When it comes to Do-it-Yourself projects, you don’t need to be the most skilled expert to get things done. But you do need quality equipment to get things done effectively. Sometimes the difference between a poorly executed DIY project and a good one is the type and quality of equipment you use. Since most DIY enthusiasts rent instead of buying construction equipment, knowing how to navigate the rental process is necessary to ensure quality and efficiency on your project.
A cement mixer is a must-have for projects that require concrete or cement mixing. The type and size of mixer you need depends on several factors, like the nature of your project, how much concrete you plan on making, budget and so on. As a DIY enthusiast, this article provides an essential guide on cement mixer hire, focusing on how you can achieve quality and efficiency for your home construction or renovation projects with this powerful equipment.
Selecting the Right Cement Mixer Based on Project Size and Complexity
To hire an efficient cement mixer for your project, the first and most important factor to consider is the size of the machine because it determines the output and overall pace of your project. The size may also influence how much you’ll need to spend to get things done and the efficiency of your work.
So what size of the mixer should you get? We’ll say it all depends on the volume of concrete your project demands and how often you’ll need it. This is why it’s important to work out the overall scope of your project before you begin.
You’ll need a large mixer if you intend to mix large batches of concrete for a large-scale project. But this isn’t the case for most DIY projects. For a small patio project in your backyard, for instance, you’ll only need to mix small batches of concrete for a short period. For this, a portable mixer that can handle up to 0.1 cubic metres of concrete per hour will probably be enough.
Cement mixer sizing also has a lot to do with portability. With a compact cement mixer, you’ll worry less about transporting the unit to your site or getting it around the job site. A good mixer for a DIY project should be lightweight and compact.
You’ll also need to decide if you want a mixer with wheels or a stationary one. If you will be working in a fixed position for an extended period, then a stationary mixer might work. But for mobile work, having a mixer with wheels will do your project a lot of good.
Tips For Maximising Cement Mixer Usage While Minimising Costs
For every DIY enthusiast, minimising costs while getting the work done effectively is always a priority. After all, these are the main reasons people go the DIY route in the first place. Here are some tips that can help achieve these two-pronged goals.
Get the Right Mixer
As explained earlier, properly sizing the cement mixer based on your project requirements is an important step in any project. You’ll only be wasting money if you rent an oversized mixer. Similarly, if the mixer is too small, it’ll affect efficiency and lead to more costs in the long run. The key is to find the perfect balance between size and efficiency by defining the scope of your project early on and looking for a mixer that can help achieve this.
Inspect the Mixer
When you take delivery of a rental cement mixer, you need to inspect it before it’s even turned on for your project. Examine the machine thoroughly and ensure there are no damages before you get to work. Downtime doesn’t just affect project efficiency, it could also be costly, which is why it’s best to avoid it as much as you can.
Grease the Gears
As long as the cement mixer is in your possession, it’s up to you to carry out basic maintenance to keep the machine in perfect condition. A cement mixer has gears, pulleys, and other moving parts that need to be lubricated frequently. Pay attention to this and do it regularly to keep the machine smooth and functional.
Prep the Worksite
This is a seemingly insignificant step that can boost process efficiency significantly. Before you start mixing, do a comprehensive walkthrough of the site. Concrete mixing is only one step out of several steps in utilising cement on your site. Make sure the worksite is optimised for all stages of this project.
Mixer Positioning Matters
Similar to the point above, consider where you’ll be positioning the mixer on your job site. Concrete hardens within a short time, so the mixer is best positioned as close to where you’ll be pouring it. This can help reduce stress and extra personnel costs while saving time on your project.
Load Materials Properly
Knowing how to load materials effectively is essential to getting the most out of your cement mixer. Operators should have good knowledge of the proper mix ratio for the material and how to properly load a mixer for best results.
Operating a Cement Mixer Safely and Effectively
As a DIY enthusiast, you cannot pretend to be an expert at handling a cement mixer. For your safety and the efficiency of your project, you should at least get basic training before attempting to use a cement mixer. While it’s easy to figure things out with this machine, you’ll only achieve professional-grade results when you know exactly what you’re doing.
Conclusion
For every DIY concrete project, using a cement mixer can help you get things done faster. However, the quality and efficiency of your project depend a lot on how well you handle the cement mixer hire.
By learning some of the tips covered above, you can make an informed decision about DIY cement mixer hire. Working with reliable equipment rental companies like easyToolhire helps as well. Contact us to learn more about our cement mixer hire services and how they can impact your DIY projects.
