It depends on a few factors. If you are mixing concrete in small batches or on a large scale, it may be cheaper to mix your own concrete by purchasing the necessary materials and mixing them yourself.
If you don’t have the equipment or resources to do the mixing, then it will likely be cheaper to purchase pre-mixed concrete. Additionally, the type of concrete you need and the amount you need play a role in the cost of mixing it yourself.
If you are mixing an unusual type of cement or requiring an exact amount, then it could be more cost-effective to mix your own concrete. Ultimately, it depends on the situation and the specific needs of the project.
How long does it take to mix concrete in a portable mixer?
It depends on the amount of concrete being mixed and the speed at which the mixer is run. Generally, it will take around 30 minutes to mix up a full load of concrete in a portable mixer. However, if you are doing a smaller batch, it can take as little as 10 minutes to prepare the mixture.
The larger the batch you are mixing, the longer it will take since more material needs to be processed and mixed together. Additionally, if you are running the mixer with a higher speed, the time can be reduced significantly.
When in doubt, it is always a good idea to check the instructions that came with your mixer to make sure you have the correct settings for the type and amount of concrete you are mixing.
How much concrete can you mix in a portable mixer?
The amount of concrete you can mix in a portable mixer varies widely depending on the size of the mixer and the strength of the concrete mix you are using. Generally, most portable mixers have a capacity of up to 4 cubic feet (112 liters).
This can mix up to 1.3 cubic yards (1 cubic meter) of concrete. For most projects, this may not be enough concrete to finish the job, so you may need to calculate the total amount of concrete you need and then plan accordingly.
The strength of the concrete mix will also play a role in how much concrete you can mix in the portable mixer. Generally, stronger mixes such as 3000psi or 3500psi are more difficult to mix in a portable mixer and may require multiple batches.
However, weaker mixes such as 2000psi or 2500psi can be mixed with a single batch. Additionally, if you are mixing more than one batch of concrete in the same mixer, the total weight of the concrete should not exceed the maximum carrying capacity of the mixer.
How big is a portable concrete mixer?
Portable concrete mixers vary in size depending on the model, with drum capacities ranging from 2-12 cubic feet. The smallest models can fit on a trailer and be towed behind a pick up truck. They usually weigh between 800-2500 lbs.
and are capable of producing up to 300-360 pounds of concrete per batch. Larger portable concrete mixers range in size from 6-12 cubic feet with a weight capacity of 4,000 pounds or more. These larger models require a trailer or pick up with a higher load capacity for transportation and may need two people for operation.
What are the three types of concrete mixers?
The three types of concrete mixers are the drum mixer, the continuous mixer, and the pan mixer.
The drum mixer is the most common type of concrete mixer. It consists of a large, cylindrical drum that mixes the components of concrete, such as cement, sand, and water. This type of mixer is responsible for blending the components of concrete together evenly.
They are cost-effective, easy to use, and can produce large batches of concrete for commercial projects.
The continuous mixer is a more advanced type of concrete mixer. It has two separate components: a stationary batch plant, which prepares large batches of concrete, and a rotating drum, which continuously rotates the mixed concrete.
This type of mixer allows large amounts of concrete to be mixed quickly and evenly. It also allows for an even distribution of the components.
The pan mixer is a more specialized type of concrete mixer. It consists of a large, shallow pan that rotates and mixes the components of the concrete. It is much slower than the other types of mixers and is suited for smaller projects.
It is more efficient at mixing a single batch of concrete, but it also produces a more homogenous result.
How big is a mini mix concrete?
Mini mix concrete typically comes in bags and the size of the bag will depend on the manufacturer. Your local concrete supplier or retailer will be able to provide you with the precise size of bag they are selling.
A common quantity is 1 cubic foot of mini mix concrete which will cover an area of approximately 9 square feet, at a depth of 3 inches. Mini mix concrete can be used in smaller areas and can easily be mixed using a garden spade or shovel.
It is fast setting so it won’t take long for it to set, usually within 10 minutes. It can also be transported in a vehicle as it usually comes in a handbag size bag which is easy to carry. The actual size of mini mix concrete will vary depending on the manufacturer, but it is typically used in areas that are small and requires only a small amount of concrete.
What is the standard size of a stand mixer?
The standard size of a stand mixer typically varies among brands, models and capacities. Common sizes usually range from 4 to 14 quarts, with a range in wattage from 200 to 400 watts. A small 4-quart or 5-quart mixer is usually great for small batches of cake batter and cookie dough, while a mid-size 6-quart to 8-quart model does well for medium-sized batches.
A larger 10-quart or 12-quart mixer is ideal for larger batches of batters and doughs, as well as small batches of ice cream. If you are looking for an even larger capacity, there are some stand mixers that range up to 14 quart in size.
Ultimately, the exact size of stand mixer you choose will depend on the size of batches you are making and the features you need.
What sizes do cement mixers come in?
Cement mixers come in a variety of sizes, from portable mini mixers that can hold around 2 cubic feet of concrete to large trailer-mounted mixers that can hold up to 12 cubic feet or more. Portable electric mixers usually fit in the bed of a pickup or small trailer and handle up to 1/2 bag of concrete mix (regardless of size, the bag usually weighs 90 pounds).
These are good for small do-it-yourself projects like sidewalks and small repairs. Larger capacity models, generally gas-powered, can hold 2 to 3 cubic feet of material, allowing you to mix larger batches of concrete.
