Cement mixer - recommendation request

[Deleted User]

I'm looking to put down a lot of concrete in a path around our house. It's a wide path as it has to be wheelchair friendly so I don't want to go mixing cement by hand.

I know nothing about cement mixers - can anyone recommend a website or give a recommendation as to a good brand? Is there anything I need to look out for and any idea of price?

Sorry for all the questions:o

Thanks in advance for replies:D

Chopper_Read

Google hire shop or ready mix.

SailorSam

If you're doing a wide path all around the house i wouldn't use a cement mixer. Even a big cement mixer doesn't mix that much at a time so you'd end up with something patchy were the various loads met.
Work out what you need, prepare the site then arrange with one of these places that will deliver the concrete mixed. It want cost a lot more and will save hours of work.

Furts

Belle is an established brand and widely available. Choosing an electric model means no worries regarding running out of fuel, no checking oil levels, no exhaust smoke and it is quieter than a petrol model. 110 volt would be the safer option.

A standard model produces a wheelbarrow load at a time. Whether this is suitable in terms of time and quantity is for you to decide.

Regarding previous post, if you gauge the mix with consistent materials and lay the concrete with a wet/mixed edge I would not expect colour variation.

It is easier work to order ready mixed, but this has to all be prepared in advance to work effectively.

[Deleted User]

Thank you all, especially Furts for the brand name. I shall check it out.

We're looking to buy a cement mixer as we're likely to use it over time for other, less onerous jobs. Therefore we would like a mixer that's going to keep on working. Is Belle good for that or does anyone else have other suggestions.

It would be lovely to have someone mix a tonne of cement, but that's not really going to work for us for all sorts of reasons, but thank you for the suggestion.

This site is great for getting suggestions, advice, opinions and experiences. I'm really grateful.

ValHaller

Deleted_User wrote: »

.... We're looking to buy a cement mixer as we're likely to use it over time for other, less onerous jobs. Therefore we would like a mixer that's going to keep on working. Is Belle good for that or does anyone else have other suggestions

I have had a Belle. Didn't regret it. I imagine it might give up after a year or so of constant use, but it is more than durable enough for DIY use on your own property. And given the cost of hiring one I would definitely buy rather than hire if I could see that it was not just the one job.

Mixing is an art - post back when you are ready, I am sure there will be lots of tips - but principally you mix cement and ballast in required proportions until evenly mixed, then add water progressively, letting it mix in until the mix falls cleanly off the back of the mixer. Done like that, it will remain fluid enough to mix evenly with previous loads as you lay it.

Important point - at the end of mixing, run the mixer for 5 mins with some water and 2 half bricks (this annoys the neighbours!) and then finish off by scraping down the blades.

docmatt

Where do you live? u can borrow mine

heretohelp

Belle mixers are about £200 upwards depending on size but are very good. Why not hire one £20-£30 a week and you dont have to find somewhere to store it. If you do buy one as already been posted when you are finished keep it clean and it will last you ages.

Furts

Baromix used to be a good UK brand but I do not know if they still exist or manufacture. They were around in the seventies,eighties and nineties. Do a Google search and see if anything comes up.

Furts

I should have added if the mixer is used for DIY use and parked up for long periods beware of petrol drying up or gumming, and engine oil going manky. Not a problem with site/regular use but I have experienced this with DIY mixers! Hence, I would recommend an electric mixer as previously stated.

Davesnave

ValHaller wrote: »

I have had a Belle. Didn't regret it. I imagine it might give up after a year or so of constant use, but it is more than durable enough for DIY use on your own property. .

Give up after a year???!!!! Mine is still going after 23 years use, and stored for 20 of those outdoors.