For any concrete-related construction project, a concrete mixer is a necessary tool. For the structure to be strong and long-lasting, it makes sure that the concrete is mixed evenly and completely. It is possible to save time and avoid issues on the job site by being familiar with the use, assembly, and disassembly of a concrete mixer.
Although using a concrete mixer may seem simple, there are steps you should take to ensure the best possible outcome. Setting the proper mixing time, loading the materials in the proper order, and making sure the mixer is running at the proper speed are all crucial. By taking these precautions, you can ensure a consistent mixture and avoid problems like premature setting or segregation.
Concrete mixer assembly calls for meticulous attention to detail. To guarantee a safe and effective operation, each component must be positioned and fastened correctly. In addition to extending the mixer’s lifespan, proper assembly improves the caliber of concrete that is produced.
A concrete mixer must be disassembled for maintenance and repairs, particularly when problems are found. Correct disassembly of the mixer can facilitate prompt problem identification and resolution. The mixer is kept in good operating order by timely repairs and routine maintenance, guaranteeing dependable performance on every project.
- Types of designs
- Main components of a concrete mixer
- Selection criteria
- Assembling a concrete mixer
- Assembling the drum
- Adjusting the gap between the crown and the gear
- Operation of a concrete mixer
- Preparation of concrete mixture
- Video on the topic
- This is something incredible, How to easily remove a bearing
- (#11, About the starter button). Russian concrete mixer MiK Professional
- The concrete mixer TURNES OFF by itself
- Adjusting the concrete mixer.
- Adjustable gear on the concrete mixer
- Repair of the concrete mixer #2
Types of designs
Businesses manufacture a broad range of models of concrete mixers so that someone who is ill-prepared cannot decide on and select a particular unit right away.
The following table provides a brief description of them along with their features:
It has fixed blades inside that raise the solution to a certain height before allowing it to fall naturally and mix at the same time.
Furthermore, the unit designs are:
- Electrical.
- Mechanical.
- Cyclic action.
- Continuous action.
All concrete mixers, regardless of type, are made using the same methodology.
Their principal elements are:
- Tank for mixing the solution.
- Mixing mechanism that mixes the mixture.
- Support.
- Cement, sand and water are poured into the tank.
- Blades are turned on for 5-15 minutes.
- Drive is turned off.
- The device is turned over.
- The finished solution is poured into the prepared container.
Main components of a concrete mixer
The primary parts of the unit are depicted in the figure.
Among them are:
- Drum.
- Frame.
- Control panel.
- Engine.
- Mechanism for moving the working bodies.
- Tilting mechanism.
You can select the best option for yourself once you are aware of the various types of concrete mixers and their primary components.
For efficiency and safety, it is imperative to understand how to use, assemble, and disassemble a concrete mixer—a vital tool for many construction projects. To make sure your projects go smoothly, this article offers step-by-step instructions for using the mixer, correctly assembling its parts, and troubleshooting common problems.
Selection criteria
When selecting a concrete mixing unit, it is important to ascertain the intended uses and the frequency of usage. This determines the qualities of the best choice.
In this situation, it’s important to pay attention to signs like these:
- The volume of the bucket. Typically, the passport indicates this characteristic.
Remember that the barrel’s stated capacity is only for two thirds of the concrete volume inside.
- What are the revolutions of the concrete mixer.
- The material used for the manufacture of the drum. Modern models have a steel case. The difference is only in thickness.
A word of caution: keep in mind that metal can be corroded by concrete before making a purchase. You should choose options with a steel thickness of more than 1-2 mm if you plan to operate the unit for an extended period of time.
- The mode of operation of the unit. For him, you need a voltage power supply of 220 V. With a drum volume of 0.5-1 m³, the engine uses a more powerful, operating from the network 380 V.
- The degree of engine protection. The mechanism should be located in a special casing.
Assembling a concrete mixer
How to assemble the unit becomes a question after buying it.
The steps involved in assembly are as follows:
- Open the box.
- Check the completeness according to the instructions. It includes:
- Frame.
- Upper part of the drum.
- Set of legs.
- Drive box.
- Tipper.
- Blades.
- For moving the device wheels.
- Set of mounting bolts.
- The legs are installed so that the wheels are on the side of the drive box.
