The main characteristics of the gravity mixer
After the solution has been mixed for a sufficient amount of time and has reached the required consistency, it can be easily unloaded by tilting the chamber into a pre-prepared container. The process is then repeated several times until the desired results are achieved.
Among the advantages of a domestic concrete mixer can be identified:
- low operating costs;
- high degree of mobility of the device;
- easy maintenance.
The shortcomings of a small gravitational concrete mixer include:
- the inability to mix viscous building mixtures due to their adhesion to the walls of the drum;
- preparation of small volumes of the prepared solution;
- inability of the machine to mix rigid types of concrete.
Existing types of drives in the mixer
The mixing chamber rotates by means of a motor which is connected to the drum by means of a corona or reducer connection. Let's consider each system in detail.
The Wien connection is a circumferential gearing around the mixing gear, which is rotated by means of a running gear, which causes the drum to move. A connection of this type can be made of metal or plastic. The most popular models are gears made of cast iron. However, if such a detail has become unusable, then it can easily be replaced with a new one. Apparatuses with a coronal type of drive are used in concrete mixers with a volume not exceeding 250 liters.
Reducing connection ensures rotation of the mixing chamber by means of a gear reducer mounted on the engine running gear. This type of mechanism is located in a metal casing and is protected from getting into it clogging elements. The reducer connection produces very little noise during operation. However, a significant disadvantage is the fact that in the event of a breakdown, this type of connection is not repairable. Therefore, the repair is the purchase of a new reducer and its installation on a concrete mixer.
Choosing a concrete mixer for your own purposes
In the process of selecting an aggregate for the work you need, the basic aspect is the drum volume, which can range from 50 to 300 liters. Low-volume concrete mixers up to 100 liters are used for small jobs, such as: repair, construction of a garage or gazebo. These units are small in size and can be used even indoors.
If in the process of work it is necessary to erect a single-storey building, then it will be sufficient to use an aggregate with a drum capacity of up to 150 liters. For the construction of buildings in 2-3 floors, a concrete mixer with a volume of 300 liters is useful. Proportional to the volume of the concrete mixer bowl, the weight of the apparatus also increases.
Also, when choosing a device for mixing a solution, it is worth paying attention to such a factor as the material from which the drum is made. It can be cast iron or steel. The drum is welded or compressed. An important aspect is the coloring of the concrete mixer. The bright color is very noticeable and can prevent a collision with an aggregate of moving objects or the ejection of construction debris onto it.
It is necessary to take into account the fact that the volume of the drum of the concrete mixer does not correspond to the quantity of mortar mixed at a time, since for normal operation the chamber should be filled by 70 percent.
Features of the used engine
As well as the volume of the drum, the engine power is determined by the amount of work that is planned to be performed. From the engine power depends on the time interval, in which the mixture will be made.
If it is supposed to work for a long time with a large solution volume, then the engine power should be from 1000 W.If the construction time is up to 12 hours, the engine power can reach 800 watts. For simple domestic work, a concrete mixer with a power of 700 W and below is suitable.
To ensure that the engine does not break down, it is necessary to remember a few very important operating conditions:
- You can not load building mixes in a concrete mixer before switching it on. They should be thrown into the machine when it is on. If you do not comply with this rule, the engine may become unusable.
- Also it is impossible to start the unit if there is an unused solution in the drum. It is necessary first to merge its remains, and then to throw back into the thicket.
Thus, the article described and described the main aspects of the use of gravity concrete mixers, depending on their technical characteristics.