Masonry Magazine November 2006 Page. 41
Modernizing the Mixer
THE TRADITIONAL mortar mixer - one with a stationary barrel and paddles that rotate within the barrel - has been used on job sites for decades.
"The design has been on the market for about 65 years, and it is probably still the most efficient manner to mix mortar," said Warren Faler, mixer product manager for Multiquip Inc. of Carson, Calif.
While mortar mixers haven't been a world wind of change, there have been several advancements over the years.
For instance, EZ Grout Corporation of Waterford, Ohio, has made several adjustments in the past year to its mixers in an effort to make them more efficient.
"First, we tested and found a rubber material for the paddle blades that outlast any on the market, including our own present paddle blades," said Damian Lang, president and owner of EZ Grout and Lang Masonry. "The mason contractors' mechanics have been telling us that this is the biggest maintenance item on a mixer; therefore we set out to fix it.
"Second, we increased the speed and torque on all our mixers to allow quicker mixing of batches of mortar or grout. Our goal is to build mixers that will allow fast mixing without excess splashing of the materials during the process.
Another recent option that companies such as EZ Grout and Buddy Equipment are utilizing is the ability to remove one of the wheels on a towable mixer to increase stability and decrease the potential for theft.
Efficient Options
WITH SO MANY MIXERS on the market, what's the right one for you and your business?