How to use a portable Concrete Mixer Machine.

If you take up construction projects in your home or garden often, you need to have a concrete mix ready. Using a cement mixer to prepare concrete for you is the only way to go. We’ll tell you how a cement mixer works so that you know how to use it with ease.

Safety First and Prep Work

Before you start working, make sure you follow safety procedures. Exposing your skin, eyes and nose to cement dust for a long period of time can be dangerous.

Wear long sleeves, gloves, and safety eyeglasses to protect yourself. It is better to use a respirator than wearing a face mask.
Work outdoors and preferably in a well-leveled area. Make sure that there is sufficient space around the mixer.
Check the cement mixer’s drum to ensure that it is free from any hardened cement or debris.
Keep all the material you need at hand. Depending on your concrete ratio and the type of project you’re taking on, have adequate amounts of water, cement and aggregate (such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone).

Caution

Always defer to the manufacturer’s operating instructions and safety recommendations on all heavy machinery like cement mixers.

Good to Know

1 part cement, 2 parts sand, 4 parts coarse aggregate is a good ratio to deal with small projects. As for the water to cement ratio, remember that less water makes stronger cement but it is difficult to work with.

Tip

If you have to add more water, make sure that you add some fine sand along with it. Too much water can weaken the cement.

How to Use a Cement Mixer

Choosing the Right Concrete Mix

To know how much concrete mix you will need for your project, use our Concrete Grade Beams Calculator.
To add the right amounts of sand, gravel and water, refer to the mixing instructions that come with your cement mix.

Switching on the Cement Mixer

It is better to tilt your mixer drum to a slightly upward angle before you switch it on. Your cement mixer can be powered by fuel or an electric motor. Here’s how to get it started in both cases.

For a fuel motor, open the choke and pull the cord after you switch the plug on. Keep it running for a few seconds and close the choke.
For electric models, simply flipping the switch will get it started.

Caution

Never start a cement mixer while it is loaded. The sudden jolt when it starts can cause the contents to spill out or the mixer itself can tilt. This can be a safety hazard. Moreover, starting the mixer with a full load can also prevent a consistent mix.

Loading the Cement Mixer

Now that your cement mixer has started add your cement mix while it rotates.

Start by adding half the amount of water from your ratio to your mixer. This will allow the dry materials to blend in correctly and prevent them from sticking to the sides of the mixer.
If you’re using aggregates like gravel and stones, add them to the mixer next. These aggregates need to be coated with water evenly, which will also help the mixing process.
After the water and aggregates are well combined, add the cement, followed by the sand. Adding sand will create a smooth blend and remove any lumps.
Lastly, add the remaining half of the water gradually. Do this until you are satisfied with the consistency of the mix.
Mix cement in batches and do not overload your mixer. This will prevent your cement from mixing efficiently and damage the machine itself.

Tip

Do not add all the water at once. Too much water can weaken the mixture and affect the stability of the final product.

Observe the Level of the Mixture

As the cement mixture is activated, carefully observe the level of the mixture as it spins and rises around the sides of the drum. This will help you determine whether you need to adjust the mixture. Here’s what to look out for:

If you notice that the mixture touches the top of the drum before it falls, it means that it is too dry and needs more water.
Alternatively, if the mixture does not rise around the sides at all, it means that it is too wet. Add more dry materials.
Remember that at the right consistency, the mixture should only rise halfway up to the sides of the drum before it falls to the bottom.

Remove the Prepared Mixture

After you are certain that your mixture has reached the right consistency, you can turn off the cement mixer. Here’s what to do:

By tilting the mixer drum, pour the cement mixture into a wheelbarrow or directly into the mold.
Make sure to tilt the drum slightly to an angle for a smooth outflow. Ask someone to hold the wheelbarrow steady as the mixture pours into it.
After you’re entirely done with using your mixer, make sure that you use a hose and water down the insides of the drum before the cement hardens. Cleaning your cement mixture is equally important. Here’s how to properly clean your cement mixer for a safe and effective use, every time.