Choosing a concrete mixer for your home or cottage + reviews

When carrying out activities related to the construction of private houses and the construction of country houses, a concrete mixture is used. It is impossible to do without it during repair work, concreting paths and restoring houses. Often the solution is prepared manually, which is very labor-intensive and does not provide effective mixing.

The Profmash concrete mixer allows you to speed up the concrete preparation process and ensure uniform mixing of the ingredients. Let us dwell on the design of mixing equipment and consider the performance characteristics.

Profmash concrete mixer allows you to speed up the concrete preparation process

What is the Profmash concrete mixer intended for?

Equipment produced by Profmash is intended for use in the field of private housing construction and low-rise construction for the preparation of the following compositions:

• mobile concrete mortar marked P2, P3 and P4 according to GOST 7473;
• mortars that meet the requirements of standard 28013;
• dry construction mixtures based on various components.

Mixers produced by Profmash are represented by a model range that includes the following products:

• mortar mixer b 120. A small-sized product used by private traders to prepare a small volume of mortar;
• concrete mixer profmash b 130. It is presented in two modifications, differing in the diameter of the wheels for transporting the product;
• concrete mixer b 150. It is designed for minor repairs and small construction work;
• mixer b 165. The optimal solution for preparing concrete during renovations and house construction;
• concrete mixer b 180. The most productive model used in the field of private construction.

Concrete mixer Profmash B 130

The most popular is the Profmash b 130 concrete mixer, as well as a more spacious model - the b 150 concrete mixer. Other models of mixers have also proven themselves to be positive. Professionals say that if low-rise construction is carried out, the equipment of the Profmash company is irreplaceable.

What technical characteristics does the Profmash concrete mixer have?

In high demand, Russian Profmash concrete mixers can operate for a long time without stopping, as they are characterized by a long service life. Performance reaches 20 thousand mixing cycles.

Technical characteristics of equipment produced by Profmash depend on the mixer model.

Main parameters:

• tank volume – from 120 to 180 l (corresponds to the number in the product designation);
• the resulting volume of the finished mixture is from 60 to 115 l;
• case thickness – 2 mm;
• drive motor power – 370-550 W;
• power source – household power supply voltage 220 V;

Concrete mixer Profmash B-120 (cast iron crown)

• supply current frequency – 50 Hz;
• length – 96-128 cm;
• width – 69.5 cm;
• height – 99-136 cm;
• diameter of wheels for transportation – 16 and 35 cm;
• The tilting mechanism is manual or steering with fixed positions.

Depending on the design, the concrete mixer produced by Profmash differs in the principle of mixing the concrete solution:

• Models of gravity mixers are equipped with a rotating tank. The solution mixes as the drum rotates and falls under the influence of its own mass;
• equipment with a forced kneading principle has a rotating blade shaft. It mixes the ingredients in a stationary tank.

Profmash concrete mixers differ in their designs. The equipment and materials used for their manufacture ensure that the equipment can be used for 24 months after purchase under conditions of intensive use.

Concrete mixer Profmash B-180

No. 2 – Misom SO 351-300

Price: 70,000 rubles

A very large Belarusian unit, its dimensions are as follows:

• Length: 1300 mm;
• Width: 850 mm;
• Height: 1245 mm.

The power of the device is simply prohibitive - 2200 W, so be prepared in advance for serious electricity bills. The volume of the tank is 300 liters, and the solution is about 200-250 liters - incredible efficiency. The container tips over using a lever, so you don’t have to spend a lot of effort dragging the solution in buckets to the place where the foundation is poured. A very productive and reliable electric concrete mixer, which will be useful when carrying out large-scale work.

BISON Master BS-120-600

Features of the configuration of equipment produced by Profmash

Mortar mixers of all brands are equipped with a working container, the capacity of which varies depending on the performance of the unit. This configuration feature affects the power of the installed electric motor. Mixer b 150, as well as other models, is equipped with a toothed belt drive or a drive gear motor. The use of a gear drive increases operational safety.

Mixers with gearboxes have the following parameters:

• increased reliability;
• increased efficiency;
• reduced noise level.

An important feature of the configuration of concrete mixers is the installation of wheels. They allow you to quickly move equipment and unload the prepared mixture at the required location.

