers are made from a solid steel billet or welded from individual elements. Pressed drums usually have a wall thickness of 1.5-2 mm, welded 3-4 mm.

7. Power. High motor capacity (up to 1000 W) is required when carrying out large-scale continuous cycle work. In addition, a unit with such characteristics consumes a large amount of electricity. Therefore, a concrete mixer for building a house has enough power of 700-800 watts.

8. Number of revolutions per minute. It is advisable to choose a model with an indicator of up to 25-26 units. A higher rotation speed leads to premature curing of the solution.

9. Motor supply voltage. For domestic use, it is best to choose a concrete mixer rated for 220 V.

10. Seasonality of work. Most manufacturers produce construction mixers for operation in the spring and autumn. For pouring concrete in winter, you should choose models specially designed for work at low temperatures.

Additional options for choosing concrete mixers

The operating conditions have a great influence on the quality and uninterrupted functioning of the equipment. Lubricants must not be used for crown units with gears. Their presence leads to the sticking of abrasive particles, which can damage the entire mechanism.

When buying household equipment, always pay attention to the manufacturer. According to construction experts, you should choose a reliable concrete mixer from trusted brands that have proven themselves in the construction equipment market. The most popular is the equipment of Western companies, which has proven itself to be of good quality, practicality and reliability. Always check the manufacturer's warranty.

Together with the concrete mixer, it is advisable to immediately select the most wear parts in reserve. Usually they buy a crown, drive belts, drive gears.

Before choosing the final version of the concrete mixer, analyze all the parameters of the equipment. You should not pay for functions that are unlikely to be needed for housework and summer cottages.

Which manufacturer should you choose?

Concrete mixer Whirlwind BM-160

The line of household mixers of domestic production has several models related to the gravitational type of action. Compact dimensions and small volumes of drums are designed exclusively for use in the private sector.

The wheeled model of the Vikhr BM-160 concrete mixer with an electric drive is distinguished by the following characteristic features:

• convenient transportation;
• simple operation;
• the possibility of disassembly;
• durable case with cast-iron wreath;
• anti-corrosion protection.

In the mixer, you can mix any fractions and prepare solutions of various densities.

Concrete mixer Lebedyan SBR-132A

The model is one of the best domestic brands producing solutions for domestic and industrial needs. The engine power of 700 W makes it possible to prepare up to 100 liters of liquid and dry mixtures with a fraction not exceeding 40 mm in just a few minutes. This amount of solution is quite enough for a major overhaul of the house or the construction of a small cottage.

Wheeled transport makes it easy to move the concrete mixer around the job site. The cast-iron wreath guarantees the reliability and durability of the equipment.

Concrete mixer Enthusiast B-130

Durable, reliable and inexpensive design is the real pride of the domestic manufacturer. The big capacity of a drum allows to prepare at once about 70 l of solution. This feature significantly reduces the intensity of loading the unit and extends the period of uninterrupted operation.

The durable polyamide crown has anti-friction properties and excellent resistance to adverse weather conditions. Enthusiast is the best option for a concrete mixer for a summer residence. It is characterized by good efficiency, consuming a small amount of electricity. Does not require special maintenance, easy to manage and transport.

Altrad B-130 concrete mixer

An excellent device for household use in the middle price segment. The Polish brand has proven itself to be a simple and reliable design, absolutely safe to use. The increased cost of the model is due to the high-quality performance of the thick-walled drum, durable blades and a rigid frame. The cost of purchasing the unit is fully paid off in a short period of intensive work.

Concrete mixer Optimix M 150 E ATIKA

Well-known brand of German development and assembly. The unit is characterized by impeccable workmanship, high labor productivity and preparation of solutions of excellent quality.

The polyamide fiber ring gear ensures minimal friction, low noise levels and reduced overall weight. The presence of a temperature sensor supports a gentle operation and automatic shutdown in the event of jerks in the electrical circuit or a lack of voltage.

Price

Construction is a complex process, sometimes lengthy and very difficult, especially physically. And, of course, manufacturers of various construction tools and equipment have long come up with many different useful things that make work much easier. And the concrete mixer is no exception. By the way, the statement that for private use this equipment is an unjustified luxury is just a myth (if you know how to choose a concrete mixer specifically for a home or a small work team).

General classification

Buildings come in different sizes. And depending on this, there are several main types of equipment. First of all, these are large-sized concrete mixers. They are indispensable for large-scale construction, for example, a multi-storey and apartment building, and are completely useless for private construction. For this, there are compact models. They are designed specifically for private teams and home use when a large volume of solution is not required. And working with them, of course, is several times easier. How to choose a concrete mixer for private craftsmen? It is necessary to rely on several criteria.

