What Is a Mixer Truck?
A mixer truck, also known as a concrete mixer truck, agitator truck, or ready-mix truck, is designed to transport freshly mixed concrete from a concrete plant to construction sites. These trucks are crucial for delivering fresh concrete in a timely manner, as concrete begins to solidify within a few hours after mixing.
Uses of Mixer Trucks
Mixer trucks are essential in transporting fresh concrete to various construction sites, including residential and commercial projects, and large-scale constructions like dams. They are also used for the return and processing of unused concrete at the plant.
Principles of Mixer Trucks
1. Components of a Mixer Truck
A mixer truck consists of a:
- Hopper: An inlet for fresh concrete located above the drum.
- Drum: The central component with spiral elements inside for mixing concrete.
- Flow Guide: Directs the concrete from the drum to the chute.
- Chute: Guides the concrete to the desired location.
- Water Tank: Holds water for cleaning the truck’s components.
- Drive System: Powers the hydraulic pump for the drum’s rotation.
2. Operation of Mixer Trucks
Mixer trucks transport concrete while continuously rotating the drum to prevent separation. Upon reaching the site, the drum rotates in the opposite direction to discharge the concrete. The drum and components are then washed with water from the tank.
Other Information on Mixer Trucks
Qualifications for Operating a Mixer Truck
Operating a mixer truck does not require special licenses beyond a standard vehicle category license, and no specific qualifications are needed for operating the drum.