Cement mixer

[BoFuller]

I have been looking on Craigslist for about a month trying to decide on a cement mixer when I accidently saw one at Everything Attachments. Duh, it sounds like a no-brainer, to have it mounted right on the toy, I mean on the tractor. Anybody have any experience with this attachment?
Pros and Cons?
Thanks!

 

[boggen]

I have been looking on Craigslist for about a month trying to decide on a cement mixer when I accidently saw one at Everything Attachments. Duh, it sounds like a no-brainer, to have it mounted right on the toy, I mean on the tractor. Anybody have any experience with this attachment?
Pros and Cons?
Thanks!

for me, i would simple choose a 2 bagger concrete mixer (2 bags mean up to 2 80 lbs bags) i wouldn't not go over that. and would have an eletrical 110 motor on it.

smaller size concrete mixers just don't hold enough concrete nor fill a wheel barrow up enough. 2 baggers at least to me, can keep 2 folks fairly busy working on a single project. one mixes, while other dumps it or uses it, for block walls or like.

larger size concrete mixers, require a small crew of knowledgeable folks. and once ya get to that point, it is time to call in a contractor. and a concrete truck/s

i prefer the taller mixers, that dumps to either side into a wheel barrow or some 5 gallon buckets.

then use the tractor to move pallets of concrete to near the mixer.

standalone mixer allows me to get the mixer closer to some of the smaller jobs i have done. making it less distance of dealing with a heavier wheel barrow vs carrying some lighter weight concrete bags.

it is a hassle to load / unload the mixer out of a truck. but it allows me to take it over to a family members house for a small job. and still have my tractor to do what needs to be done at home.

harbor freight seems to be fairly good on prices over last couple years. finally picked one up year or so ago for my own usage.

plastic or metal, it really doesn't matter that much for the container. i opted for metal. but plastic version can work just as good.

i have ran it off of a small 3000 watt generator. to do some projects back on a cabin. and i will most likely be using it here in a few years down in the basement, when i put a small 1000 gallon goldfish pond in.

for me, it is more able being able to get the mixed wet concrete were i need it in a short distance. and then for storage in shed, being able to easily move it out of the way to get to something, or cleaning up the shed. (sweeping or like)

3pt hitch version sure does sound nice and everything. but just not worth it. for move ability and space restraints put on many of the projects i have done over the past.

 

[zzvyb6]

I have a 1/3 yd 3pt pto cement mixer that is very handy to use. Hydraulic dump. I buy a ready to use mix from HD or Lowes. Toss 4 bags into the drum and a big bucket of water. Mix for 5 minutes or so and you are ready to pour.

However: Cement is VERY heavy. I need to have my loader on the front with some extra weight in the bucket. I borrow the curl circuit for the dump cylinder to pour the load. The concrete is VERY strong. I normally use 2x4s for forming on walkways and planter bases. Loading and watering in one place and wheeling it to the form site has a lot of advantages. I could never handle a wheelbarrow, too heavy for my frame.

Next project is a 13' circular base for a wire type corn dryer bin/gazebo. That's a lot of cement for this type of operation. I only wish for a better system to load the mixer. The 80# bags are a bit much for me.

Cement work is a LOT of fun, though, and the finished product makes it all worthwhile. I don't even mind anymore if the dogs autograph it...

 

[BoFuller]

OK, I read some other threads on concrete work and I don't think I need the 3 pt hitch mixer. Total overkill. Actually the only job I have for sure right now is for 8 to 12 holes (about 2 ft deep X 12 in diameter) for brackets for posts for the deck and roof I'm putting over my 25 ft trailer. So maybe I don't even need a mixer at all. Maybe just a small mixing tub or even a large wheelbarrow? Perhaps I got carried away with attachment fever? :confused2: I've never done a concrete job on my own; just helped my Dad 45 years ago.

