Purchasing A Concrete Mixer Truck: From Regulation To Suspension, There Is A Lot To Consider

With many moving parts and components that work in synchronization, both on and off the road, the concrete mixer truck is one of the more complex models to build and buy. These vocational trucks can be loaded with dry materials and water or a pre-mixed solution to mix and transport concrete to a construction site. These requirements introduce some unique considerations that must be evaluated to ensure you get the right unit for the job. 

It’s essential to spec these trucks properly to ensure maximum productivity as well as a long service life. Here are five key considerations to keep in mind when purchasing your next concrete mixer truck:
 

Vehicle weight and length

The goal of a mixer truck is to deliver as much concrete as possible in compliance with local laws and infrastructure restrictions. Your local dealer will be familiar with the regulations in your region, so be sure to make use of their expertise when researching the type of truck for your operation. Saving weight while building a truck will always help maximize the payload during use. The lighter the truck, the more concrete it can carry.
 

Location and environment

The location of delivery may also influence your cement mixer’s specifications. The truck's chassis and suspension will need to support the average load size and remain effective depending on the type of terrain on which it will travel. Mixers typically navigate rough job sites, but ensuring you have the right suspension is crucial. Look for a balance of articulation, ride, durability and low-weight.
 

Local infrastructure restrictions

Meeting the local weight and length regulations are essential criteria when building a mixer. These will determine the axle spacing and wheel spacing to maximize payload. Ontario allows heavier weights than any other province and has instituted new standards that mandate specific percentages of weight be balanced between steerable axles and rear axles. The new regulations will come into effect in 2020 so it’s important to work with your Brandt Truck & Trailer Sales Representative to ensure your mixer will be legal for the new 2020 regulation.
 

Engine and transmission

The engine in a mixer truck not only powers the truck to transport concrete to the job site but also pushes power through a Power Take-Off (PTO) to turn the drum. The engine should be lightweight, with good fuel economy and have enough power to perform the job. The demand on a transmission can be more complicated than a standard unit. It requires a greater ratio range to enable the operator to move slowly when transferring concrete and a high enough top gear to maintain highway speeds. The new electronic controls on automatic transmission allow units to be as fuel-efficient as standard units, and they’re easier on drivers reducing stress on the truck’s drivetrain.
 

Your local dealer

An effective concrete mixer is a marriage of the right truck and body, which happens when your local dealer and body supplier have a strong working relationship. Additionally, the knowledge and resources of your truck dealer will help you build a vehicle that is not only productive from one load to the next but also over the entire life of the truck.

At Brandt Truck & Trailer, you can depend on a trained team of experts who work to understand your specific requirements and job application to recommend the best truck to fit your needs. We work with our suppliers to build your vehicle correctly while communicating with the factory on engineering drawings and specifications to make sure you get the right truck for the job.