Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[mikerose]

Yeah, well I did some Googling, a lot of it actually and although I didn't come up with that thread, it's not much help. Wrong mixer, and it tells you in general terms HOW to replace the wheels (as if!), but doesn't tell you which ones you can find to use.

 

[aczlan]

I was wondering if anybody has had luck replacing the wheels on the Harbor Freight 3.5cf concrete mixer. I like this tool a lot, it's saved me a ton of work, but the wheels are too small and definitely too narrow. The problem is the axle on the unit is 1" and I can't find wheels anywhere that would fit it. Ideas?

The picture I see (at: Cement Mixer - 3-1/2 Cubic Ft. Cement Mixer ) shows a hollow shaft for the axle. I would get a steel shaft that fits inside (5/8" if it would fit) and mount the wheels to that. If you need to narrow it up, cut the hollow shaft off at the side of the leg.
If yours has a solid shaft, I would mount a new 5/8" axle underneath the current one
Aaron Z

 

[mikerose]

That's a great idea, embarrassed that I didn't think of it! And here's such an axle: MH Sales & Equipment, Inc. :: Wheels :: Wheel Accessories :: Axles :: 5/8" Diameter x 24" Cold Rodded Axle
Thanks.

 

[crazyal]

If it was me and you plan on keeping the mixer I would get a set of airless wheel barrel wheels and replace the bearings with bushings. It should last forever and will have no issues handling the weight of the cement. You might need to lengthen the leg to make it sit level.

 

[mikerose]

 

[mikerose]

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[IslandTractor]

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Nice. Did you get that from the Fall River store? I haven't seen one there.

 

[mikerose]

Nice. Did you get that from the Fall River store? I haven't seen one there.

In fact, I did! Back in the spring. They are often out of them, and won't sell the floor model. After putting mine together with the near-useless instructions I can see why, LOL! But the manager worked with me and held one for a few hours on the day they came in. He also let me use a coupon after the date, since they were out, so I got it for $189 I think, a great deal. Well worth it. The cheaper one is a toy, this one is decent.

 

[IslandTractor]

In fact, I did! Back in the spring. They are often out of them, and won't sell the floor model. After putting mine together with the near-useless instructions I can see why, LOL! But the manager worked with me and held one for a few hours on the day they came in. He also let me use a coupon after the date, since they were out, so I got it for $189 I think, a great deal. Well worth it. The cheaper one is a toy, this one is decent.

Very good deal you got. I like the mods too. I'll keep my eyes out for one. Need to put in some deer fencing and rebuild the concrete ramp to my barn.

 

[Pixguy]

Nice. Did you get that from the Fall River store? I haven't seen one there.

Ah, Fall River. I used to have some Portuguese friends that called it Fall Reeve and they had to take the Braga, the bridge to Portugal. :laughing: