Engine for concrete mixer

Types of engines for concrete mixers

A concrete mixer engine refers to a machine part that provides power and enables movement for mixing concrete. By fuelling or supplying electricity to the concrete mixer drum, it ensures that the mixing process goes on continuously and efficiently.

Concrete mixer engines can be categorized by their usage in concrete mixer machines or classed according to their fuel supply or energy source.

• By usage

  Generally speaking, concrete mixers can be divided into horizontal and vertical mixers based on how the drum is oriented. Thus, the engines that would power them would also be divided into those two categories. However, the horizontal mixing machine with a horizontal engine is more common than the vertical engine variety.

• By fuel source

  Small, portable concrete mixers typically use gasoline or diesel-powered engines. Large machines that are stationary yet capable of mixing concrete probably run on electric power, although some may still run on diesel or gasoline fuel.

• By the mixing method

  Intra-drum mixing refers to the mixing that takes place inside the drum. That's where the truck concrete mixer engine drives the drum to rotate and let the raw materials mix with one another. rear-mixing engines can be found in machines where the driving unit is located at the back instead of the rear or side. Intra-drum mixing is more common than other processes, such as axial mixing, where the engine that helps mix may use an axial movement to circulate the contents.

Generally speaking, according to energy source or fuel supply, concrete mixer engines can also be divided into hydraulic and pneumatic engines (the energy sources being concrete mixing and driving motors).

Hydraulic motors are very commonly used in small and large concrete mixer machines. They are more convenient and offer great versatility in mixing methods.

Specification and Maintenance of engine for concrete mixers

Usually, the specifications of concrete mixer truck engines can vary with concrete mix specifications and the types of concrete mixers. Note that concrete engines are mainly specified in terms of power requirements and fuel types.

• Power Requirements: It's important to note that the power requirement of the engine will vary depending on the size of the concrete mixer, the type of concrete being mixed, and the desired mixing speed. Generally, for small concrete mixers, engines with power ratings between 1 to 5 horsepower are sufficient. On the other hand, medium-sized mixers may require engines with power ratings between 5 to 15 horsepower. For big mixers, the engines will have more than 15 horsepower up to 30 or more.
• Diesel or Gasoline: The engines' fuel type can also vary depending on the size of the mixer and the mix being used. For small mixers, gasoline engines are commonly used due to their availability and ease of use. Medium-sized and large concrete mixers may utilize diesel engines due to their higher power output and fuel efficiency. Furthermore, some mixers may have electric motors, especially for stationary setups where access to electricity is readily available.

Since concrete mixer truck engine framings and specifications are different, manufacturers provide specific maintenance instructions to ensure their engines function well and last longer. Suppliers also provide general maintenance tips that can apply to different engines:

• Regular oil changes: The engine oil should be changed after a specified time and filter replacement to keep impurities from entering the engine.
• Air filter inspection: The air filter should be checked regularly to ensure the mixing engine gets clean air to operate well.
• Cooling system maintenance: The cooling system should be maintained by regularly checking the coolant levels and inspecting the radiator for any leaks or damage.
• Fuel system maintenance: This involves inspecting the fuel lines, filters, and injectors to prevent engine mixing issues.
• Spark plug checks: Spark plugs should be checked and replaced to ensure efficient combustion in gasoline engines.

Usage scenarios of engine for concrete mixers

Concrete Mixer Truck Engines

The concrete engine mixer truck's primary function is to mix cement. Still, with some changes and adaptations, it also can be used to produce other types of concrete.

Self Mixing Concrete Truck Engine

An advanced type of concrete truck engine mixer is the self-mixing truck, which can mix the concrete by itself without dependence on any external power sources. This type of mixing truck allows for easy and mobile mixing of the cement, and the truck can also act as the transport vessel. The self-mixing truck is more convenient as the need for a separate concrete mixer machine or a cement mixer machine is eliminated. Thus, this machine reduces labor and allows for easier and faster production and transport of cement.

Volumetric Concrete Mixer Truck Engine

Another innovative type of cement engine mixer truck is the volumetric mixer, which can change the volume and ratio of the mixture whenever required. It can hold all the separate ingredients and combine them into the desired mixture whenever required, even while transporting the required materials. Thus, this type of concrete mixing truck helps make the process more efficient, cost-effective, and simpler.

Combination Machine

Sometimes, the concrete truck engine is combined with a digging machine to offer more services at a lower cost and to make construction easier. A concrete pump can also sometimes be included in a combo machine to help facilitate the smooth flow of concrete at construction sites.

The Future of Concrete Mixer Truck Engines

As the world becomes more focused on sustainable practices and energy-efficient solutions, the concrete mixer truck engines are also being developed with more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient practices. Concrete engine manufacturers focus on fuel-efficient and low-emission products to minimize environmental impacts without compromising productivity and performance.

How to choose engines for concrete mixers

Some factors should be considered when choosing the proper concrete mixer engine for specific needs among the many available options.

• Application:

  Users should first identify the application scenario. Different working situations require different concrete mixer engines. For example, a portable concrete mixer engine would be preferable for outdoor construction projects. On the other hand, a stationary type would suit more centralized mixing facilities.

• Power Requirements:

  Users should also consider the power requirements of the concrete mixing process. Customers should determine the concrete volume they need to process per unit time. If handling large volumes of concrete is a must, high power concrete mixer engines would be required. If dealing with a more modest volume suffices, low-power engines may be more preferred for energy efficiency and lowered costs.

  Generally, power ratings are expressed in horsepower (HP) or kilowatts (kW). Customers should choose an engine whose power rating meets the specific mixing requirements.

• Compatibility with Concrete Mixer Models:

  The concrete mixer engine chosen must be compatible with the concrete mixer model used. Manufacturers provide the specifications of the recommended engines for their mixers. Customers should check these specifications to ensure compatibility and hassle-free installation.

• Fuel Type:

  Users should also consider the fuel type of the concrete mixer engine. Diesel engines are more preferable for outdoor settings and large projects due to their higher power output. Electric motors are more suitable for users looking to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs.

• Safety Features:

  Customers may also want to consider the safety features of the concrete mixer engine. If the concrete mixer is to be used in hazardous environments where explosion risks exist, choosing an engine with anti-explosion precautions would be necessary.

Engine for Concrete Mixer Q&A

Q1: What types of engines does a concrete mixer have?

A1: The concrete mixer can have different types of engines based on designs and working needs. Commonly, it may have a diesel engine or gasoline engine, which are two-stroke or four-stroke engines. In addition, some hydraulic concrete mixers engine models are driven by AC or DC motors.

Q2: Does a concrete mixer need an engine?

A2: The engine or driving motor is necessary for the concrete mixer to work because it provides the power needed to mix the concrete by driving the hydraulic pump or crankshaft.

Q3:What is the horsepower of a concrete mixer truck?

A3: An average concrete mixer truck has 300 to 400 horsepower.

Q4: What is the fuel consumption of a concrete mixer truck?

A4: The overall fuel consumption may vary by truck models, but on average, it is about 10 to 15 liters per hour.