The self loading concrete mixer has offered a more efficient and convenient concrete solution to ensure efficiently mixing concrete, whether for building a new home, laying a foundation, or completing concrete road work.
By understanding how to properly operate it, you can save time, reduce physical labor, and ensure a consistent, high-quality concrete mix. In this article, we will explore the essential steps for operating a self-loading concrete mixer, from initial setup to maintenance, ensuring you achieve optimal performance and safety.
Perform A Thorough Pre-operation Safety Check
Before starting any operations with the self loading concrete mixer for sale, it is essential to do pre-operation checks to ensure the equipment is in good working condition and to prevent any potential hazards. Here are some checks as follows:
- Check the Exterior: Carefully examine the exterior of the concrete self loading mixer for any visible damage, cracks, or loose parts. Pay special attention to the drum, loading bucket, and discharge chute, as these components are critical to the mixer’s operation.
- Check Fluid Levels: Inspect the engine oil, fuel, and hydraulic fluid levels, and top up if necessary. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for the appropriate fluid types and quantities.
- Inspect Safety Features: Ensure that all guards, covers, and safety devices are in place and functioning correctly. These features are designed to protect the operator and bystanders from moving parts and potential hazards.
- Inspect Moving Parts: Inspect the loading bucket, discharge chute, and all other moving parts for any signs of wear, damage, or issues that could affect the self loading cement mixer‘s performance.
- Test the Controls: Thoroughly check that all controls, including the steering, brakes, and emergency stop, are working correctly. Ensure that the controls are responsive and that the mixer can be safely maneuvered and stopped as needed.
After completing the thorough pre-operation safety check, you can process to the the next step – start the engine.
Start the Engine and Let it to Warm up
- Starting the Engine: Turn the ignition key to the “on” position to power up the engine.
- Engaging the Throttle: Engage the engine throttle to bring the engine to the recommended operating speed.
- Let the Engine to Warm Up: Allow the engine to run for a few minutes to reach the optimal operating temperature. The warm-up period is important to ensure all engine components are properly lubricated and functioning at their best.
- Monitoring Engine Vitals: Monitor the engine gauges during the warm-up, checking that oil pressure, coolant temperature, and any other critical readings are within the normal operating range.
Once the engine has reached the ideal operating temperature, you can move on to engaging the self-loading mechanism.
Start the Self-Loading Mechanism
Here is the general details of starting the self loading mechanism:
- Preparing the Self-Loading Mechanism: Engage the hydraulic controls to lower the self-loading hopper into the loading position. Ensure the hopper is securely positioned and locked in place.
- Loading the Concrete Ingredients: Activate the self-loading mechanism to begin scooping up and loading the necessary concrete ingredients (sand, cement, aggregates, water, etc.) into the mixing drum. Ensure the material is evenly distributed in the bucket.
When loading the raw materials, it is also the best time to add water to the mixing drum.
Adding Water
Water is essential for the chemical reaction that occurs when cement is mixed with aggregates. This hydration process is what causes the concrete to harden and gain strength over time. Here are adding water process:
- Add water to the Mixer: Activate the water flow controls to begin adding the required amount of water to the self loader concrete mixer.
- Monitoring the Water Addition: Closely monitor the water level and consistency of the concrete mixture as water is being added.
Once the enough water volume has been added, continue operating the mixing drum to thoroughly incorporate the water into the concrete mixture. That is to say, the mixing process starts to work.
Mixing The Concrete
- Start the Mixing Drum: Engage the drum rotation controls to start mixing the materials. You should adjust the drum speed to achieve the desired concrete consistency.
- Adjust Mixing Time: In general, the concrete should be mixed for 3-5 minutes to ensure thorough blending of the ingredients. Continue mixing until the concrete has reached the desired uniformity and quality.
- Attention: The self loading concrete mixer trucks have the function of transporting concrete. If mixing is carried out during transportation, it is necessary to ensure that the driving speed of the self loading mixer truck is not too fast to prevent rollover.
