How to choose a concrete mixer for the house? Basic criteria for selecting a concrete mixer

Construction - the process is complex, sometimes long and very heavy, especially physically. And, of course, manufacturers of various construction tools and equipment have long invented many different useful things that make work much easier. And the concrete mixer is no exception. By the way, the statement that for private use this equipment is an unjustifiable luxury is just a myth (if you know how to choose a concrete mixer for a house or a small work team).

General classification

Construction can be of different scales. And, depending on this, several basic types of equipment are distinguished. First of all, these are large concrete mixers. They are indispensable for large-scale construction, for example, a multi-storey and multi-apartment building, and are completely useless in a private construction. For this, there are compact models. They are designed specifically for private teams and home use, when a large volume of solution is not required. And to work with them, naturally, several times easier. How to choose a concrete mixer for private masters? It is necessary to rely on several criteria.

Mechanism

Just think about how to choose a concrete mixer for construction work, immediately decide for yourself what type of management is needed. For example, on construction sites of small scale (private) quite enough and manual equipment. It is an order of magnitude cheaper than automated colleagues, but requires physical effort in the work. On the other hand, automatic concrete mixers of small size for a moderate amount is an indisputable assistant for private construction. Here, everyone decides for himself what exactly he needs. Concrete mixer manual is not just an expenditure of physical strength, but also a significant cost in time that not every builder can afford.

Volume of the bowl

The drum of a concrete mixer is one of the main elements to which you need to pay attention. The volume of the bowl to one hundred and fifty liters is suitable for private construction. At the same time, those who are still thinking about how to choose a concrete mixer, it is worth remembering that the volume of the solution will be 2/3 of the volume of the drum. This is due to the peculiarities of the process both the mixing of the building mass itself and its extraction from the equipment. Do not believe the sweet speeches and promises of sellers that a 130-liter concrete mixer can get 100 liters of solution.

Engine and power

It is widely believed that the more powerful the device, the better it works. Concerning concrete mixers, this is a myth, no more. The more literate you use the equipment, the better and better it works - that's the fact. And performance is not so much affected by engine power. Although this criterion can not be dismissed completely. How to choose a concrete mixer, focusing on power? For private construction, equipment is usually offered up to 1 kilowatt. It is considered unprofessional, lightened. When buying, always pay attention to the required voltage. For example, there are models of concrete mixers that operate on the network in 220V, and there are those that require more - 380V and above. In this case, an additional stabilizer or generator may be required. And, of course, wondering how to properly choose a concrete mixer for a house, remember that a long working time requires a lot of power. If the period of using the equipment does not exceed 12 hours, then 700 W is quite suitable.

Unloading the solution

It is also important how the extracted solution is extracted from the drum. Of course, powerful and large construction mixers are equipped with automatic feed ready -mixed mortar. Are there any for private use? Usually, loading and unloading occurs in manual mode, if the drum volume is less than 300 liters. But some manufacturers meet their customers and make small concrete mixers with a semi-automatic feed system for a ready-made solution - for example, due to the pedal. That is, it will still have to be applied physically. If you want to choose a concrete mixer for your home, then pay attention to these models. This will significantly save energy during construction.

Mixing

It would seem that it's easier: uploaded cement, sand, filled the water, turned on, and let the equipment interfere with the solution. But everything is not as it seems at first glance. There are two types of work of concrete mixers, regardless of their size and power. Each of them has its advantages, disadvantages and purpose.

Gravitational action

This type is considered universal and suitable for construction of any scale. The key feature is that the mixing and preparation of the solution occurs due to the blades that are located inside the drum. They carefully mix cement, sand and water to a homogeneous mixture. Thinking about how to choose the right mixer? Take into account, by what principle it works.

Forced action

This type of mixing is more suitable for equipment intended for large-scale construction projects. Serious drum volume, impressive power - all this requires the most thorough way of mixing the solution. Do you think how to choose a concrete mixer by the principle of its operation? Remember that equipment with forced mixing is an option for liquid concrete. That is, kneading in it a steep solution (for example, for laying the base or walls) is unlikely to work. In addition, not many models of a small volume with the indicated type of mixing are represented on the market.

Gearbox options

Concrete mixers gravitational kneading are divided into two types - reducer and corona. The first has earned a good reputation, because it is reliable and durable. But I have not received wide distribution. A fly in the ointment is a complicated repair. If a concrete mixer of this type breaks, then it will be problematic to replace the reducer, and in some cases it is completely impossible.

Think about how to choose a concrete mixer with a gravitational kneading method? Pay attention to the coronal stirrers. They have a lot of advantages.

Agitated agitators

In other words, they are also called crowns. Their service life is somewhat less than the gears. But when repairing equipment of this type is less whimsical, all elements are easily replaced. What you do not need to do is lubricate the mechanism from the inside, which can affect the work, slow it down or stop it altogether.

Housing

An important thing to do when choosing is the material from which the concrete mixer body is made. For example, the drum itself can be metal, but the mechanism is covered with plastic. Than it is bad? Plastic has the property of quickly deteriorating. Good equipment - metal. This significantly adds to his weight, but reliability and solidity do not have to borrow. Pay attention to the fact that the control device is securely covered, if the concrete mixer is electric. And handmade it is necessary to protect from rain, snow, ice.

Some practical advice

However, the manufacturer and the country in which the equipment is made do not always guarantee quality. Before buying, it will not be superfluous to ask owners of similar models about the quality of the concrete mixer. Even from the pipelines of some eminent foreign manufacturers, such models are coming off that are not at all adapted to work with the solution. And, of course, you can always make a concrete mixer on your own, if there is time and a little wit. Suitable materials can be searched in own bins or in specialized shops. At a cost it will be cheaper than buying ready equipment.

How to make a concrete mixer?

To assemble a stirrer that will work in manual mode, it will not take much:

• Drum (you can buy a small volume in a specialized store or adapt a tank of a suitable shape);
• Relay (handle, which will scroll the drum);
• Rack (on it the tank is turned).

Additionally, you may need blades to be welded into the tank, unless you have purchased a special drum, naturally. Install the structure on the rack, insert the relay so that it easily scrolls, swinging the tank. Of course, such an impromptu concrete mixer will not be distinguished by the special quality of the mortar, but for home use it is quite suitable.