No. 1 – Caiman SPIN15A

Price: 105,000 rubles

The best electric concrete mixer of 2018-2019 is predictably produced by the legendary Caiman company, which specializes in construction and agricultural equipment. This is a continuous mortar mixer, that is, cement can be mixed in it around the clock. The tank volume is 60 liters, and the solution is produced at a speed of 15-18 liters per minute.

This device is ideal for large-scale plastering work; thanks to its solid power of 1.5 kW, several teams of workers can receive material in a timely manner from one Caiman SPIN15A mixer. The unique advantages of the device include a direct drive gearbox, which optimizes engine operation, as well as a stepper regulator and a motor shutdown unit when removing the mixing tank. A well-deserved first place in our top of the best.

Caiman SPIN15A

Concrete mixer b 180 - model features

Mixer b 180 is the most productive model. With a tank capacity of 175 liters, the device allows you to prepare 115 liters of the working mixture in one batch. Torque is transmitted through a toothed belt drive from an electric motor with a power of 0.5 kW.

Concrete mixers Profmash

The main features of the unit manufactured by Profmash:

• strength of the mixing tank. To make the tank, metal 2 mm thick is used;
• wear-resistant powder coating. It reliably protects against corrosion under conditions of intensive use;
• Possibility of use in domestic conditions. Electrical power is supplied from a 220 volt network;
• the presence of a sectional crown made of polyamide. Compared to the cast iron version, the noise level is significantly reduced and repairs are made easier;
• keyed connection between the drive shaft and the drive gear. Eliminates the possibility of gear slipping under increased load;
• use of a toothed belt with an increased cross-section. It eliminates slipping under load, reduces vibration, and also smoothes out jerks during startup;
• fixed steering wheel. The ability to fix the mixer positions with your foot allows you to free your hands for loading components and unloading the solution;
• removable blade design. The use of threaded fastening makes it easier, if necessary, to dismantle the blades;
• electrical safety. Thanks to enhanced cable insulation, the likelihood of wiring damage is reduced;
• protective casing of the electric motor. It protects the engine from damage due to spilled components or solution.

The concrete mixer b 180, thanks to these features, is characterized by increased reliability and has proven itself in various operating conditions.

Concrete mixer B 180

No. 3 – Lebedyan RN-200A

Price: 58,600 rubles

An amazing forced-type concrete mixer, the performance of which has already become the talk of the town. The engine power is 1.5 kW, thanks to which the device is capable of processing even very large fractions - you no longer have to first split large lumps of the cement mixture and it will chew even small stones and not choke.

The entire stirring process takes no more than two minutes, but the device is powered from an industrial network with a voltage of 400 W, so before purchasing you need to think through the energy supply system in advance.

Lebedyan RN-200A

Advantages and disadvantages of concrete mixers produced by Profmash

The model line of mixers begins with the small concrete mixer Profmash b 120 and ends with the spacious concrete mixer Profmash b 180.

All models of concrete mixers are distinguished by a set of serious advantages.

Main advantages:

• drive ring made of wear-resistant polyamide. It is resistant to corrosion and can withstand significant loads. The polyamide crown allows mixing concrete at a reduced noise level. Polyamide, which has a reduced friction coefficient, extends the life of the drive gear;
• mixer maintainability. Thanks to the four-section design of the polyamide crown, it is easy to replace a worn segment. It is easier to change than a cast iron crown. Carrying out repair operations does not require special training and is quickly carried out on your own with a short interruption in the operation of the equipment;
• toothed belt drive. It eliminates belt slipping when the tension is loosened, has increased wear resistance and promotes energy saving. The belt dampens vibration and also allows for the transmission of increased torque. A distinctive feature of the timing belt is its increased efficiency.

In addition, the small concrete mixer Profmash b 130, the more productive concrete mixer Profmash b-150, as well as the concrete mixer Profmash b 165 have a number of advantages.

