Concrete Mixer - 5 Things to Look For

Do you have a small concrete pad or even a small section of sidewalk that you need to finish around your property?  If so, a small concrete mixer will fit the bill perfectly.

Of course, if it's only a one time use you'd be better off renting or even borrowing this mixer from a friend.  But, if it's something you think you'll need again and again you may be better of buying one.

If so, here are some guidelines that you'll want to keep in mind.

1.  Price

Of course, price is always the first thing that comes to mind when you're purchasing anything.  But especially so with a concrete mixer as you'll want to think about the amount of use you'll get out of it versus renting the same unit.

Only you can work those calculations.  But, should you decide that a buying a mixer is right for you - expect to shell out anywhere from $100 used up to nearly $8,000 or $10,000 new.

Of course, before you start worrying about the money it would probably pay to call around to a few rental shops and look at the day rate for a mixer like that.  The rates will likely surprise you and if you think you're going to use it enough it will likely pay for itself.

And then, if you do buy one and someone needs to borrow it you could either offer a cheaper rate to offset some of your costs or even swap straight across for some equipment of theirs that you need to borrow.

I'm not saying that kind of set-up is common but I do know others who do this.

But, as you probably noticed there is a fairly wide price discrepancy.  So what gives?

2.  Condition

Obviously, a new model mixer will be worth more as it has less wear and tear on it.  Also, it's likely to have some type of warranty available.  Also, the type of motor or whether it's gas powered or electric powered can also make a big difference.

And don't shy away just because it's a plug-in electrical unit.  I've used them before and for 99% of small projects around the house they are plenty.  In fact, you could probably poor a small concrete pad in sections if you hustle and buying a unit like these - even new - will only run you a few hundred bucks.

Of course, there's a trade-off with the amount of concrete you can mix with each load.  But that trade-off is something you have to analyze for your particular case.

3.  Hydraulic

Speaking of motors, you also have the option of a mixer that hooks up to the PTO (Power Take Off) unit of a tractor.  These are a lot more powerful than the electric and even gas power engines but they also (obviously) have the added drawback of needing a tractor to run the unit.

4.  Access

You'll want to give some serious thought to where you need to pour the concrete.  In other words, is it someplace that you can actually get the mixer nearby.  If not, you'll be looking at mixing somewhere else and then hauling the load by wheelbarrow.  I've done this, and it works, but it adds a lot of extra man power to a job.

In some instances you may be better off calling in the professionals.  Or, if you think you are up to the task, go ahead and order your own concrete from the local ready mix establishment and pour it yourself.

Generally speaking though, even this job is left to the professionals as ordering and keeping up with a truckload full of concrete may be more than the average do-it-your-selfer is capable of.

5.  Size of Projects

A portable concrete mixer of any type is obviously going to have it's size limitations and is not going to be ideal for every job.

But that begs the question: what type of job is it ideal for?  That would actually be a little tough to answer without looking at the actual project - but you can get a fair idea with a few general guidelines.

A portable mixer that you'd commonly see on a lot of construction job sites can handle any size job if the job is broken up into enough smaller jobs.

For example, I've known guys who've been able to poor large patios with a cement mixer but they just had to use forms to partition of smaller areas.  Let it cure.  And then come back and do another, different area a few days later.

Still, some professionals caution not to do this as you can start getting a funky looking patio as you have different batches of concrete in different weather and at different times.  So, maybe if you have a job that is bigger than a 4' by 4' pad or even an 8' by 8' (if you know what you are doing) than you might want to order your mud from a batch plant.