|
As its name suggests, a concrete mixer is a drum that is used to mix cement
with water and other aggregates. Concrete mixers look different and are used for
different sizes of concrete mixing jobs, but they are all basically the same: a
rotating drum with a motor and a chute. Concrete mixers run the gamut from huge
commercial truck mixers mini concrete mixers that are portable. The cement
mixture turns in the drum until it is ready for pouring.
Commercial-Size Concrete Mixers
Large commercial jobs require huge concrete mixer trucks that can mix and
transport the concrete to the job site. Concrete dries quickly, so contractors
need to get as close to the job site as possible and the concrete needs to get
poured quickly! Most concrete companies charge by the cubic yard of concrete.
Smaller, Mini Concrete Mixers
The smaller concrete mixers do the same thing as the huge ones, but they are
more portable and are for smaller construction jobs. Mini concrete mixers are a
good size for most residential uses and constructions -- sidewalk or driveway
repairs, patio jobs, etc. A mini concrete mixer is small enough to easily access
points in the yard and garden. Mini concrete mixers usually run on electricity
and have wheels to get around. The small drum can be tilted by hand to pour the
cement.
Using a Comcrete Mixer
No matter the size of the concrete mixer, you must remember that concrete is
ready to pour for a relatively short length of time. Concrete dries easily and
some types of concrete dry faster than others. It is important for the person
using the concrete to properly estimate the amount needed at any given time for
a specific job. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions. Professional
concrete contractors are good at estimating the amount of concrete needed, so
there is very little waste. |
