Masonry Magazine November 2006 Page. 44
MIXERS & DELIVERY SYSTEMS
In addition, Faler suggests picking a mixer that has the right configuration of paddles to provide a uniform mix and reduce splash, a drum made out of fairly thick material to resist abrasions, and a wide dump lip for easy pouring.
He also added that the most important thing to look for in a mixer is the seal system for the paddle shaft. "Regardless of who manufactures the mixer, it's the most critical area and it requires continuous attention," he said. "Most suppliers make a greasable-type mixer that should be greased periodically. Multiquip's Essick line, which has been on the market since 1923, is basically a maintenance-free system."
Buddy Equipment's Swisher said that consistent mixing by the paddles within the drum is also an important aspect. "Most of the mortar mixer drum shapes that are available in our country are what I'd refer to as 'flat-backed," Swisher said. "Inside the drum, where the paddles rotate, is an area along the back of the drum where the rotating paddles cannot make contact with the mortar. I refer to it as the Dead Zone.
"In my patented design, the 'Dead Zone' is eliminated by having a symmetrically shaped drum, where the curve along the front side of the drum matches the curve along the drum's backside, therefore reducing the required mixing time by as much as 30 percent."
Another feature to look for is the load and dump height of the machine. "We designed the Mud Hog mixers so they can be loaded at a low level, below a laborer's waist in most cases, while still dumping right into a high mud pan or wheelbarrow," Lang said.
Also, EZ Grout mixers come standard with an electric start and hydraulic dump. "Any mixer that doesn't have an electric start will sooner or later be shutting the job down due to a broken pull cord," Lang stated. "With an electric start on a mixer, the only time you pull the cord to start it is if the electric start fails, then after a couple pulls, the engine starts and the battery will recharge itself.
"The hydraulic dump feature is another way of reducing the laborer's workload by letting the machine do the work of dumping the material instead of the laborer having to have to walk to the other end of the mixer and fighting to dump it.
In addition to getting a mixer with all the right options, there are certain advantageous ways of using the mixer that will help in the long run.
"Being a mason contractor and a manufacturer, we don't like to build and sell anything that our own people don't want to use on our job sites."
Tips and Tricks
IN ADDITION TO getting a mixer with all the right options, there are certain advantageous ways of using the mixer that will help in the long run. The first tip is: location, location, location.
"Contractors should consider how far the mixing station is located from the walls that are to be built," Lang suggested. "The closer the mixer is to the wall, the less travel time one will have on the forklifts. In some cases, such as on large buildings,
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