One of the most important parts of pouring concrete is mixing. Not only does concrete have to be mixed properly with the right ratios of concrete mix and water, but it also needs to be thoroughly mixed. One of the only ways to guarantee that concrete is mixed well is with a cement mixer. However, there is a lot to know about mixers than what you may have imagined about these simple devices.
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Capacity
One of the first things that you may notice about a cement mixer is its size. They range from very small, known as mini mixers, to extraordinarily large, such as industrial mixers. Mini mixers produce small batches of concrete for personal projects or for production in remote areas. The next most common size for a mixer is those found on cement trucks. They are substantially bigger and are able to transport large loads of concrete to construction sites. The ultimate mixer, which can sometimes be found on very large construction sites is the industrial cement mixer. These produce massive volumes of concrete for use in constructing huge structures where cement truck operations are too costly.
Portability
Portability is an important aspect of the cement mixer on the construction site. Mixers are either fixed or portable. All mini mixers are portable, meaning that they can be moved around relatively easily. However, some have wheels so they can be moved without much effort. Other mini mixers do not have wheels and they need to be hauled around a construction site with a truck or trailer.
Cement trucks are the ultimate in portability. They can transport concrete mixtures over long distances without the concrete drying up en route. However, transportation of cement can come at an expensive price with fuel costs soaring.
Industrial mixers, as you may have guessed, are not portable at all. They are built at the construction site and cement still has to be transported to the areas where it will be poured. When construction is completed, the industrial concrete mixer is then disassembled and reassembled at another site when needed.
Power Source
The power source for a cement mixer is where the mixer derives its energy. The two most common methods are from fuel and from electricity. Fuel powered units use either gasoline or diesel. These mixers are usually cost more to purchase, but they end up costing significantly less in operational (the cost of fuel is cheaper than the cost of electricity) and maintenance costs. Additionally, fuel powered models offer ultimate portability because they do not require a constant electric power source.
Electric mixers are usually quite a bit cheaper to buy than fuel powered models. However, they require a power source and may require an extensive network or power cables and extension cords. If you are working in an area without access to electricity, you will not be able to mix concrete. Furthermore, electricity costs can become quite high with extended use when compared to their fuel powered counterparts.
There are three major aspects to consider when looking into a cement mixer: how big it is; how portable it is; and how it is powered. However, these mixers ensure that concrete is mixed well when the correct mixtures of water and cement mix are used. They are a vital part of any construction site.