Once the concrete has been properly mixed, it is time to ready for discharging the concrete mixture. Continue to know the discharging process.
Discharging The Concrete Mixture
- Position the Discharge Chute: Rotate the discharge chute into the appropriate position, aligning it with the receiving container (e.g., concrete pump, wheelbarrow, formwork). Ensure the chute is securely in place and can be easily operated.
- Activate the Discharge Controls: Activate the drum rotation controls to discharge the concrete.
- Monitor the Concrete Flow: Observe the concrete as it is being poured, ensuring a smooth, continuous flow. Adjust the drum speed and chute position as needed to maintain the desired discharge rate and minimize splashing or segregation of the concrete.
Once the desired amount of concrete has been discharged, gradually slow down the drum rotation to stop the flow. Ensure the discharge chute is properly secured and the self loading mixer is ready for any necessary cleaning or maintenance.
Cleaning The Self Loading Concrete Mixer
- Prepare the Cleanup Area: Identify a designated cleaning area to ensure that it is free of obstructions and has adequate drainage. Gather the necessary cleaning tools and supplies, such as a water hose, scrub brushes, and cleaning agents.
- Unload Any Remaining Concrete: If there is any concrete remaining in the mixing drum, discharge it. Ensure the drum is completely empty before proceeding with the cleaning process.
- Clean the Mixing Drum: Use the water gun to thoroughly rinse the interior and exterior of the mixing drum. Pay special attention to the drum blades and any hard-to-reach areas where concrete residue may have accumulated. Rotate the drum as needed to ensure all surfaces are adequately cleaned.
- Dry the Mixer: Allow the self propelled concrete mixer to air-dry or use a clean cloth to wipe down the surfaces and remove any excess moisture. It is crucial to prevent the buildup of rust or corrosion on the self loading mixer’s components.
The operation process of self loading concrete mixer include the above 7 steps: safety check before operation, start engine, starting loading, add water, mixing the concrete, discharging the concrete, and clean the concrete mixer truck self loading. Here is a Youtube video clearly showing how to operate the self loading concrete mixer, check it below.
Safety Considerations When Operating A Self Loader Mixer
Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Always refer to the AIMIX self loading concrete mixer manufacturer’s operating manual and safety guidelines when using a self loading transit mixer. It can ensure you are aware of the proper operating procedures and any specific safety precautions for that particular model.
Maintain a Safe Work Area
Ensure the work area is clear of unauthorized personnel before operating the self loading mobile concrete mixer for sale. It helps prevent accidents and injuries to bystanders. Be aware of your surroundings and operate the mixer at safe speeds to maintain control.
Use Proper Lifting Techniques
When handling heavy materials, such as sand, gravel, or cement, use proper lifting techniques to avoid strains or injuries. Utilize mechanical aids, such as hoists or forklifts.
Monitor Mixer Performance
Closely monitor the performance of the self loading concrete mixer machine during operation. Look for any signs of mechanical issues or unusual behavior, and address them promptly to maintain safe and efficient operation.
Following these safety considerations, you can safely and effectively operate a self loading concrete mixer, ensuring a high-quality concrete mix and an efficient workflow on the job site. Apart from the operation tips, it is necessary to know some maintenance tips to keep your self loading mixer with a long life span. Check some maintenance tips below.
Regular Maintenance for Self Loading Concrete Mixer
Proper and regular maintenance is essential for the safe and efficient operation of a self loading concrete mixer. Here are some key maintenance tasks:
- Regular Checks: Do regular maintenance checks on the components, especially checking the engine, hydraulic system, electric systems, and drum.
- Lubrication: Keep all moving parts well-lubricated to ensure smooth operation.
- Replace Worn Parts: Replace any worn or damaged parts promptly to avoid operational issues.
After you do the above maintenance tipes, you can not only operate the self loading mixer with safety, but also prolong its service life. .
If you have any questions on the how to operate the self loading concrete mixers, operation cations, or the maintenance tips, welcome to consult AIMIX engineers for help. They are always here to assist with you. Contact through the following form, email, or tel.