Concrete forms the backbone of any construction project, big or small. The quality and consistency of the concrete used go a long way in deciding the ultimate quality of whatever you are building.
Transit mixers are construction vehicles that are used to mix and carry concrete in and around construction sites and concrete plants. In this blog post, we are looking into the various models of transit mixers in India and what to consider before buying one.
Transit Mixers – How Do They Work?
Before you choose the ideal heavy machines for your construction project, it is crucial to understand how they function and what their features and safety measures are.
Transit mixers, also known as self-loading concrete mixers, are equipped with a rotating drum that serves as the mixer. The drum is supported by an auxiliary frame and this entire setup is fitted onto a truck or a trailer, depending on the terrain.
Transit mixers require only one person to operate. They use a set of components to mix and discharge the concrete.
- It has a hydraulic drum that rotates at speeds regulated by the operator to mix the concrete evenly.
- The auxiliary frame supports the drum and helps to support its weight while it rotates and pours out the mixed concrete.
- A metallic bucket is fitted at the back side of the mixer to load the drum with concrete and other ingredients.
- The operator has total control of the vehicle and supervises all the processes like mixing, loading, speed, and direction of rotation.
How To Select The Best Transit Mixer For Your Project?
Before you buy used heavy machines, you need to take several factors into consideration. In the case of transit mixers, you must first consider the volume of concrete you require.
It is essential to keep in mind that the mixing drum can be filled up to 80% of its total capacity. Overloading the drum will lead to spillage, inconsistent mixtures, and other issues.
1. Cost-Efficiency
Just like most other construction equipment, self-loading concrete mixers are expensive machines and cost lakhs of rupees. It is therefore vital to analyze the cost of the machines versus the benefits or returns they will provide.
You must consider what volumes of concrete you need per mix, how frequently you need to use the mixer, and how long you need it. This will help you decide what size and model of the mixer to choose and whether to buy or rent it.
2. Scale of the Project
The scale and size of your project have an important say in what kind of transit mixer to invest in. For small constructions, low-volume, and even cart-drawn mixers are quite effective.
However, for larger operations, you need to factor in the exact amount of concrete needed and how frequently it is required. You need to have a good idea about the various manufacturers and models of transit mixers in the market to make the perfect choice.
3. Power Supply
Today, concrete mixers can run on not only diesel and petrol but they can also be powered by electricity. Electric mixers are extremely cost-effective and are suitable for urban environments where you can frequently charge the machine.
However, fuel-driven mixers are still the more popular choice as you don’t need to rely on the availability of electricity and charging facilities. This enables you to use them anywhere without having to worry about power supply.
4. New vs. Used Transit Mixer
Buying a new mixer is obviously beneficial as it comes with a guarantee of quality and efficiency. However, used mixers come at much lower prices and will significantly reduce your overall costs. That being said, you must make sure that the used machines are in good working condition, before paying for them.
If you are operating on a tight budget and need help with buying equipment, reach out to us at Heavy Machinery Care (HMC). Our loan experts will help you obtain heavy machinery finance in India. We also assist in getting your loans sanctioned without hassle.
5. Starting Mechanism
Self-loading mixers can have several mechanisms for starting such as pull-cord, electric, and winding start. You need to choose your machine according to the starting procedure best suited for your work.
Top Transit Mixer Models In India
Here are some of the popular self-loading concrete mixers that are in use in India.
AJAX Argo 4000 – The Argo 4000 is one of the most widely used transit mixers employed in various projects like the construction of buildings, roads, and bridges. It runs on a Cummins ISX15 engine that produces 500 HP of power. It has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 80,000 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 50,000 pounds.
AJAX Argo 2500 – The Argo 2500 is quite like the younger brother of the Argo 4000. While it shares the same Cummins engine, it makes 400 HP of power, it has a slightly lesser GVW of 60,000 pounds, and a load capacity of 35,000 pounds.
Ashok Leyland 2820 RMC – The 2820 RMC works on a Hino J08E-TE 6-cylinder diesel engine that makes 280 HP at 2500 rpm (revolutions per minute). It has a GVW of 28,000 kg and a mixer drum capacity of 6 cubic meters.
Tata Signa 2823.K RMC STD 6S – Although the model name is a bit long and confusing, the machine is one of the most efficient ones in the market. The Signa 2823.K is powered by an ISBe 6-cylinder diesel engine that churns out 280 HP of power and 900 Nm of torque. It has similar weight specifications as the 2820 RMC with a GVW of 28,000 ks and a load capacity of 6 cubic meters.
How to Buy and Sell Transit Mixers in India?
If you are in the market to buy used heavy machines or you want to sell machines that you own, HMC is your ideal platform. You can find all sorts of machines ranging from huge excavators and crawler cranes to small rock breakers and forklifts. Verified sellers and buyers across India are active on our platform and engaging with each other regarding equipment needs.
Download the HMC app from the App Store or Google Play, and let us take care of your construction-related queries.