- The wheels are installed on the axle and fixed with plastic plugs.
Assembling the drum
All concrete mixers have a drum where the solution will be mixed, regardless of how they are made.
- The upper part is removed from the lower part.
- A toothed crown is installed with your own hands along the perimeter of the lower part of the container and secured with four bolts.
- The upper part is placed on the lower part. Before this, the previously installed bolts are removed. The fasteners must be removed very carefully so that the ring gear does not warp or move.
- The toothed crown is lowered onto the U-shaped part holding the drum.
- The upper part of the tank is installed onto the lower part.
- The toothed crown is finally secured.
- The blades are inserted.
Adjusting the gap between the crown and the gear
Accurately choosing the gear engagement gap is essential to prolonging the unit’s service life. How should the gear be adjusted?
- The gap between the teeth of the two parts is checked with a feeler gauge.
- The crown is located rigidly on the drum. This means that it cannot be moved.
- The drive gear can be moved forward or backward using washers, gaskets. If there are grooves for moving the gear mount unit, the bolts are loosened and the desired gap between the teeth is selected – its value is indicated in the instructions for using the unit. Usually it is 0.1 – 0.3 mm for new units, and up to 0.55 mm for worn ones.
Operation of a concrete mixer
It is required to start the concrete mixer at idle speed before adding the solution.
- The product is installed on a hard surface. In this case, its slope should not exceed 5°.
- Connect to an electrical outlet with grounding of the equipment power cord.
- The concrete mixer is turned on and works for about 30 seconds.
- Its operability is checked for extraneous noise, increased vibration and other defects.
Advice: You should get in touch with the service center if you notice that the unit’s operation deviates from the listed characteristics. Here, they will instruct you on how to operate the concrete mixer properly, if needed.
Preparation of concrete mixture
Once the gadget has been put together, the owner has thoroughly gotten to know how to operate it, and it has been verified to be operational, a specific amount of mixture needs to be prepared.
- To prepare one cubic meter of concrete, you will need 125 liters of water. Excess liquid should not be allowed. This can lead to a decrease in the strength of the solution.
- Sand with a grain size of up to 5 mm is required. Its amount should be 30-45% of the mass of the finished solution.
- Gravel takes up 55-70%.
- The ratio of sand and gravel is 1:1.2. When using crushed stone instead of gravel, the ratio should be: 1:2.
The only ingredients that will yield high-quality concrete are pure sand and water, free of oil or other abrasive materials. Water is used cold in the summer and heated to 40 °C in the winter. The picture shows the concrete mixer ready for use, as it appears before it is turned on.
The detailed instructions in the video tutorial will help you visualize using a concrete mixer. How should the concrete mixer be cleaned once the job is done?
- The internal and external surfaces of the unit are washed.
- The drum is washed with crushed stone and water.
- Do not use solvents.
- Do not allow water to get on the engine.
- Periodically check the tightness of all fasteners.
- The engine vents should always be clean.
The video in this post goes into great detail on how to assemble a concrete mixer correctly and how to take it apart after using it.
Topic | Description |
Using the concrete mixer | Ensure the mixer is on a flat surface. Add water first, then cement, sand, and gravel. Turn on the mixer and let it run until the mixture is smooth. |
Assembling the concrete mixer | Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Attach the drum to the frame, secure the motor, and connect all parts tightly. Check that all bolts and nuts are secure. |
Disassembling when faults are detected | Turn off and unplug the mixer. Identify the faulty part. Carefully disassemble the mixer by reversing the assembly steps. Replace or repair the faulty part, then reassemble. |
Proper use of a concrete mixer guarantees effective and uniform mixing, which is essential for concrete of superior quality. It is essential to assemble and disassemble the mixer correctly in order to maintain optimal performance and promptly fix any issues.
You can increase the lifespan of your concrete mixer by giving it routine maintenance and prompt attention to any issues that are found. This include lubricating moving parts, inspecting for wear and tear, and making sure all parts are firmly fastened.
When a defect is found, it’s critical to disassemble and repair the device in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. This helps to accurately identify and fix problems in addition to ensuring safety.
You can prevent expensive repairs and downtime by being aware of how to assemble, use, and maintain your concrete mixer, which will guarantee the smooth and effective completion of your construction projects.