The concrete mixer has reliable protection for the electric motor

Main advantages:

• reliable protection of the electric motor from moisture and the negative effects of dust;
• a powerful bracket that ensures a constant distance between the drive gears;
• reliable fixation of the drive gear on the electric motor shaft using a steel pin;
• the use of an asynchronous motor, which allows the concrete mixer to be operated without interruptions in operation;
• setting the position of the mixing tank with your foot, which greatly facilitates the use of the concrete mixer;
• use of high-quality components and verification of their functioning at the stage of incoming inspection;
• the use of powder paint, which reliably protects the metal from mechanical stress and corrosion.

There were no significant deficiencies identified by consumers during the operation of the equipment. One-time problem situations arose related to belt stretching, which was quickly resolved by tightening it.

What to look for when choosing a concrete mixer

Choosing any tool is not an easy task. And in a concrete mixer there are three different components that affect productivity and durability: the frame, the tank and the motor. And you need to consciously choose all these parameters, and also take into account a bunch of nuances. Then choosing a concrete mixer will be easy.

Kneading tank (pear)

The first thing you have to decide on is the volume of the mixing container. The range is very large: from 30-40 liters to 200-300 liters. The most popular among developers are concrete mixers with a volume of 130-160 liters. But this is far from a dogma. Some people prefer to have two 80 liter concrete mixers instead of one large one. But in general, concrete mixers with just such tanks are mostly purchased for home use or for a summer cottage. They are optimal in terms of productivity, weight, and allow both more extensive work - pouring foundations - and more modest work - concreting fence posts, for example, mixing mortar for bricklaying, etc.

Design of a crown type concrete mixer

When deciding on the size of the tank, keep in mind that in reality you will receive approximately half of the declared volume of concrete. The thing is that when mixing the container must be tilted. And the more dense the solution you need, the greater the angle of inclination will be - a standing concrete mixer mixes almost nothing. It is called gravitational because the solution sticks to the walls of the inclined barrel, is picked up by the blades, and then, under the influence of gravity, falls down. This is how mixing occurs. It is clear that you will not load the inclined container completely - half will simply fall out. You determine the specific loading sizes later, during work. And you can focus on average figures: thick concrete will be about 50% of the total volume, more plastic - about 65%. There is even less solution (due to the presence of crushed stone, the concrete mixes better).

When you choose a concrete mixer “live”, pay attention to the thickness of the walls of the tank. It’s clear that thicker walls are better. But a thick-walled tank means increased weight. So you will have to decide here what is more important - easier movement or a more reliable tank.

Motor power

After you have decided on the volume, you need to decide what power the engine will suit you with. Actually, how much concrete you get at a time also depends on the power of the motor. The more powerful the motor, the heavier the tank it can turn. On average it can be calculated as follows:

• for 170 liters optimally 750 W;
• for 130 liters - 500 V.

Power and tank capacity data

You can roughly focus on these numbers. In any case, for long-term operation of the engine, you need to start the concrete mixer empty, or almost empty - with very little weight. And load the components into an already working one. Many people unload the batch without stopping work. This is also correct and contributes to longer operation.

Gear and ring material

The gear should definitely be made of metal, maybe cast iron, but steel is better. Also pay attention to the shaft to which the drive gear is attached. It should be quite powerful (some cheap Chinese models have a very thin shaft), and also have very little play. The smaller it is, the better.

There is debate over which crown material is better. The crown is the teeth around the circumference of the mixing tank, to which the belt clings. They are made from steel, heavy-duty plastic (polymers) and cast iron. The most common are cast iron or polymer. If you believe your feelings, cast iron should be stronger. But in fact, polymer ones are at least no less reliable and durable. Almost all owners of concrete mixers with a plastic crown talk about this. There are several other reasons in favor of polymers:

• A plastic crown costs less than 1000 rubles and can be changed in a few tens of minutes. Cast iron costs three to four times more.
• Concrete mixers with a plastic crown are much quieter than those with cast iron or steel teeth.

Design of a concrete mixer

But it’s still up to you to choose. And if polymers don’t inspire confidence in you, buy ones with cast iron or steel teeth.

Several operating recommendations that will extend the life of a crown made of any material:

• The crowns wear down due to sand, cement, and dust getting on them. To protect them, you can make a visor (made of rubber, for example), which covers these very teeth.
• Clean the teeth periodically with a dry, clean brush.
• Do not lubricate them with anything. Grease powdered with sand is an excellent abrasive and is guaranteed to erase any material.

