A concrete mixer is a machine that forms concrete by homogeneously mixing cement, aggregates like sand or gravel, and water. A revolving drum is used to mix the materials in a concrete mixer. Mobile concrete mixers are frequently used on construction sites to create concrete and provide employees ample time to use it before it hardens.
What factors should you consider before selecting a concrete mixer?
A motor, a revolving tank, a dump wheel or tipping handle (on the side) that enables the tank to be tilted, and a strong frame make up a concrete mixer. The tank has fixed helical blades that mix the elements together to produce a homogenous mixture. The motor can be electric, combustion, or hydraulic, which is used less commonly.
You must first calculate the volume of material you will require in order to select the appropriate concrete mixer for your project. It’s vital to remember that a tank can only be filled up to 80% of its capacity.
When a producer talks about blending volume, they’re referring to 80 percent of the tank’s volume: don’t get these two quantities mixed up.
You must also consider the frequency of use of the concrete mixer in your selection criterion.
1. Use only on rare occasions (small worksites):
A 60-liter tank might suffice if you only require a concrete mixer for a single jobsite. For this, opt for an electric concrete mixer.
2. Use it a lot (medium worksites):
In most cases, a 120-liter concrete mixer will suffice. You can raise the amount to 160 or 190 litres depending on the magnitude of the work. If you’re working on a jobsite where electricity is guaranteed, an electric concrete mixer is the way to go.
3. Use on a regular or intensive basis (large worksites, professional worksites):
If you need concrete on a daily basis, you’ll need a larger tank, at least 250 litres (to be calculated according to your needs). To avoid power supply issues, utilize a model with a gasoline engine for this purpose.
What Are The Advantages Of Using An Electric Concrete Mixer?
On medium-sized job sites, an electric concrete mixer can be used occasionally or even frequently. They’re usually single-phase 220V with 500 to 1,500 watts of electricity. They are three-phase 380V for more power.
Advantages To Using An Electric Concrete Mixer:
There are numerous advantages to using an electric concrete mixer:
- Cheap operating costs: low sale price, minimal maintenance, and no supplies (oil or gasoline).
- They begin immediately, irrespective of the outside temperature.
- They are convenient to use indoors due to their small size.
- Concrete mixers using combustion engines are heavier and less agile.
Technical Considerations When Choosing a Concrete Mixer
The following are some minor variables to consider while selecting a concrete mixer:
1. Concrete Mixer Drum Volume:
When it comes to choosing a concrete mixer, the regularity of use is a crucial factor to consider. This will determine the concrete mixer’s drum volume.
2. Power of the Concrete Mixer:
The operation of the concrete mixer is explained by the engine power to drum volume ratio. This means that a sluggish engine will be unable to rotate the drum at the appropriate speed to mix a higher volume of concrete. The mixer will eventually be damaged as a result of this.
As a result, engine power must be determined in advance depending on the proportion to be mixed and the manufacturing time.
3. Mains Power:
Before you buy a concrete mixer, make sure you know how much power it needs to work effectively. When purchasing powerful drum mixers, it will be necessary to acquire powerful generators in order for them to function correctly.
4. Concrete Mixer Drum Rotation Frequency:
The lower the minimum rotation speed, the larger the drum diameter. To produce the appropriate concrete, you’ll need not just the right proportions of concrete, but also the right mixing speed.
5. The Concrete Mixer’s Blades:
A stationary or spinning blade can be found in a concrete mixer drum. The building mixture becomes more even and faster as the number of blades increases.
6. Additional Wheels:
The addition of additional wheels to the concrete mixer allows for simple mobility of the mixer around the construction site. To prevent the machine from moving by accident, an additional locking system must be installed.
7. Concrete Mixer Noise Level:
Because of the working environment, the machine’s noise level is a worry. To avoid disturbing the neighbors, a mixer that emits less noise is chosen for apartment building construction. A machine that produces less noise can be employed on an outside building site.
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