Some of these can be mounted on a trailer and towed with a pickup truck.
Large commercial projects require even larger mixers, capable of holding up to 12 cubic feet, which are mounted on large trucks. Specialty mixers also exist, such as self-loading concrete mixer trucks that combine parts of the process into one unit.
There are also ready-mix transport trucks, which contain their own concrete mixing equipment, allowing them to mix and transport the materials at the same time.
How do concrete mixers work?
Concrete mixers are special machines that mix ingredients used to produce concrete and other related materials. The most common types of concrete mixers are drum mixers, known as “reversible drum mixers” and “twin shaft mixers. “.
Reversible drum mixers consist of a rotating drum on an axle with paddles or blades inside. The drum is mounted on an adjustable frame that enables it to be tilted so the mix can be discharged. The axles of the drum are connected to hydraulic motors or gasoline engines which turn the drum, making the mixture of ingredients within the drum rotate and mix.
Twin shaft mixers are essentially two horizontal shafts connected to a series of paddles or blades inside a cylindrical tank. The shafts rotate in opposite directions so that the paddles or blades inside the tank mix and move the materials.
The mixture is pushed from the ends of the horizontal shafts towards the center, which causes it to quickly mix and become homogeneous.
Both drum and twin shaft mixers work by allowing the ingredients to be continuously mixed in a rotating barrel or tank for a specific amount of time. This process ensures that the ingredients are thoroughly combined, resulting in a strong and consistent concrete mix.
The speed and position of the mixer is controllable, so a variety of formulations can be produced. The mixer is inspected for successful mixing and other quality-related characteristics before the concrete is discharged.
What are the two methods of mixing concrete?
The two methods of mixing concrete are hand mixing and machine mixing.
Hand mixing is done by combining the dry ingredients in a wheelbarrow or other large container and slowly adding water until the mixture reaches the desired consistency. This method works best for small projects or for patching existing concrete that does not require structural strength.
Machine mixing is done by using a concrete mixer or mortar mixer. A concrete mixer is typically used for jobs that require a high-strength concrete mixture or large quantities of concrete. It is also faster and requires less labor than hand mixing.
It is important to properly measure each ingredient and add water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
No matter which method of mixing is used, it is important to wear protective gear, such as goggles and gloves, when mixing concrete. It is also important to thoroughly mix the dry ingredients before adding water and to add stabilizers, such as an admixture, when they are needed.
Finally, the concrete should be poured as soon after mixing as possible in order to achieve the best results.
How many types of concrete mixer are there?
The most common are drum mixers, pan mixers, and planetary-type mixers. Drum mixers use an oval or cylindrical drum that spins on its axis to churn the concrete. They are typically used in large-scale commercial projects.
Pan mixers are a type of mixer that uses two counter-rotating blades to mix the concrete. These blades form a “V” shape in the mix and are great for achieving a homogenous mix with consistent results.
Planetary-type mixers are also known as “forced action” mixers, as they generate a force to pull the aggregate and other components together. They have multiple blades or paddles, which are connected to the center of a rotating platform.
These mixers, which can be vertical or horizontal, are often used in medium and small-scale projects, as they can produce large batches with a shorter mixing time.
How much can a small cement mixer hold?
A small cement mixer typically holds up to 6 cubic feet or around 200 liters of material. It is ideal for small to medium sized projects such as patios, sidewalks, pool decks, and small foundations. However, the capacity is highly dependent on the size and make of the concrete mixer.
Smaller models are normally capable of holding 2-3 cubic feet while larger models can hold up to 10-11 cubic feet. Additionally, some smaller-capacity mixers may feature extensions which allow for greater capacity if needed.
What happens if you put too much cement in concrete?
If too much cement is added to a concrete mixture, the resulting concrete will have an excessively high water to cement ratio and, in some cases, lose its plasticity making the mixture hard to work with.
Excessive cement also causes concrete to shrink, which will leave large cracks in the concrete once it dries and will also reduce its strength and durability. Additionally, if too much cement is added, the concrete will be much less workable and thus more difficult to pour and to shape.
How long do you leave a cement mixer on for?
The amount of time to leave a cement mixer on for depends on the size of the batch that is being mixed and the power of the machine. Generally speaking, it is best to leave the cement mixer running until the materials appear to be evenly mixed, as over-mixing the material can have a negative effect on its set time and strength.
Generally, you should allow the mixture to run for between 2 and 5 minutes before turning it off. It is important to ensure that you do not allow the cement mixer to run for longer than necessary, as this can cause excessive wear and tear on the machine.
Additionally, always make sure the cement mixer is switched off and the blades are at a complete stop before opening the drum.
What is the minimum mixing time for concrete?
The minimum mixing time for concrete depends on a variety of factors, such as the type and size of the aggregates, the volume of concrete being mixed, and the type of mixer being used. Generally, for most applications, a minimum mixing time of 2 to 4 minutes is recommended.
However, if the concrete is being mixed in a continuous-flow mixer, then a minimum mixing time of 8 to 10 minutes is advised. It is important to mix concrete for the minimum amount of time necessary to ensure that all of the particles are fully blended to provide uniformity and consistency throughout the concrete.
If concrete is not mixed thoroughly and completely, it can result in visible defects, as well as a reduction in strength and durability.