The cement mixer is one of the essential tools that play a crucial role in ensuring smooth and efficient mixing operations on the construction site. Whether you’re working on a large-scale project or simple DIY mixing, this machine is an ideal alternative to manually mixing cement, which makes it a must-have piece of equipment.
Your cement mixer can either be powered by electricity or petrol. While both machines work, they have different considerations in terms of their ease of use, maintenance requirements, and overall performance. In this article, we’ll explore some of the key factors to consider when you need to decide between these two types of mixers when considering cement mixer hire for your project.
Electric Cement Mixer Hire
An electric mixer is powered by electricity, which means all you need is access to electricity plug points and you won’t have to bother about fuel expenses and other associated costs. This type of machine does have some downsides to it as well as highlighted below:
Ease of Use
Electric cement mixer hire is often the preferred choice for smaller construction projects and DIY enthusiasts and that’s because of how incredibly easy to use they are. Most electric-powered units are compatible with a standard power outlet, offering you the simplicity of plugging in your machine and turning it on. It’s perfect for individuals with limited construction experience.
Maintenance Requirements
Electric cement mixers are generally low-maintenance compared to the petrol-powered alternative. With fewer moving parts, there are fewer components at risk of wearing out or breaking. You just need to check the electrical connections regularly for signs of wear or damage and clean the drum regularly as well.
Performance
Electric mixers typically have smaller drum capacities. Their power output is also lower, which makes them more suitable for small-scale projects with moderate concrete mixing requirements. However, this machine is quieter and produces no emissions during operation since it does not burn fuel. This makes it well-suited for indoor projects or areas where there are strict rules about noise pollution.
Ideal Scenarios
Electric cement mixers are ideal for small-scale projects in urban areas or locations with easy access to electrical outlets. They’re particularly great for situations where noise and emissions are a concern, such as indoor projects or residential areas. For large-scale projects or work in remote areas where access to electricity might be a problem, you might want to consider the alternative.
Availability in the UK Market
Generally, electric mixers are still not as popular as petrol mixers on construction sites. Still, you’ll find many UK equipment rental companies offering a wide range of electric mixer options from various manufacturers. They come in various sizes and drum capacities, so you can easily find one that meets your specific needs.
Petrol Cement Mixer Hire
The main allure of petrol mixer hire is that the mixer offers you a combination of maximum power and portability. You can use them anywhere and they deliver optimally on both large and small scale projects.
Ease of Use
Petrol cement mixers do not rely on a fixed power source. This makes them the most suitable choice for remote construction sites where electricity is not readily available. Most petrol mixers have a pull-start mechanism instead of the plug-and-start mechanism of the electric model. This can take a little bit more effort, but it still works efficiently for most users.
Maintenance
Petrol cement mixers are equipped with more engines and more moving parts. This means they tend to require more maintenance since there are more things to check. You’ll also have to check them more often to ensure reliable performance. However, most petrol units are built for heavy-duty use in mind, which makes them more robust and durable in the long run.
Performance
Petrol mixers tend to have bigger drums and higher power output compared to similarly-sized electric units. This means they can handle larger batches of material and deliver effectively for continuous mixing tasks, especially on large-scale construction sites.
Ideal Scenarios
Petrol cement mixers are the preferred choice on construction sites where mobility and power are important. If you’re working on a construction site where access to electricity is limited, or a large-scale project where higher mixing capacity is important, you might want to go for a petrol mixer. Most users also prefer petrol mixers for projects that require continuous mixing over extended periods.
Availability in the UK Market
Generally, petrol mixers are more common on construction sites across the UK. Almost all equipment rental companies in the UK market have petrol cement mixers from different manufacturers in their fleet. Petrol-powered mixers come in a variety of drum sizes and engine capacities, so you can always find one that meets your specific project requirements.
Conclusion
Choosing between an electric or petrol cement mixer hire boils down to the unique requirements and constraints of your project. Electric mixers are generally more user-friendly and have lower maintenance. Their performance is also on par with petrol units for small-scale projects but may not deliver on the same level for large-scale projects or heavy-duty use. At easyToolhire, our fleet includes the latest electric and petrol-powered units, so you can always find the right unit for you. Talk to us about the details of your projects, and our seasoned experts will guide you through the process of selecting the right cement mixer for you.
