When it comes to large-scale construction projects, Ready Mix Concrete is the go-to solution for quick, consistent, and high-quality concrete. A key component in this process is the concrete mixer truck. These heavy-duty vehicles are essential for transporting and delivering Ready Mix to job sites, ensuring the material remains workable and fresh. Whether you’re a contractor, developer, or just curious about how these concrete workhorses function, here’s everything you need to know about concrete mixer trucks.
What Is a Concrete Mixer Truck?
A concrete mixer truck, also known as a transit mixer, is a specialized vehicle used to transport Ready Mix Concrete from a batching plant to a construction site. The main feature of the truck is its rotating drum, which keeps the concrete in constant motion to prevent it from setting before it’s delivered.
These trucks come in various sizes. According to the National Ready Mix Concrete Association, “because of weight laws, the typical truck mixer is a 9 to 11 cubic yard unit.” The rotating drum is powered either by the truck’s engine or by a separate auxiliary engine.
How Do Ready Mix Concrete Trucks Work?
Mixer trucks have a simple but effective mechanism. Once the concrete is mixed at the batching plant, it’s loaded into the truck’s drum. The drum rotates continuously during transit — typically at about 2 to 6 RPM — to keep the concrete from hardening. This rotation is also essential for evenly mixing the concrete and maintaining its quality.
When the truck reaches the job site, the drum’s rotation direction is reversed. This pushes the concrete toward the discharge chute, allowing workers to pour the concrete exactly where it’s needed.
Types of Ready Mix Trucks
There are several types of mixer trucks, including:
- Standard Transit Mixers: These are the most common and are used for most construction projects. They are loaded with concrete at a plant and delivered directly to the site.
- Volumetric Mixers: These carry the raw materials separately and mix the concrete on-site. They offer flexibility and reduce waste, especially useful for smaller jobs.
- Rough Terrain Mixers: Designed for off-road construction sites, these trucks are self-loading and offer great mobility in tough terrain.
Advantages of Using Concrete Mixer Trucks
- Consistency: Ready Mix Concrete delivered in a mixer truck offers uniform quality and mix proportions.
- Efficiency: These trucks save time by eliminating the need for on-site mixing.
- Reduced Labor: Fewer workers are needed to handle the mixing process.
- Flexibility: Volumetric trucks allow for custom mixes on-site and prevent over-ordering or under-ordering.
Key Considerations When Using Mixer Trucks
- Timing: Concrete typically has a “shelf life” of 90 minutes from mixing to pouring. Efficient delivery scheduling is critical.
- Traffic and Distance: Delays caused by traffic or long distances can impact the concrete’s quality. Some companies add retarders to the mix to extend workability time.
- Weather: High temperatures can accelerate curing, while rain can affect the mix’s ratio and strength.
Maintenance and Safety
Concrete mixer trucks require regular maintenance to ensure safe and reliable operation. Routine inspections should focus on:
- Drum rotation and mixing blades
- Hydraulic systems
- Tires and brakes
- Water systems (for cleaning the drum and adding water to the mix)
Drivers must also be trained in safe driving and operation procedures. Since these trucks are top-heavy, special care must be taken on turns and slopes to prevent tipping.
Ready For Ready Mix? Contact Us Today!
Ready Mix Concrete trucks are the backbone of the concrete industry. Their ability to transport fresh, high-quality concrete efficiently to construction sites is crucial for meeting the demands of modern infrastructure. Understanding how these trucks operate and how to use them effectively can lead to better project outcomes, reduced waste, and improved safety on the job site.
Now, it’s time to talk about your next project. Ready Mix Concrete is measured in volume, and as the leading Ready Mix Concrete supplier in Northern Texas, we have taken the guesswork out of it. Using our concrete calculator, you can determine how much concrete you need for your project.