You’ve probably seen large concrete mixers out in public for massive construction projects or for repaving roads. But concrete mixing can also be done in smaller quantities for residential jobs, like pouring small driveways or patios. You might be interested in renting a small concrete mixer for such a job yourself, if you’re a DIY type of person.
Of course, before you do so, you need to be sure you’re fully confident regarding the process of mixing concrete properly in Monroe, LA. Here’s a quick overview of what you should know:
- Spend time preparing the worksite: Part of making sure you get a good pour is ensuring the worksite has been sufficiently prepared for the new concrete. This involves placing the pour, cordoning off the area into which you’ll be pouring and making sure the ground is at a proper grade.
- Keep the mixer close by: Concrete will begin hardening as soon as you mix it, so you need to keep the mixer as close to where the concrete will be poured as possible in order to can cut down on the amount of time it takes from mixing to pouring. This is also a practical tip, as it will prevent you from getting worn out by transporting heavy loads over longer than necessary distances.
- Make sure the mixer is in good condition: You’ll find it hard to get good results out of your mixing if you try to use a mixer that is in poor condition. For this reason, inspect the mixer before use to make sure all of the parts are in good shape. Check the blades to make sure they aren’t dinged or bent, and make sure the mixer is at least relatively clean before you use it. Uncovering these issues beforehand will prevent you from wasting time and money on a non-viable project. In addition, stay on top of your standard maintenance. Clean the motor from time to time, as this will create more efficient operation. Grease up the gears, because they’ll get worn down by regular turning and mixing.
- Lubricate the mixer: A thin coat of industrial lubrication on the exterior of the mixer will prevent the concrete from hardening on the surface. A light coat inside the drum will also help make sure you’re able to get the most out of the mixer while pouring, as it will prevent the concrete from sticking together with its own parts.
- Keep it steady: Make sure the concrete mixer is on stable ground, and not on a slope. This will prevent any irregular mixing from occurring.
- Drain the drum and clean: After you’re done with the concrete, make sure to drain the drum immediately after it stops turning, as it could harden and become impossible to remove. Never use the drum to store concrete that’s already been mixed. Once you’re done draining, wash out the cement mixer gently.
For more information about effective concrete mixing and how to ensure you have the proper concrete mixer for the job in Monroe, LA, contact the team at Ram Rent-All, Inc. today.