Should You Purchase a Gas or an Electric Cement Mixer?
Posted on January 10, 2010 by Samuel Cheeseman
A cement mixer is a vital piece of equipment for building companies large and small but also for homeowners who wish to complete their own DIY building projects. Mixing cement by hand is not a legitimate option unless only very small quantities are needed which will be used immediately. Using a mixer allows you to easily produce large quantities of cement and keep it ready for use for much longer than when mixing by hand. There are however many different cement mixers available and choosing one model over another can be a difficult and confusing task, especially for the DIY builder.
Gas Vs Electric
One major decision you will need to make is whether you would like to purchase a gas or an electric cement mixer. Both options have strengths and weaknesses so it is important to consider them carefully while keeping in mind the kind of work you will be carrying out. Most electric cement mixers for sale are cheaper than the gas models and they will not require any refuelling. Their usage is however limited because of the need to access to a power socket. If you cannot reach the electric concrete mixer with an extension lead from a power socket then you will simply not be able to use it in the desired location. This limitation will cause serious problems on many building sites or in remote areas where sockets are not close by. For this reason the electric cement mixer is most often used by small builders and homeowners completing DIY work. They will not be seen as often as gas powered machines on larger construction sites. It is however worth noting that many manufacturers are now producing stationary and portable electric cement mixers that are aimed at larger scale building projects. They are often advertised using various terms such as ‘contractor grade’ machines that are powered by electricity.
The gas cement mixer is often the choice of the professional builder or any construction worker on a large site. They are usually more heavy duty machines which may be portable or stationary. You will not need access to any power supply when using one of these mixers but gas will of course be required. The machine will need to be refilled periodically which will cause problems if you do not keep a supply of gas near by. These machines will be more expensive than the electric concrete mixers but are often designed for use in tougher conditions such as those on construction sites. The gas powered machines will therefore be more durable and longer lasting in general.
Pricing
A small portable cement mixer can be purchased for under £150 or $250. These machines will however only be suitable for light building work such as small home and garden improvements. You can purchase some of the slightly better models by manufacturers such as Kushlan and Belle as used electric cement mixers for similar prices. Many slightly heavier duty electric mixers are also available with prices often around £250 or $400 and upwards. Both gas and electric machines which are aimed at large building contractors and are designed for use on the biggest construction sites will often be considerably more expensive. These can cost anything up to £3000 which is over $4500. The internet is a good place to begin looking for mixers as well as gas and electric cement mixer parts.
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