Cement mixer

[Jeff F.]

I was thinking 3pt also, until I read this post. Now I will purchase an electric one and set it on my carry all to take it where its needed. Then I will still have the tractor to haul the sand/gravel/cement/mortar for what ever project I am doing. Thanks guys.

 

[not2old]

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've operated a handyman service repairing condos for the last thirty years and have needed to mix a lot of concrete to set replacement fence posts. I welded up a paddle mixer like that used to mix drywall filler, but smaller, and used it with a Milwaukee Hole Hawg (heavy duty 1/2" drill) in a plastic 5 gallon pail. A cheap drill will not last. It takes a very short amount of time to mix a bag of pre-mixed concrete this way. Pours of up to 50 bags, using two men are still more practical than ordering a pre-mix truck. On some post replacement jobs where we needed a sufficient amount of concrete to justify buying navyjack and portland cement, the reduced cost of materials is very noticeable on the bottom line. I can post some pictures and dimensions if anyone is interested.

 

[BoFuller]

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:

Thanks for all the good tips. I will pass on the 3 pt. hitch mixer. I'll consider a small one, electric or gas, and will get myself a used wheelbarrow for the smallest of mixing jobs.

Thanks!

 

[boggen]

a 2 bagger cement mixer, comes in pretty handy.

the old "hoe" mixing in a wheel barrow. is down right tiresome. and quickly were ya out. and if ya don't feel it then. boy will you feel your muscles over the next couple days.

5 gallon bucket with paddle mixer bit that (not2old) noted. i am not a real big fan of. granted, in small jobs that way comes in handy. and have done that for mixing mortar for tiles in a bathroom. the problems i have with 5 gallon bucket is that it tends to be harder to get all the dry concrete mixed up down in the bottom of the bucket near the corners / edges. and after some uses will build up a rather thick concrete around the bucket, that you have to chip away. and then pour just a very little bit of water and work those chunks back into something usable if you didn't let it dry to much. don't get me wrong it does work. but, prefer larger size concrete mixer. just easier to get all the concrete to mix up completely, and short amount of time to clean it up after ya done using it.

 

[mjncad]

Bo:

You are in for an eye opening experience if you haven't done any concrete work. It's hard, back breaking, messy work; whether you are doing new, repair, or demolition. Drawing concrete work on the computer is easy, real life concrete isn't.

Do whatever you can to make your life easier, and mixing in a wheelbarrow with a hoe is tiring as another poster pointed out.

Also don't forget to take into account the altitude difference between the Phoenix area and Flagstaff. If' you're like me and not an animal like a couple of my neighbors, you'll feel it, and the altitude will compound it.

Have fun.

 

[bikerdib]

I'll add another to the list of those that said to get a 115 volt mixer. I prefer the one from Northern Tools over the one from Harbor Freight. I've had better luck with stuff from Northern Tools than from Harbor Freight (and I buy from both, depending on the item). I have the 4.1 CF model (# CM350A)and it's held up very well. Can't count the number of bags of mix I've run through it.

cement mixer from Northern Tool + Equipment

One important thing I want to point out and I've seen some make the mistake. You must have the mixer running before dumping in the mix. Don't think you can put in the water and cement mix then turn on the machine. You'll quickly burn up your motor. They do run them on sale occasionally and if you sign up for it, they send out discount coupons.

 

[BoFuller]

I'll add another to the list of those that said to get a 115 volt mixer. I prefer the one from Northern Tools over the one from Harbor Freight. I've had better luck with stuff from Northern Tools than from Harbor Freight (and I buy from both, depending on the item). I have the 4.1 CF model (# CM350A)and it's held up very well. Can't count the number of bags of mix I've run through it.

cement mixer from Northern Tool + Equipment

One important thing I want to point out and I've seen some make the mistake. You must have the mixer running before dumping in the mix. Don't think you can put in the water and cement mix then turn on the machine. You'll quickly burn up your motor. They do run them on sale occasionally and if you sign up for it, they send out discount coupons.

Thanks biker, I think I'll go with this one.
By the way, I think you need one more motorcycle. :thumbsup:
Sheesh, I only have one.