In the field of building construction, self loading concrete mixer has become the preferred equipment for small and medium-sized projects by virtue of its advantages of automatic feeding, precise proportioning, and flexible movement. However, many users due to improper operation lead to frequent equipment failure, unstable concrete quality, and even cause safety accidents. In this article, we will systematically analyse the operation points to help you avoid risks, improve efficiency, and maximize the value of the equipment.
Before starting, understanding the basic components of the equipment is a prerequisite for safe and efficient operation. Self-loading mixers typically consist of the following components:
provide manoeuvrability and allow you to travel freely from site to site.
for loading and mixing the raw materials and for mixing them during transport.
for autonomous loading of aggregates and cement.
provides the water required for mixing and can be cleaned afterwards.
it is used to precisely control parameters such as water addition ratio and mixing time.
provides power for the arm, bucket, drum rotation and lifting, and is the source of power for all movements.
As with the operation of any construction equipment, a pre-operation inspection is an essential step that prevents breakdowns and ensures safety.
go around the vehicle to check for normal tyre pressure and observe the ground for any signs of oil, water or hydraulic fluid leakage.
open the feed opening and make sure there is no hardened concrete left inside the drum from before, so as not to affect the quality of this mixing or damage the equipment.
according to the concrete standard and square volume required for this project, calculate and make sure that the raw materials such as sand, stone, cement, etc., prepared on site are of qualified quality and sufficient quantity.
Start the engine and observe whether the readings of hydraulic system pressure gauge and water temperature gauge on the instrument panel are in the normal range. Confirm that the water tank is filled.
The operation of the self loading concrete mixer follows an intuitive linear process designed to maximise and simplify the working steps. And below is a video of our customer operating a self loading concrete mixer at the construction site.
Park the vehicle smoothly at a suitable position in front of the stockpile. The hydraulic arm and bucket are controlled by a joystick or remote control in the cab to load the mixing drum with aggregates such as sand, stone, and cement in sequence. This function eliminates the need for external loading equipment and is the key to “self-sufficiency”.
After all the raw materials are loaded, close the feeder. The operator selects or inputs the preset concrete formula (e.g., C25, C30) on the intelligent control panel in the cab according to the project requirements. The system will precision weighing system and new algorithms to automatically calculate the required amount of water, and through the hydraulic water pump and flow meter, automatically complete the weighing and water addition.
Self-loading mixers maximise the use of time by combining the production and transport processes into one. Once the recipe has been set, you can drive straight to the site. During transport, the mixing drums keep rotating and mix the ingredients in the drums thoroughly and evenly.
After arriving at the construction site, park the mixer at the best unloading position. By adjusting the angle of the drum through the hydraulic system and making it rotate in the opposite direction, the concrete can be discharged smoothly and evenly. The operator can precisely control the unloading point and speed, and directly feed the concrete into the mould or designated area, reducing transit links and avoiding material waste.
Immediately after completing unloading, the cleaning process should be initiated. Using the built-in high-pressure rinsing system, fill the drum with water and rotate it to completely remove any slurry residue from the interior walls. This habit is essential to prevent concrete from setting, maintain the equipment in good condition, and help reduce long-term maintenance costs.
Based on the equipment maintenance records and technical manuals collated, we share with you some high-frequency faults on the construction site and the solutions to deal with them, so that you can find the fault points and solve them as soon as possible:
Processing steps:
Treatment programme:
Possible causes:
Treatment:
Emergency treatment:
Solution Steps:
Lastly, learn about the following safe operation and maintenance guidelines to help you ensure safe construction and prolong the life of your equipment:
Mastering the standard operation of self-loading concrete mixer can not only significantly improve the construction efficiency and safety, but also reduce the operating costs through intelligent features. Choose an Aimix self-loading concrete mixer. In 10 minutes, you can start to operate. For detailed technical parameters, please contact us, get free operation training and equipment experience, and open a new chapter of efficient construction!