A self-loading mobile concrete mixer follows a traditional concrete mixing process. Earlier, people used to make concrete with their hands, but with the increase in demand for concrete, many companies started making self-loading mobile concrete mixers to avoid the need for manual labor. This type of concrete mixer is one of the most cost-effective machines in the construction industry. It costs approximately $25,000 to $30,000, depending on the size and features.
These mobile concrete mixers are popular for their huge revolving drums that can mix a massive quantity of ingredients and produce a huge amount of concrete in one batch. Construction companies also find it easy to store a self-loading mobile concrete mixer as it has a compact size and can fit into small spaces without too much effort.
Features that contribute to the machine’s price
A self-loading mobile concrete mixer has different features that add to its final price. You can compare these features of different models from different brands before purchasing one.
1. Raw material loading
This self loading concrete mixer pump has a shovel that loads the raw materials into the mixing drum. Make sure the mixer has hydraulic control to operate the self-articulated shovel. This will make it easier to load the ingredients. You can control the shovel with a joystick and feed the ingredients in the mixing drum.
Some models don’t have a hydraulic control system, and you need to load the ingredients manually. Although they may cost less, it’s better not to buy this type of concrete mixer. They lead to a lot of wastage of raw materials that you can avoid using a self-loading mobile concrete mixer.
2. Raw material mixing
A self-loading mobile concrete mixer comes with a huge mixing drum that homogeneously mixes the raw materials. It requires a continuous water supply to ensure that the final mixture maintains the slurry consistency. The drums should have spiral blades inside to thoroughly mix the ingredients. These blades rotate at high speeds to maintain the consistency of the mixture.
The spiral blades start rotating as soon as the shovel finishes loading the raw materials. They push the raw materials into the drum and mix everything slowly with water. Their high-speed rotation ensures a homogenous mixture of the raw materials to make high-quality concrete.
3. Raw material collection
A self-loading mobile concrete mixer for sale may have two methods to collect the final concrete mixture: the most common method involves changing the direction in which the spiral blades rotate inside the drum. The sudden change in direction propels the concrete mixture to eject from the drum.
The second method involves tilting the drum from its back. You need to fit a hydraulic pump at the back of the drum and tilt it to push the concrete into a collection bin.
This type of concrete mixer is now popular during the construction of tunnels and mines where you can’t use a concrete batching plant. Additionally, you can use it in projects where you have to make foundations, ground consolidations, roads, and railway constructions.