Rotating device

As already mentioned, when operating a concrete mixer, it is necessary to frequently change the position of the tank. It is more convenient if the rotating mechanism is made in the form of a wheel rather than a lever. Also pay attention to the number of positions in the tank. The more there are, the easier it will be for you to choose a mode.

It is more convenient to use if the rotating mechanism is made in the form of a wheel rather than a lever

Construction details

To finally select a concrete mixer, let’s move on to the design details:

• The container for concrete is installed on the frame. The frame must be strong and stable.
• The concrete mixer often needs to be moved around the site. Most models have wheels. It’s clear that the larger they are, the easier it will be for you to drag it from place to place.
• The shape of the blades inside the tank. Simply welded flat plates are not the best option; curved ones are better.
• Motor protective casing material. It is made of plastic or painted metal. Metal, of course, is more reliable, but it is rare.

Read how to make a concrete mixer with your own hands here.

Requirements for safe operation

Like any equipment, the Profmash concrete mixer requires compliance with safety measures during operation.

The Profmash concrete mixer requires compliance with safety measures during operation

The manufacturer pays attention to the following points:

• connecting the mixer with reliable grounding;
• use the equipment strictly for its intended purpose;
• use of original spare parts for equipment repair.

The manufacturer draws attention to the fact that operation of the device is prohibited in the following situations:

• with the electric motor cover removed;
• when connecting with a cable with a wire cross-section less than 1 mm²;
• in the absence of a circuit breaker in the power supply circuit.

To prevent injury, do not touch rotating elements of the equipment, or carry out repairs while the voltage is on. Work on preparing the solution is carried out by an operator using special clothing and work shoes.

Use original spare parts to repair the concrete mixer

#6 – Denzel B-200

Price: 13,600 rubles

A very powerful unit (1000 W), which in terms of performance is perhaps the best offer of all the gravity concrete mixers presented on our list. The device has a special copper winding, so that even if the voltage in the network decreases noticeably, mixing the solution will continue in normal mode.

Protection against overload and overheating simplifies operation and reduces the risk of breakdown, so we advise beginners to pay special attention to this tool.

Denzel B-200

Malfunctions and ways to eliminate them

The operating instructions contain a list of problem situations and recommendations for eliminating them:

• Belt slippage due to wear or poor tension. Eliminated by tightening the belt or replacing a worn belt with a new one;
• lack of tank fixation caused by deformation of the bracket or clamp disk. Curved parts are straightened;
• jamming when rotating the container. Possible causes are failure of flange seals or bearing jamming. The flange connection is disassembled and cleaned, and the bearing, if necessary, is replaced;
• wear on the surface of the drive gear associated with violation of the rules for loading material. The gear is replaced with a new one.

Regular inspection of the Profmash concrete mixer will eliminate the occurrence of problematic situations.

Concrete mixer b 180 – consumer reviews

Private developers and professionals speak positively about the characteristics of equipment produced by Profmash:

Dmitriy

A year ago we bought such a concrete mixer for our company, it still functions perfectly and at the same level as when we bought it. The unit is not noisy and is economical to maintain.

Concrete mixer B 180 has positive reviews of its work
Victor

Concrete mixer of optimal size, made by craftsmen at the highest level. An excellent assistant at work, it functions smoothly and harmoniously.

Most users focus on the following points:

• small dimensions;
• increased reliability;
• low level of maintenance costs;
• expanded range of manufactured models;
• reduced energy consumption;
• low noise level;
• no need to use lubricants;
• wide scope of application.

The presence of service centers allows you to quickly troubleshoot a problem in a problematic situation.

Conclusion and recommendations

The Profmash concrete mixer, produced in industrial conditions, surpasses the mixer models offered on the market in terms of reliability and quality. It is used when it is necessary to perform an increased batch, and a hand mixer does not allow preparing the required volume of solution. Thanks to its advantages, the equipment confidently competes with mixers from other manufacturers. The design of the mixer allows it to be used for the production of composition for slag concrete blocks. This is true if you have a machine for making cinder blocks or a household vibrating machine for blocks.

Our portal contains a lot of useful information for home craftsmen who will be interested in how to use a mounting gun on concrete, or how to make a homemade drill for poles.