Mechanism

Just thinking about how to choose a concrete mixer for construction work, immediately decide for yourself what type of control is needed. For example, at small-scale (private) construction sites, manual equipment is quite enough. It is an order of magnitude cheaper than automated counterparts, but requires physical effort to work. On the other hand, small-sized automatic concrete mixers for a moderate amount are an indisputable assistant for private construction. Here everyone decides for himself what exactly he needs. A manual concrete mixer is not just a waste of physical strength, but also a significant time investment, which not every builder can afford.

bowl volume

The drum of a concrete mixer is one of the main elements that you need to pay attention to. The volume of the bowl up to one hundred and fifty liters is suitable for private construction. At the same time, those who are just thinking about how to choose a concrete mixer should remember that the volume of the solution will be 2/3 of the volume of the drum. This is due to the peculiarities of the process of both the mixing of the building mass itself and its extraction from the equipment. You should not believe the sweet speeches and promises of sellers that 100 liters of mortar can be obtained from a 130-liter concrete mixer.

Engine and its power

It is widely believed that the more powerful the device, the better it works. Regarding concrete mixers, this is a myth, nothing more. The more competently you use the equipment, the better and better it works - that's a fact. And performance is not so much affected by engine power. Although this criterion cannot be discounted completely. How to choose a concrete mixer, focusing on power? For private construction, equipment up to 1 kilowatt is usually offered. It is considered unprofessional, lightweight. At the same time, when buying, always pay attention to the required voltage. For example, there are models of concrete mixers that operate on 220V, and there are those that require more - 380V and higher. In this case, an additional stabilizer or generator may be required. And, of course, when wondering how to choose the right concrete mixer for your home, remember that a long time of work requires a lot of power. If the period of use of the equipment does not exceed 12 hours, then 700 watts is quite suitable.

Solution unloading

It is also important how the finished solution is extracted from the drum. Of course, powerful and large construction concrete mixers are equipped with automatic feed. Are there any for private use? Usually loading and unloading takes place manually if the drum volume is less than 300 liters. But some manufacturers go to meet their customers and make small concrete mixers with a semi-automatic system for supplying the finished solution - for example, due to the pedal. That is, you still have to apply physical force. If you want to choose a concrete mixer for your home, then pay attention to these models. This will significantly save energy during construction.

Mixing

It would seem that it is simpler: I loaded cement, sand, poured water, turned it on, and let the solution interfere with the equipment. But everything is not as it seems at first glance. There are two types of concrete mixers, regardless of their size and power. Each of them has its own advantages, disadvantages and purpose.

Gravity action

This type is considered universal and suitable for construction of any scale. The key feature is that the mixing and preparation of the solution occurs due to the blades that are located inside the drum. It is they who carefully mix cement, sand and water before Thinking about how to choose the right concrete mixer? Consider how it works.

Forced action

This type of mixing is more suitable for equipment designed for large-scale construction projects. A serious volume of the drum, impressive power - all this requires the most thorough method of mixing the solution. Thinking about how to choose a concrete mixer according to the principle of its operation? Remember that forced mixing equipment is an option for liquid concrete. That is, kneading a steep mortar in it (for example, for laying a basement or walls) is unlikely to succeed. In addition, there are not so many small-volume models with the specified type of kneading on the market.

Gear options

Gravity mixing concrete mixers are divided into two types - gear and coronal. The first has earned a good reputation because it is reliable and durable. But it has not received wide distribution. A fly in the ointment is a complex repair. If a concrete mixer of this type breaks down, then replacing the gearbox will be problematic, and in some cases even impossible.

Thinking about how to choose a concrete mixer with gravity mixing method? Pay attention to the whiskers. They have a lot of merit.

Coronal stirrers

In another way, they are also called crown. Their service life is somewhat shorter than geared ones. But when repairing equipment of this type is less whimsical, all elements are easily replaced. What you definitely do not need to do is lubricate the mechanism from the inside, which can affect the work, slow it down or stop it altogether.

Frame

An important thing to do when choosing is the material from which the body of the concrete mixer is made. For example, the drum itself may be metal, but the mechanism is covered with plastic. Why is it bad? Plastic tends to wear out quickly. Good equipment - metal. This significantly adds weight to it, but you don’t have to take reliability and solidity. Pay attention to how securely the control device is hidden, if yes, and the manual one should be protected from rain, snow, ice.

However, the manufacturer and the country in which the equipment is made do not always guarantee the quality. Before buying, it will not be superfluous to ask the owners of similar models about the quality of the concrete mixer. Even from the conveyors of some eminent foreign manufacturers, such models come off that are completely unadapted for working with a solution. And, of course, you can always make a concrete mixer yourself if you have time and a little ingenuity. Suitable materials can be found in your own bins or in specialized stores. The cost will be cheaper than buying ready-made equipment.

How to make a concrete mixer?