 

[crbr]

OK, I read some other threads on concrete work and I don't think I need the 3 pt hitch mixer. Total overkill. Actually the only job I have for sure right now is for 8 to 12 holes (about 2 ft deep X 12 in diameter) for brackets for posts for the deck and roof I'm putting over my 25 ft trailer. So maybe I don't even need a mixer at all. Maybe just a small mixing tub or even a large wheelbarrow? Perhaps I got carried away with attachment fever? :confused2: I've never done a concrete job on my own; just helped my Dad 45 years ago.

Quickrete in 80 # bags, a sturdy stick for stirring, and water. Done deal.

 

[Deere Dude]

OK, I read some other threads on concrete work and I don't think I need the 3 pt hitch mixer. Total overkill. Actually the only job I have for sure right now is for 8 to 12 holes (about 2 ft deep X 12 in diameter) for brackets for posts for the deck and roof I'm putting over my 25 ft trailer. So maybe I don't even need a mixer at all. Maybe just a small mixing tub or even a large wheelbarrow? Perhaps I got carried away with attachment fever? :confused2: I've never done a concrete job on my own; just helped my Dad 45 years ago.

I had two old well used mixers in my life and they were full of crap that I could never get them clean. Finally I sprung for a Harbor freight 3-1/2 cu. ft. mixer. 110 volt and dumps on both sides. I used it for a a 100 foot long sidewalk and mixed the mortar for the full block basement in our house, and a ton of different little projects. Ready mixed works great for smaller jobs but I just got a couple yards of sand and gravel mixed and did it that way for a bigger job.
It is heavy enough to where I can mix a load and it will fill 3/4 of a wheel barrow full. I am a big guy, but that's all I want to handle.
If it was on sale for $159-$179 and I needed one, I would get another one.
If all a guy want to do is fill in a few small holes, I would probably just get ready mixed and mix it in a tub. If I was fairly young and like doing projects around the house, I would get a mixer. Sooner or later you may need more mixed.
:thumbsup:

 

[BoFuller]

Fairly young, not exactly. I'm 61 and don't want to do anymore difficult labor than I have to.

 

[CurlyDave]

I am 65 and prefer the 60 lb. bags of mix because they are easier to deal with than the 80s.

I have a Lowes plastic tub mixer and it has done great service for me. I think plastic tubs are easier to clean and lighter to carry and place.

If you buy a cheap one, you will have to assemble it and the best advice I can give is to use locktite on all the bolts. It will take an extra hour, but most cheapies loosen up and become very shaky, very quickly. Mine has not done that and even professional masons have remarked on how easy it is to use.

An inexpensive mixer and a 100 ft. extension cord will work well for most projects. Use the FEL to lift the bags of concrete to put them in the mixer. If the 100' cord didn't do it, I would use a generator to turn the mixer before I got a 3 pt. mixer.

I already have a generator, but if you don't, it is a much more versatile tool than a 3 pt. mixer.

 

[ultrarunner]

I second the loctite recommendation... first discovered it restoring antique cars.

Keeps fasteners secure and easily removable if you don't use the permanent high strength products.

A few extra minutes at assemble and you are good to go.

 

[crash325]

I would pass on the 3 point mixer. You can't always get it where its needed. More important (2 Me anyway) I use the the front bucket or forks 2 pick up the bags of cement so they do not have to be lifted, just open & dump or shovel.

The HF 1/3 yard is a pretty good mixer for the money. I got mine with a B&S gas engine so's it could be used any place, any time. Little problems, mixer is a little 2 low, with gas engine was tail heavy and front foot is to narrow.

Rear of mixer was raised about 4 or 5 inches, moved axle back about 4 or 5 inches, a wide front foot was added along with a weight. Also put on a tow tongue, that can be used with a ball or long bolt.

Its worked hard for almost 5 years and is still ready for more.

Some dummy who shall remain name less, loaded it way past design capacity managed to tip it over. ( Before front foot was made wider.) It laid on its side still running until I figured out how to set it and a full load back up.:laughing: