Electric Cement Mixer

[BB_TX]

Any experience with electric motor power cement mixers? I am considering buying one. Have always mixed small batches in wheelbarrow or mud tub. But I have a few things I would like to do that would take a little larger batches. As much as I would like to have a gas powered or PTO powered for go anywhere convenience, I really don't want to spend that kind of money for something I would only use on rare occasion. Renting is a possibility, but the convenience of having something on hand when you want it is compelling.

 

[WVBill]

When I built my pole barn, I borrowed my neighbor's old beat-up electric mixer. It worked just fine. We ran an extension electric cord to the sand/gravel pile and after we mixed each batch we dumped it into the FEL for transporting the 50-60 feet to the post holes.

I'm thinking I'll borrow it again this spring when I put in a concrete path to my front door.

 

[MossRoad]

I wanted to put in a sidewalk that required about a yard of concrete. Delivery of pre-mixed concrete by the cement company was about $50.00 per yard. However, they had a penalty for anything under 4 yards... $200.00 delivery fee/w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif. The electric mixer that I bought was on sale for $139.00 and the concrete bags ended up being about $35.00, so for about $175.00 I got the mixer and concrete for the job and saved about $75.00. <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&langId=-1&catalogId=4006970&PHOTOS=on&TEST=Y&productId=21914&categoryId=149>It looks alot like this one</A> at Northern Tool, but has a wheel for a handle instead of the lever, and is yellow instead of red. I beleive I purchased it at TSC or Quality about 5 years ago.

The mixer will hold about three 60 pound bags at a time( or two 90s), although I find it mixes easier one at a time. It has a 1/3 HP 110V motor that will run off of an extension cord pretty easily. It is light enough that I can roll it right next to a hole, mix the concrete and pour it right in. Then move it to the next hole, etc...

It is by no means a heavy duty tool, but I've used it for one or two jobs a year for the last 5 years and if that's all your are going to do with it, it will suit you well and last many, many years. I am very happy with mine. Hope this helps /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[BB_TX]

Thanks, MossRoad. That's what I am looking for. Something to do a few post holes here, a small slab there. Now if I can just find a good deal lilke you did. The only one I have found locally so far (N TX) was at HD but they wanted $387 for it. Hoping to find something a little less expensive. Found some on the web but the shipping charges almost double the cost of the mixer.

 

[MossRoad]

Check harbor freight, too.

 

[BB_TX]

I have seen Harbor Freight mentioned on TBN before. Have you had any experience ordering from them? They have a 3 1/2 foot mixer for $199 with free shipping. Sounds like a possibility.

 

[rancar]

<font color=blue>Any experience with electric motor power cement mixers? I am considering buying one.</font color=blue>

Bill...

Instead, you might want to browse the Spring auctions to see if any of these portable mixers go up for auctions. I've seen some of these go for $10-20. This is a steal compared to buying one. I have an old vintage 1960s one and it works fine. It doesn't mix very large batches but it will certainly save your back if you previously were mixing from those mud tubs and you have to mix a sizeable quantity. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

.....Bob

 

[rocky2]

I picked up one of the Harbor Freight ones a few years ago. It came in red oxide primer, so you can grab those half empty spray bomb cans sitting in your garage and paint it like a circus wagon. It's made in China (surprise). For the price, it serves the purpose well for the occasional user. I have very little faith in the Chinese electric motors from past "bargans" I bought. So I scrounged up an old washing machine motor as a standby. Haven't had to replace the motor, even with abuse and neglect the lil Ringling Bros reject keeps on a spinnin.

 

[BB_TX]

Thanks, Bob
I have been watching the classifieds and garage sales for awhile now, but no luck. The state is on me to get the concrete facings on my culverts that I was supposed to have done 2 years ago. /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif So I can't wait much longer.

 

[StoneHeartFarm]

I have to agree with Bob. Watch for yard sales, small flea markets/junk shops and auctions. We got ours free, but I had to add a 1/4 hp pump motor that came from a yard sale for $10.00. It is an older one that appears to have been originally set up to run off a flat belt and has been rather crudely converted to run off a v-belt. It does work, however, and is great for mixing small batches that require less than a yard.

Steve