A concrete cement mixer is an expensive piece of construction equipment. No matter whether you own a cement mixer truck or if you own a stationary unit, you need to care for it properly. The abrasive nature of wet cement products works against you, so you need to know ways of making the most of concrete mixer.

A concrete mixer has many moving parts that can cause problems if they do not function properly. It’s important that before concrete mixing operations begin each day, the equipment is thoroughly inspected. Since cement has its own hazards, it’s imperative that the concrete mixing equipment not add to the danger. Before operation each day, you should:

1. Make sure all systems are free of jams on the concrete mixer.

2. Check all chutes and their latches to see if they work properly.

3. Inspect all safety guards in place above any moving machinery parts.

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Read up on how to operate cement mixers

You need to know how to use a cement mixer if you are going to own or operate one. Read articles about the different types of cement mixers to gain an understanding of what you can expect the machine to do safely.

I recommend: Interaction Media Group has a number of articles on cement mixers. As you read these articles you can easily pick out ideas for making the most of concrete mixer brands or styles you may own. Check out this article by John Francis for information on how to choose between different types of concrete mixer equipment.

Make sure you know how to safely operate cement mixers

If you're not directly involved on the worksite, then make sure your foreman has that knowledge. Never allow inexperienced workers to operate the equipment. And whenever possible, stay away from the insides of the concrete mixing tank.

I recommend: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has detailed information on concrete mixer safety in the workplace. The safety directions from MK Diamond Products are for its portable Canoga Concrete Mixer products. However, the safety rules pertain to any type of concrete cement mixer.

Keep the concrete cement mixer clean inside and out

Once cement hardens, it's almost impossible to remove without extra cleaning equipment. So each time the concrete mixer comes in for the night, you must clean it thoroughly. This rule must apply whether it's a new or a used cement mixer.

I recommend: Shumaker Industries offers a complete line of cleaning products for concrete mixing equipment. Some products keep the concrete from sticking to the inside of the cement mixers to make them easier to keep clean. Other products deep clean the insides of used concrete mixer trucks. If you prefer not to climb into the concrete mixer truck to clean it, you can use the Walter Washout System from ConSpare. This high power water nozzle lets you clean the hard-to-reach spots inside concrete mixers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  You need to keep your cement mixers clean, but you also need to keep the trucks in top running order as well. If you have a load of concrete on a truck that breaks down, you'll either loose the cement or have to offload it onto another truck. Neither option is going to make any money for you.

Concrete mixing is a demanding job. Whether you're a contractor who provides concrete services regularly or a small business owner simply looking for a way to renovate part of your property, you need concrete cement mixer equipment to fit the job. Large or small, find the cement mixers you need.

Depending on the size, location and type of job, there are specific machines to accomplish your ends. Examples are small electric mixers or full-size cement trucks. With the following steps, find a concrete solution for your business:

1. Get cement mixers for construction/contracting purposes.
2. Locate a portable concrete mixer for your small business renovation or addition.
3. Buy or rent cement trucks for larger, on-location jobs.

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Be prepared for any concrete job with cement mixers

As a contractor, you need various types of specialized equipment. Make sure you're prepared for concrete and mortar jobs by purchasing your own cement mixer. Every aspect of a job that you can perform is one more advantage you have over the competition. The next time a customer asks, 'Do you do cement work?' you can say, 'Yes.'

I recommend: Get cement and mortar solutions from Discount Equipment or Southern-Tool; both companies have several portable concrete mixer options you can choose from for your construction needs.

Get the right mobile concrete mixer for your planned business addition

You might be putting in a new sidewalk, putting up a wall, adding a wheelchair ramp or simply redoing some flooring. Whatever job you're doing to improve your business, the solution you need is available from distributors of concrete mixers. Small, portable and powered by either electricity or gas, a mixer can finish that job quickly and efficiently.

I recommend: For your renovation or addition requirements, small concrete mixer equipment will usually suffice. Northern Tool has several options, and Construction Complete carries a line of electric cement mixers. Save money by going to Rock and Dirt for their used cement mixer selection.

Use a concrete mixer truck to transport material for larger jobs

For high-volume or distant concrete jobs, a cement truck is your best option. Able to transport large amounts of concrete to nearly any reasonable location, these trucks do double duty as both conveyances and mixers, meaning the cement is ready to use as soon as the truck arrives. For long-term needs, look into purchasing your own. You also have the option of renting or leasing a truck.

I recommend: Get the truck you need for your concrete projects at Trucks and Parts, or contact McNeilus for information about leasing a truck or Pioneer for buying a used concrete mixer truck.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure you're fully aware of the properties of cement and concrete mixing. Depending on the mix you're using, there are different characteristics, such as setting time and the strength of the finished product. Use the right mix for the right job, and watch your timetable, taking precautions against having the cement set before you're ready (especially in your rented equipment).

