I bought a used 1/3 yard pto powered mixer a few years ago and had the most fun with it. Its one of those things that you get more out of it than you thought it might produce. I went cement crazy: sidewalks, steps/stairs, horse watering trough pads, and slabs. The mix was basically a bag of cement, 25 shovels of washed gravel, and 5 gallons of water. Mix for 10 minutes add a bit more water depending on outside temperature and dump into the forms. Couple of things, though: When you are traveling with it, its VERY heavy so I always had to have the front loader attached and some pig iron in the bucket. The unit had a hydraulic cylinder for dumping it and I had to run it off one of the loader circuits. You really need a hydraulic dump to control the flow when pouring because of the weight, especially when it starts to flow. The load makes a slab approx. 4' by 4' by 4" . The features of a tractor mixer are the prep at a site where the water and gravel are. Then you get to take it where its needed, finish up and wash it out. The alternative for me was to get some ready-mix, either delivered or in a cart, and struggle with the timing of everything. Well worth the $150 I paid for it. Most fun was having the dogs leave their prints in the slab. I was mad at the time, but after their passing, I still smile and wipe a tear when I walk to the barn and see them....