We told you how to choose a concrete mixer for building a private house. We hope you made a good choice, and now let’s talk about how to use this very useful construction technique correctly, which makes it much easier to create a mortar for laying bricks, pouring a foundation and other work..
The first, what is required when working with a concrete mixer on a construction site is to choose a convenient place for it. The area where she stands must be level, without stones and holes. The concrete mixer must be positioned securely so that there is no risk of shearing or tipping over during operation. Wood or stone pads can be used to level equipment.
In this case, of course, the concrete mixer should be located as close as possible to the construction site where the solution will be used, as well as to the stocks of materials for making the mixture.
Second– if you have a concrete mixer with an electric motor (and this is a fairly common option), you will need a power source. You will need an electric cable, carry it, because usually the cord of the concrete mixer itself is too short. If there is no power supply at the construction site, you will have to worry about the presence of a generator, which should be located not too far from the concrete mixer, but so that it does not interfere with the work and loading of components into the drum.
Third– It is very important to set the correct angle of the mixer drum. Manufacturers in the instructions for the concrete mixer must indicate the optimal angle of inclination of the drum – the main working part of the device. Usually it is 22-30 degrees. If you tilt closer to the horizon, you will have better conditions for mixing materials, but this will reduce the volume of mortar produced. If, on the contrary, you increase the angle of inclination, the volume of the mixture will increase, but it will no longer mix properly..
Fourth– you must not, under no circumstances overload the concrete mixer! You have the volume specified by the manufacturer, you made the choice of the device, focusing on this parameter. A larger volume of raw materials will only lead to the fact that the solution mixes poorly, and the concrete mixer itself will fail much faster. It is better to do two or three or four batches, as needed, but taking into account the maximum possible volume of your concrete mixer.
Fifth– sequence of loading materials. We must admit that there are serious disputes in this area. According to some experts, first, part of the water is poured into the concrete mixer, and then cement, gravel or crushed stone, sand and water residues are poured into the mixer with a shovel or bucket..
Many people believe that without water, cement and sand will stick to the walls of the drum, it will be more difficult to mix them. However, according to the second popular opinion, first dry materials are poured into the drum, mixed, and only then water is added. In this case, of course, dust will come from the drum, because the composition is dry, but the solution turns out to be homogeneous.
There is also such advice – to mix cement and sand beforehand, separately, then pour it into a concrete mixer, add water and only then crushed stone. After reading various reviews, we advise you to first lubricate all the blades and the surface of the concrete mixer drum with cement milk. This liquid forms on the surface of the concrete solution after it has been poured and compacted. Water with astringent elements is forced out, it looks like an off-white suspension and is therefore called cement milk.
The use of such a liquid avoids sticking of the solution on the surface of the concrete mixer drum. Then about 15% of the required volume of water is poured into the drum, cement and sand are poured at the same time, after which crushed stone and the rest of the water are added. This is the optimal sequence.
As for the proportions of concrete solution, the most commonly used is 2: 8: 4: 1 – cement, crushed stone, sand, water. But it all depends on the purpose for which you will use the solution, for masonry, for example, the mixture will have a different composition. It is important to sift the sand before mixing and add clean water, without unnecessary impurities that can affect the quality of the solution..
Sixth– it is absolutely not recommended to mix the solution in a concrete mixer for more than 3 minutes. In this case, the mixture begins to lose its plasticity. After three minutes of active mixing, concrete centrifugation begins, which always negatively affects the quality of the solution.
Seventh rule– after finishing work, always wash the concrete mixer thoroughly. Otherwise, the hardened solution will be very difficult to remove. Residues frozen on the surface during the next batch can negatively affect the quality of the new solution, getting into it and remaining in the form of lumps.
To wash the concrete mixer immediately after finishing work, you can simply pour clean water into it and turn on.
If you have tips, advice and suggestions, and you can supplement the set of these rules, then be sure to leave your comments.
Can someone please provide detailed instructions on the correct usage of a concrete mixer?
Can someone provide step-by-step instructions on how to correctly operate a concrete mixer? I’m new to this and want to ensure I am using it safely and efficiently. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!
Can anyone provide a step-by-step guide or helpful tips on properly using a concrete mixer? I’m new to this and want to make sure I use it correctly to avoid any issues or mistakes. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Sure! Here are some step-by-step instructions and tips for properly using a concrete mixer:
1. Before starting, ensure you have all the necessary safety gear like gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection.
2. Place the concrete mixer on a flat and stable surface to avoid any accidents.
3. Inspect the mixer for any damages or loose parts. Ensure it’s clean and ready for use.
4. Add the required amount of water, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid adding too much water as it can affect the quality of the concrete.
5. Gradually add the cement and aggregates according to the desired concrete mix ratio. Keep a steady and even pace to achieve a consistent mix.
6. Turn on the mixer and let it run for a few minutes to ensure proper mixing. Check the mixture’s consistency; if it’s too dry, add small amounts of water, and if it’s too wet, add more cement or aggregates.
7. While the mixer is running, periodically scrape the sides and bottom to ensure all materials are uniformly mixed.
8. Once the concrete is well mixed, stop the mixer and prepare for pouring. Ensure the chute or outlet is properly positioned for direct pouring or transfer the mixture to a wheelbarrow for transportation.
9. Take caution while pouring, especially in confined areas or when using a chute. Avoid splashes and spills.
10. After use, clean the mixer thoroughly by rinsing it with water and removing any residue. Store it properly to ensure its longevity.
Remember, it’s always a good practice to consult the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for your particular concrete mixer.
Using a concrete mixer correctly is essential for achieving a consistent and high-quality concrete mix. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure proper usage and safety:
1. Wear the necessary safety gear.
2. Place the mixer on a flat and stable surface.
3. Inspect the mixer for any damages or loose parts.
4. Add the required amount of water, avoiding excess.
5. Gradually add cement and aggregates according to the mix ratio.
6. Let the mixer run for a few minutes to ensure proper mixing.
7. Scrape the sides and bottom periodically.
8. Stop the mixer and prepare for pouring.
9. Take caution while pouring to avoid spills.
10. Clean the mixer thoroughly after use. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance and storage.