So much depends upon the concrete industry when it comes to building, and the construction field wouldn't get far without important tools like a concrete mixer or a concrete mixer truck. As a business owner, it's vital that your employees receive the training they need to do their work accurately and safely.

Employees can acquire much of the concrete mixer education and training you need to operate a portable concrete mixer on the job. But operating a concrete mixer truck is another story altogether. You will need to ensure your employees receive all the training they need on this heavy equipment before they take the wheel.

To ensure your employees know as much as possible about concrete mixer use and safety, consider the following ideas:

1. Seek concrete mixer training from a variety of resources, including online sources and on-the-job experience.

2. Receive the training and certification required for operating concrete mixer equipment.

3. Attend concrete trade shows to stay abreast of the latest about portable concrete mixers and safety concerns for concrete

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Ensure your employees know how to operate a concrete truck safely

A fully loaded concrete truck can tip and cause an accident if your drivers don't have proper training. Operating a concrete mixer truck requires additional instruction on top of the required commercial driver's license.

I recommend: The National Ready Mix Concrete Association has the three-part STEPS training with a training "bible," weekly training videos and certification test. Your employees can prepare to take their CDL exam in order to drive a concrete truck through courses from ATS Heavy Equipment. Read about the dangers inherent in driving a concrete mixing truck in the Georgia Truck Accident Attorney Blog.

Help your employees learn about cement mixers on the job

While learning to use a portable concrete mixer may not be the hardest job to learn, there is an art to knowing the right mixture and timing for proper concrete. Your employees can learn to operate a mobile concrete mixer with on the job training and online videos.

I recommend: The Concrete Network demonstrates the best way to use a portable concrete mixer. Monolithic offers a video on how to use the Monolithic Mixer.

Connect with the industry and learn about concrete mixer equipment

Trade shows are an excellent place to learn about a concrete cement mixer and other products. You can see and take part in product demonstrations and ask questions of the concrete mixer representatives.

I recommend: The World of Concrete Show can put you in the right place for your employees to learn about techniques for concrete mixers and other masonry and concrete products. The American Concrete Institute's annual convention brings concrete business owners and employees the latest in the concrete field.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure that, as the company owner, you learn as much as your employees about the concrete mixer and other heavy equipment.

When you work in the construction industry, it is important to know all about concrete and concrete mixers. In order to make sure that you and your team of employees are communicating on the same level about concrete mixers, make sure to brush up on some concrete mixer key terms. Learn the following important key terms related to concrete mixers: ready-mix concrete, homogeneity, precast concrete, concrete mixer truck, front discharge, and rear discharge.

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Ready-mix concrete

Ready-mix concrete, also knows as RMC, is a type of concrete that is custom prepared by a factory before it is delivered to the worksite. Ready-mix concrete does not require the use of a mixer.

I recommend: Wise Geek can give you all of the information you need about ready-mix concrete.

Homogeneity

Homogeneity is an important factor to consider when choosing a concrete mixer. Homogeneity describes how evenly the materials in a concrete mixture are distributed throughout the mixture.

I recommend: Read about the importance of homogeneity in cement mixing at Cement Mixers.

Overvibration

It is necessary to be aware of overvibration, or over vibration, when pouring concrete from a mixer. Overvibration is the term applied to freshly poured concrete that has been overly manipulated or vibrated, causing the ingredients to separate.

I recommend: Read about overvibration along with other concrete mixer terms at National Precast Concrete Association; scroll down to the term shadowing.

Concrete mixer truck, in-transit mixer

A concrete mixer truck, also known as an in-transit mixer, is a convenient option for mixing concrete on site. Concrete mixer trucks are available in a wide variety of sizes and styles, but most employ the use of a rotating drum to mix the concrete.

I recommend: Read more about concrete mixer trucks at Daimler Trucks North America.

Front discharge

Front discharge is the term used to describe concrete mix trucks that discharge, or unload, concrete through a chute at the front of the truck. Front discharge trucks offer the operator more control over where to direct the discharge chute.

I recommend: Phoenix Mixers gives an excellent overview of front discharge cement mixers.

Rear discharge

Rear discharge is a term used to describe concrete mixer trucks that unload concrete from a chute at the rear of the truck. One disadvantage of using a rear discharge mixer as opposed to a front discharge mixer is that a rear discharge mixer requires a chuteman to work with the driver to guide the truck.

I recommend: Learn more about rear discharge concrete mixers from Zimmerman Industries.