To assemble a stirrer that will work in manual mode, it will not take so much:

• drum (you can purchase a small volume in a specialized store or adapt a tank of a suitable shape);
• relay (the handle that will scroll the drum);
• rack (the tank is spinning on it).

Additionally, blades may be required that need to be welded into the tank, if you have not purchased a special drum, of course. Install the structure on the rack, insert the relay so that it scrolls easily, swinging the tank. Of course, such an impromptu concrete mixer will not differ in the special quality of the solution, but it is quite suitable for home use.

Performing many types of work around the house and cottage involves the preparation of various building mixtures. For high-quality mixing of the components of the solution, there are concrete mixers. Below we will consider what types of concrete mixers exist and what you should pay attention to when buying them for personal use.

Types of concrete mixers

Depending on the principle of operation, concrete mixers can be cyclic and continuous operation. Most often in our time, models of the cyclic principle of operation are used.

In these models, it is possible to divide the work into several stages:

1. Loading the elements of the mixture into the container for mixing.
2. Stirring the mixture.
3. Unloading of the received concrete mix.

Concrete mixers of cyclic work are forced or gravitational. In models of the forced type, the components of the mixture are mixed thanks to the elements moving inside the drum. In gravity-type models, the elements of the mixture are mixed due to the force of attraction.

Consider the most commonly used types of concrete mixers:

• Concrete mixers of gravity type with a movable drum. The drums of such models are made in the form of a pear and have a tipping type of component loading. Blades are placed on the walls of the container, raising the solution, which falls during rotation due to the force of attraction.
• Forced type concrete mixers with a stationary drum mix the mixture due to the presence of twisting elements inside the container. They can be presented in the form of horizontal shafts with a trough-shaped body and vertical shafts with a cylinder-shaped body. With the help of forced concrete mixers, better solutions are obtained.
• Concrete mixers with horizontal shafts. The containers of these models are shaped like a trough. Mixing elements are located on horizontal shafts. The disadvantages of these models include high weight, difficulties with repairs in the event of breakdowns, and a long time required for unloading mixtures.
• Forced-type concrete mixers with shafts placed vertically, are versatile and contribute to a high quality end product. Tanks of such models are made in the form of a cylinder with a built-in inner rod that prevents the elements of the mixture from accumulating in the central part of the tank. The disadvantage of such models is high energy consumption, low quality of the output product.
• Forced planetary concrete mixers are quite expensive and technically complex, but guarantee the production of high-quality mixtures. The disadvantages include high cost and a complex device that requires constant maintenance.

The principle of operation of concrete mixers

Almost all types of concrete mixers consist of two main components:

1. A drum used to mix the elements of the solution.
2. The mechanism that rotates the drum.

Mixing elements - cement, sand, etc. are loaded into the mixing tank, after which the equipment is turned on. The process of preparing the solution usually takes 5-15 minutes, after which the device automatically turns off.

After the mixing process is completed, the container of the concrete mixer is overturned, thereby unloading the solution ready for use.

In order to obtain a concrete solution of good quality in the right volume, it is necessary to take seriously the issue of buying a concrete mixer.

Factors to consider when buying equipment:

Two ways concrete mixers work: advantages and disadvantages

Currently, all known models of concrete mixers, depending on the principle of operation and mixing of the mixture, are divided into two types: gravitational and forced.

Both those and other concrete mixers are able to fulfill their goals well, but they have differences in design features:

1. Forced Models. A distinctive feature of these models is that the container for the solution is motionless. Such a concrete mixer can be compared to a blender in which the components are mixed due to movable internal elements powered by a network.

   These concrete mixers are not economical as they consume a lot of electricity. Also, they are not designed to work with raw materials that have a large structure.

   For this reason, they are often used in conjunction with concrete pumps, which are not capable of pumping coarse concrete. There are models that are used without a concrete pump, which are most often used to obtain light mortars.

2. Gravity Type Concrete Mixers known to many and in the common people it is called "Pear". The components are mixed in such a concrete mixer due to the rotation of the drum, and the internal blades remain stationary during operation. During rotation, the blades capture the solution, lifting it up, and then, under the influence of gravity, it falls to the bottom, thereby mixing.

   The advantage of this type of concrete mixers is the ability to mix solutions of any structure. You can get both light and heavy solutions in it. This type of concrete mixer is best suited for use in building a house.

   During the construction process, it will be necessary to prepare both coarse-grained concrete for pouring the foundation, and a solution with smaller inclusions for plastering walls and floors. Gravity-type concrete mixers can perfectly cope with this task.

Choosing a concrete mixer: price

The cost of a concrete mixer will depend on several parameters. Before making a purchase, it is important to determine for what purposes the equipment is being purchased and in what conditions it will be used.

So, the criteria on which the price of concrete mixers depends:

• Producing country. It is clear that equipment manufactured in our country will be cheaper for a Russian buyer. This is due to the fact that the cost of delivery is included in the price of foreign equipment.
• The volume of the container for loading the mixture. The larger the volume, the higher the price. This is due to the increase in the cost of materials for the production of more voluminous models. The most commonly used concrete mixers are from 120 to 130 liters. Models with a volume of more than 800 liters are designed for industrial use and are most often made to order.
• The quality of the material from which the equipment is made. The final cost is affected by the thickness of the metal sheet from which the container is made, the motor power, and the quality of the bearings.

There is a wide range of concrete mixers available on the market today. It will not be difficult to choose a model that will fully meet the needs of the buyer.

Which concrete mixer to choose for the house?

The choice of a concrete mixer for personal use depends on several parameters. It is necessary to pay attention to the capacity of the drum, on which the yield of the finished mixture depends.

For pouring screeds or preparing plaster, a tank of up to 100 liters is sufficient.

If you need to build a bath, a small house or barn and pour the foundation, then a concrete mixer from 150 to 180 liters will do.

For building a house from 2-3 floors you can buy a concrete mixer 200-300 liters.

If a team of builders is working on the site, then you can think about buying a concrete mixer with a continuous operating principle. The main thing is to have time to put the solution in time, otherwise it will just have to be thrown away. If the solution puts 1-2 people, it is more expedient to purchase a device for periodic loading.

When buying a concrete mixer for the home, it is important that in case of breakdowns it is easy to replace all parts, so it is better to pay attention to devices with a simple design.

It is important that the concrete mixer is suitable for use when connected to a standard network, then there will be no problems with additional electrical work.

How to choose the best concrete mixer?

When choosing a concrete mixer, you should carefully look at some indicators. It should be noted that there are few selection criteria.

First of all, you should pay attention to the volume and power of the motor models:

• volume of concrete mixers. Nowadays, a wide range of this product is presented in stores. You can find models from the smallest (up to 50 liters) to huge in size. If the purchase of a concrete mixer is planned for use in the construction of a private house, you should opt for models with a volume of 90 to 150 liters.

  It is important to know that the amount of the final product is usually much less than the volume of the concrete mixer. In most cases, the output of the solution will be from 10 to 15% of the volume of the mixing container.

  If the concrete mixer is overloaded with mortar, the device can quickly fail.

• Engine's type. High engine power does not determine the amount of prepared solution. The more powerful the engine, the better the model will mix the components of the solution, coping even with large-fraction solutions.

  It is important to pay attention to the ratio of the volume of the container for mixing and the power of the motor.

  It seems logical to assume that the engine power should be the greater, the larger the capacity. It really is. But do not forget that there are different types of networks. Most models for home use work from a standard network.

  If there is a need for a more powerful concrete mixer, then you should pay attention to models that require a voltage of 380 V.

  Most often, for private use, it is enough to have a concrete mixer with a power of 700W and a capacity of 120 liters.

• A mechanism that transmits torque to the kneading container. Depending on the type of this mechanism, concrete mixers can be divided into gear and crown mixers. The gear transmission method is considered reliable, but crown mixers are more common in the market. This is because crown models are easier to repair. The mechanism of such concrete mixers is simple and most often their repair comes down to installing a new gear. Gear models are much more difficult to repair.
• The material from which the drum is made. The case is always made of steel, but the difference lies in its thickness. You should be aware that concrete corrodes metal over time. This implies that the body of the concrete mixer should not be made of steel with a thickness of less than 1 mm.
• Motor protection. Most often, the concrete mixer is installed in an open area and it is necessary to protect the motor from precipitation.
• The presence of wheels with a locking mechanism. Thanks to such wheels, the process of moving the concrete mixer is greatly facilitated, its reliable fixation even on an inclined surface.

Additional features to look out for

1. Pay attention to the manufacturer of the equipment. Most often, Russian-made concrete mixers are significantly superior to their foreign counterparts in terms of their characteristics. This is due to the cost of transporting foreign models. Perhaps some will be scared away by the rather clumsy appearance of Russian models, but the parts for their assembly are made of good materials. It should be understood that a concrete mixer brought from abroad cannot cost less than a Russian one, because. includes shipping cost.
2. Manufacturer's warranty. It is desirable that the warranty is given for at least 2 years. Models with a shorter warranty period in the event of a breakdown after its expiration will have to be repaired at their own expense.
3. Buy the right size concrete mixer to exclude the possibility of its overload, which leads to a quick breakdown.

In this article, we addressed the issue of choosing a concrete mixer for personal use. Before purchasing a concrete mixer, you should definitely decide for what purposes it will be used, what volume of the mixture should be the output.

With the right approach to choosing a concrete mixer and careful use, it can last a long time without requiring replacement parts. But in the event of a breakdown, it is important that the parts are available for purchase. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the fact that the design of the equipment is not too complicated and replacement parts are freely sold in hardware stores.