Concrete mixers are very popular among the do-it-yourself community because of the compact and easy portability that some mixers can offer today. (Below) in this article, I will cover general pricing with pictures, including the most common capacities of concrete mixers from 1 to 16 cu. ft. and conveniently available online.
Concrete Mixer Prices
The prices of concrete mixers, with capacities from 1 to 16 cu. ft., and power types such as electric corded, gasoline, and diesel can cost $150 to $18,000. Industrial heavy-duty diesel-powered concrete mixers are in the high price range. At the same time, corded electric mixers are in the low price range. Although consumers typically spend about $385 on average for a portable electric concrete mixer.
Average Concrete Mixer Price
| Average Price | $9,075 |
| High Price | $18,000 |
| Low Price | $150 |
The average price (above) includes only the most common concrete mixer capacities from 1 to 16 cu. ft.
Concrete Mixer Prices by Capacity
1-3 Cu. Ft. Concrete Mixer Price
Concrete mixers with a capacity of 1 to 3 cu. ft. can cost $150 to $1,500 or more, with an average of $825.
4-6 Cu. Ft. Concrete Mixer Price
A concrete mixer with a 4-6 cu. ft. capacity can cost $280 to $4,000 or more, averaging $2,140.
7-16 Cu. Ft. Concrete Mixer Price
Concrete mixers from 7 to 16 cu. ft. in capacity can cost between $800 and $18,000, with an average of $9,400.
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How to Use a Concrete Mixer
Consider a few things when using a concrete mixer: what configuration and location are ideal before mixing concrete. These considerations will determine the efficiency of your project. (Below) I’m going to cover the setup, location, portland, and premix concrete mixing with a concrete mixer, so you can get started with your concrete mixer as follows.
Choose an Ideal Location For Your Concrete Mixer
First, when choosing a location to put your concrete mixer, I always suggest that you look for a shaded area with access to water and electricity. Suppose there is no water or electricity in the shaded area. In that case, you will need to bring a garden hose and extension cord to the site. Ensure that the garden hose and extension cord do not block the wheelbarrow path you will use to move the concrete.
Ideal Concrete Mixer Setup
Set up your concrete mixer on a flat surface area. If the site is not level, then set up the mixer facing downward and never on an incline as it may tend to tip over. If your concrete mixer tips over, it will be one of the most uncomfortable things that can happen while mixing concrete. Now, if you have a tractor, then the setup process will be quick and easy because you can now bring the rock and sand to the shaded area in an efficient manner.
Suppose you don’t have a tractor. In that case, your mixing location will probably be where the material supplier pours the sand and rock. Place the bags of portland cement in a dry area, ideally close to the mixing zone. It is a good idea to open the bag of portland cement in half using a shovel or any tool of your choice and then lift them from the center to create two half bags of cement.
5 Easy Steps on Mixing Portland Concrete With a Concrete Mixer
I usually like to mix by half a 47 lb. bag of portland cement because it is easy to handle and helps avoid overloading the mixer with concrete. (Below) I will cover five easy steps when and how much material you should put into the concrete mixer machine.
- With the mixer running, add 2.5 gallons of water to the mixer. You can use a 5-gallon bucket for half of the water.
- Add six shovelfuls of rock.
- Add half a bag from the 47 lb. portland cement very slowly to prevent the concrete from sticking to the side of the mixer.
- Add eight shovelfuls of sand slowly and give each shovel a minute to mix thoroughly. As you keep adding sand, and if you hear the mixer motor struggle, you must stop adding sand. And you have to add water, or you have to lift the handles to get a good mix again so you can continue.
- And finally, once all the material is adequately mixed, add another six shovelfuls of rock and let it mix properly.
Repeat the five steps to continue to make more concrete as needed.
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7 Easy Steps on Mixing Premix Concrete With a Concrete Mixer
Mixing ready-mix concrete with a mixing machine is much easier than portland cement. In addition, ready-mixed concrete mixtures can be mixed by hand. However, the ideal method for large projects is to use a concrete mixer. (Below) I will cover seven simple steps to mix ready-mixed concrete using a concrete mixing machine.
- First, measure the water recommended for the premix concrete bags added to the mixer.
- Pour only half of the recommended water into the mixer. Suppose you are using 80 lb. bags of premix. In that case, each bag will require about three quarts of water.
- Add the first bag of ready-mixed concrete. A typical concrete mixing machine will hold up to three 80 lb. bags of ready-mixed concrete.
- Allow the ready-mixed concrete to mix with the water for about one minute.
- Add remaining water as needed.
- You should mix ready-mixed concrete for three to five minutes to a uniform consistency.
- If additional water is needed, you can add a small amount of water.
When mixing ready-mixed concrete, it is essential to know that the more water added to the mix, the weaker it will be. Therefore, adding an extra quart of water per bag can reduce the strength of the concrete by as much as 40%.
Well-mixed concrete should hold its shape when pressed by hand. Keep the concrete mixer running and pour the concrete into a wheelbarrow to transport it to your work area.
Adding colored liquid cement to the standard gray concrete mix can turn it into decorative concrete with professional results. For example, one 10-ounce bottle of liquid cement colorant will color up to two 60- or 80 lb. bags of ready-mixed concrete.
To achieve a uniform color, mix the liquid cement directly into the mixing water before adding it to the mix. In addition, the liquid cement colorant will last the life of the concrete.
4 Steps on How to Clean Your Concrete Mixer
(Below) I’ve put together four simple steps on cleaning your concrete mixer after each use so you can be ready for the next task as follows.
- Scrape the inside of the drum and the outside of the concrete mixer to remove as much of the excess concrete as you can. To scrape and extract the concrete, you can use a trowel, pan, or wheelbarrow to collect most of it.
- Add the chosen concrete removal formula in and out of the mixer. Follow the formula guide for best results.
- After adding the concrete remover, use a wire or plastic brush to clean the hard-to-remove concrete thoroughly.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 until your concrete mixer is clean to your expectations.
