Portable cement mixer recommendations?

[gsganzer]

I have a bunch of projects that require setting fence poles, pouring tubes, piers etc. Usually, I rent a cement mixer when I need one and knock out a bunch of stuff over a weekend. My time now is becoming so sporadic that I'm thinking of buying a small portable mixer so I can do things when I unexpectedly find time available. I've always rented this Kushlan and seem to think it meets all my needs, especially when filling post holes. It doesn't have a huge capacity, but for what I do, it's just about perfect. Anyone know of one that might be a better option. I've watched craigslist for used ones, but either real expensive commercial models or the Harbor Freight junk.

I figure when I'm finally done using it, I'll just sell it.

 

[747driver]

Kobalt 4-cu ft 0.5-HP Cement Mixer...$299 This is what i got at Lowes. Works well. I mixed 2 80 lb bags at a time.

 

[tomplum]

Ditto on the Lowes one. Mine has gone through only a pallet of mix, but it still looks new.

 

[beowulf]

I know this is not a precise response to your question but it may be helpful to some. I have a .5 hp mixer which I have used for years. Takes a couple of bags at a time. A bit awkward to use now that I am older - lifting the bags and moving it around is a PITA and emptying it not so easy at times. So, because of all of that I now frequently use a large bucket and the hand mixer (link below). It is made for mortar but works fine for cement and a lot more portable. Just an idea - it works for me and seems as fast as the large mixer.
Dual Speed Paint and Mortar Mixer

 

[oosik]

I looked at, at least, three brands of portable electric mixers and contrary to what beowulf says - they are ALL awkward to use - no matter your age. Just try tipping a mixer full of concrete into a wheelbarrow. Without somebody helping by either holding the barrow or tipping the mixer - its almost always a lost cause.

Anyhow - all that BS aside - I have an IMER minuteman mixer that was purchased in 2001 and has worked well. Purchased at Home Depot for $395.

 

[Deere Dude]

Just get a 3.5 cu. ft. HF mixer for $160 and it will run for many years.

I bought one in 04 and poured maybe 300' of sidewalk, a whole house full basement worth of mortar for blocks, 16x26 garage floor, 8x8 storm shelter with 8" walls all the way around and frost wall and footings for a garage, plus many other small to medium sized projects.

The only thing I had to weld was where the bolts hold the drum on as it started to crack. Still got it with the original motor.

It may be junk but it sure works well.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Mine is a "Wind Mill" brand, it goes on the 3 point of my tractor and runs off the pto. It works REALLY well...

I REALLY like the fact I can fill it "where ever" I want, drive to where I need the cement and dump it right where I need it, using the hydraulics.

I like it much better that the electric model it replaced...

SR

 

[KennyG]

I'm not sure what you mean by portable but I will second the thought that the HF mixer is worth the money. I actually got mine from Ebay a little cheaper than HF but it's the same basic machine. It is cheaply made but I've had mine for years and used it for a number of minor projects with no problems.

 

[mike69440]

Just get a 3.5 cu. ft. HF mixer for $160 and it will run for many years.

I bought one in 04 and poured maybe 300' of sidewalk, a whole house full basement worth of mortar for blocks, 16x26 garage floor, 8x8 storm shelter with 8" walls all the way around and frost wall and footings for a garage, plus many other small to medium sized projects.

The only thing I had to weld was where the bolts hold the drum on as it started to crack. Still got it with the original motor.

It may be junk but it sure works well.

The big HF unit needs some reinforcing brackets on the mixer plates and a lot of grease to keep it from wearing out.

Also with a full load it helps to give it a hand to start mixing, but for the money... Mines paid for itself.

 

[newbury]

Kobalt 4-cu ft 0.5-HP Cement Mixer...$299 This is what i got at Lowes. Works well. I mixed 2 80 lb bags at a time.

I bought the Kobalt years ago. Have only put maybe 20 bags through it but it works and rinses well. When I bought it the HF was a close runner up but after years of scraping mix off metal mixers I was intrigued by the plastic. Which in practice seems to clean easier.

