Cement Mixer Advice

[Tony in SD]

One more, you work it or it will work you.

I consider that covered in #3

 

[Steven Allen]

Around here, it may be easier to hire the job out , but you will go on a waiting list and finally get it months later--sometimes years.

 

[DanielW]

Around here, it may be easier to hire the job out , but you will go on a waiting list and finally get it months later--sometimes years.

That's probably dependent on whether by, "hire the job done", you mean just hiring in the ready mix truck, or actually hiring a finishing contractor to do the whole kit/caboodle. If hiring a concrete finisher to do everything, yes: You'll likely have to wait. But if you're just looking to bring in the ready mix truck and finishing yourself, they typically only need a few days notice. The three plants I order from don't even schedule jobs more than a week out unless they're major industrial interior jobs, due to whether unpredictability, etc. I've never had to wait more than a few days for any ready-mix load - regardless of size.

For the two small pads the OP is pouring, I definitely wouldn't bother hiring a finisher. At about 100 sq' each, they'd be nothing to finish yourself. I'd get the truck in, make yourself up a crude screed board and bull float, have them dump it and finish yourself. You're still saving 95% of the work by avoiding having to mix yourself, and ending up with a much better and more consistent product. As mentioned above, because you can't seem to buy stand-alone air-entraining agent anymore, I wouldn't even consider mixing myself if either pad was going to be subject to regular freeze-thaw cycles.

 

[1948CaseVAI]

You mean they'll mix it at the plant then load it in a trailer mounted mixer that you tow to the site? That's an option I didn't know about.

Yes they will do that but watch out for the trailer - there are those that are just haulers/dupers and if you drive very far the concrete separates from the vibration. Then there are those that will mix ( better than nothing anyway) with paddles attached to gearing that runs from the turning wheels as it is pulled.

 

[moresmoke]

Some of the premix bags have air agent in them already.

For those that are in the midwest, you can get liquid air admix at Menards. Along with several other plasticizers and such.

 

[m16ty]

Buying bag concrete is insanely expensive. Ok for very small projects but anything over 1/2 yard it’s cheaper to just get ready mix delivered.

You can save a few bucks buying the ingredients separate (cement, sand, gravel), but that’s a whole lot of work also.

I’ve got one of those old mixers that went on the back of the 8n. I converted it to hydraulic drive and put a quick attach on it where I could mount it on my loader. Holds a 1 cement bag mix. It’s handy for small pours and setting post, but much more than that it’s a pain.

 

[a49deere]

I think this horse has been beat to death!

 

[Duner Wi]

In case anyone forgot the original question ,it's still on topic.


I'm looking for advice about buying a small cement mixer or call the guy for delivery .

 

[Tony in SD]

In case anyone forgot the original question ,it's still on topic.


I'm looking for advice about buying a small cement mixer or call the guy for delivery .

Like I said, I have a near new HF for free. All he has to do is come get it.