Understanding the possible feature variations will help you choose the concrete mixer best to rent. Your local, ARA-affiliated rental store professional also can help you make a good rental choice. For additional information on sizes and types, see Rent Any Size of Concrete Mixer.
- Power source. Portable concrete mixers for rent usually fall into one of two categories based on their source of power — electric or gas. Gas-powered mixers offer portability due to the lack of an electrical cord. Electric-powered mixers do not produce fumes, making them ideal for indoor applications.
- Size. Concrete mixers are measured in cubic feet (cu. ft.). Most fall in the 1- to 12-cubic-feet (cu.-ft.) range. Smaller mixers work well when mixing concrete for securing fence posts, pouring small slabs or patching. Larger-sized concrete mixers can accommodate bigger concrete jobs, such as foundations, driveways, patios and sidewalks.
- Drum material. Drums on rental concrete mixers are commonly made of steel or polyethylene. Drums made of polyethylene are easier to clean than the more durable steel drums. In fact, cleaning a polyethylene drum often requires only tapping on the outside of it with a rubber hammer. Cleaning out a steel drum may require you to use a small concrete breaker.
- Portability. Many larger rental concrete mixers come in towable models or affixed to trailers. Some smaller mixers, such as the 3-cu.-ft. or less models, easily can fit into a vehicle. These models also often have wheels for portability.
- Drum opening.A wide and low drum opening makes loading easier.
- Versatility. Some rental concrete mixers allow you to mix mortar, stucco, plaster, grout and other bagged, dry material in them, in addition to concrete.
Benefits of concrete mixers
By renting a concrete mixer, you can achieve the perfect mix of concrete for your next project. A concrete mixer works together the concrete mix and water placed in its drum. Once mixed, the concrete can be poured directly into the form or into another piece of equipment for transport to the job site. Renting a concrete mixer gives concrete contractors, general contractors and do-it-yourself homeowners these advantages:
- Achieve the same quality of concrete as that from ready-mix concrete with a rented concrete mixer.
- Ready-mix concrete companies often charge hefty fees to deliver concrete to a job. Avoid these delivery charges by renting a concrete mixer no matter the job size.
- Tow-behind and portable concrete mixers allow you to mix and pour concrete in locations that a concrete ready-mix truck cannot access.
Best practices
Like most equipment, concrete mixers can pose a danger to you when used improperly. Before you use this equipment, please review the tips below and read all manufacturer warnings and instructions. Your local, ARA-affiliated rental store professional can provide you with complete instructions. Some rental stores offer how-to video instructions for information on using the equipment safely and effectively.
- Read all manufacturer warnings and instructions before use.
- Follow safe lifting practices when loading and unloading rented concrete mixer.
- Properly secure rented concrete mixer for transport.
- Follow safe practices when hooking up and towing a rented concrete mixer.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Never wear loose clothing or jewelry that can catch on the rented concrete mixer during use.
- Connect rented, electric-powered concrete mixers only to grounded outlets.
- Disconnect rented, electric concrete mixers before moving or cleaning them.
- Only operate rented, gas-powered concrete mixers in a well-ventilated area.
- Keep onlookers at an appropriate distance from the worksite.
- Rent the appropriate concrete mixer from your local ARA-affiliated rental store.
- Check and, if needed, service fluid levels in rented concrete mixers before use.
- Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for starting and shutting off the rented concrete mixer.
- Situate the rented concrete mixer on level ground for use.
- Make sure to blend concrete mixture thoroughly before dumping it.
- Consider ways to use any extra concrete created and plan in advance. For example, leftover concrete could be used to create patio blocks. The forms — easily built from scrap lumber — should be created before the concrete is mixed.
- Clean the drum of the rented concrete mixer before returning it to avoid extra cleaning charges.
Contact your local, ARA-affiliated, rental store for information on available rental products and services to meet your concrete mixer needs. To locate the rental store nearest you, use the Rental Store Quick Locator above.
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