Growing up the family built a duplex and I must have mixed 100 loads of mortar. End of day cleanup was a pain. This isn't.

And remember if you are an honorably discharged military Veteran Lowes has a 10% discount plan.

 

[Deere Dude]

Just get a 3.5 cu. ft. HF mixer for $160 and it will run for many years.

I bought one in 04 and poured maybe 300' of sidewalk, a whole house full basement worth of mortar for blocks, 16x26 garage floor, 8x8 storm shelter with 8" walls all the way around and frost wall and footings for a garage, plus many other small to medium sized projects.

The only thing I had to weld was where the bolts hold the drum on as it started to crack. Still got it with the original motor.

It may be junk but it sure works well.

The big HF unit needs some reinforcing brackets on the mixer plates and a lot of grease to keep it from wearing out.

Also with a full load it helps to give it a hand to start mixing, but for the money... Mines paid for itself.

Mine takes right off even if full. Usually we fill it until full enough to where we can't get any more in the drum and by then we have a good sized wheelbarrow full, and I am a fairly big guy.

I never had to reinforce the mixer plates. Still on the original belt. My wife usually/always does the mixing so she keeps it very clean when done. The wheels are wimpy though and I should replace them, maybe.

 

[kf4uda]

I have a bunch of projects that require setting fence poles, pouring tubes, piers etc. Usually, I rent a cement mixer when I need one and knock out a bunch of stuff over a weekend. My time now is becoming so sporadic that I'm thinking of buying a small portable mixer so I can do things when I unexpectedly find time available. I've always rented this Kushlan and seem to think it meets all my needs, especially when filling post holes. It doesn't have a huge capacity, but for what I do, it's just about perfect. Anyone know of one that might be a better option. I've watched craigslist for used ones, but either real expensive commercial models or the Harbor Freight junk.

I figure when I'm finally done using it, I'll just sell it.

I have the Kushlan mixer that you linked to and have been very pleased with it. I like it for its "wheel barrel" configuration. I have owned it for about 4 years or so.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I'd rather NOT have to wheel cement! lol

SR

 

[fried1765]

I'd rather NOT have to wheel cement! lol

SR

That is obviously the way to go!
You must have a hydraulic top link for dumping.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

That is obviously the way to go! You must have a hydraulic top link for dumping.

Yes, it comes with the mixer...

SR

 

[comancheflight]

I was in same dilemma as you this summer. I looked at all the brands and decided I wanted the 6 cu foot one on the internet that was listed as one of the best out there....then I looked at local stuff like Lowes. I ended up getting the harbor freight when they had the 25% off coupon. Reason was I won't use it all that much and price difference over any of the others was a fair amount. I assembled the HF and I don't know if it has been redesigned but its not bad on stout. It works well. I haven't had any of the other complaints about it. Haven't used it much but next summer may get much more of a workout.

 

[newbury]

<snip> but its not bad on stout. <snip>

Yup, lot's of things are better with a good stout

 

[mark in portugal]

I'd rather NOT have to wheel cement! lol

SR

That's what I want!
I've been watching the local advertisements here; although many many folks have tractors and everyone seems to have a cement mixer, no one has a 3-point mounted mixer.

 

[flusher]

For occasional small size jobs, the HF mixer will work for you. I used one for 10 years around my 10-acre place for post holes, small slabs, concrete weights for implements (box blade, disc harrow, etc). Why spend hundreds of bucks more if you're only an occasional user?

 

[EddieWalker]

I went with Imer when I bought my land in 2002. It's pricey, but I haven't had a single issue with it, and it's still working as good today as the day I bought it. I couldn't say how many yards of concrete and mortar that I've mixed with it, but it's been quite a bit. It might sit for a year without getting used, but right now, it's been out on my wading pool project for several months, rain and shine.

Amazon.com: IMER MINUTEMAN Portable Tripod MultiMixer-5 cu.ft. portable with tripod stand - model 112665: Home Improvement