Concrete Mixer Attachments for Mini Excavators (1–5 Ton)
1.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of hydraulic concrete mixer attachments designed for mini excavators. It covers design, functionality, mounting, hydraulic requirements, maintenance, troubleshooting, and safety — ensuring operators understand proper use and servicing procedures.
This guide does not include hydraulic hose installation or machine modification steps; all hydraulic connections must follow OEM specifications.
2. OVERVIEW
A hydraulic concrete mixer attachment enables a mini excavator to mix, transport, and pour concrete or mortar directly at the job site. The mixer uses the excavator’s auxiliary hydraulic flow to rotate the drum, eliminating the need for separate mixing equipment.
Common applications include:
Fence and post foundations
Footings and small concrete pads
Utility trench repair
Landscaping and site preparation
Key Benefits
On-site mixing convenience
Reduced labor and transport costs
Consistent batch quality
Compact and maneuverable for confined sites
3. SYSTEM FUNCTION
3.1 Operating Principle
The excavator’s auxiliary hydraulic circuit provides oil flow to the mixer’s hydraulic motor.
The motor drives a reduction gearbox or chain drive, which rotates the drum.
Material (cement, aggregate, water) is mixed through internal helical paddles or spiral fins as the drum rotates.
The operator can tilt the mixer using the excavator’s bucket or tilt function to pour the mixture directly where needed.
Reversing hydraulic flow changes rotation direction for mixing or discharge.
4. MAIN COMPONENTS
Component
Description
Function
Hydraulic Motor
Orbital or gerotor type motor powered by excavator auxiliary hydraulics.
Drives the drum rotation.
Drive System
Gear, chain, or direct coupling.
Transmits torque from motor to drum.
Mixing Drum
Cylindrical barrel with helical mixing fins.
Holds and mixes concrete or mortar.
Tilt Mechanism / Bracket
Pivot frame, coupler, or cradle.
Allows pour angle adjustment using excavator movement.
Hydraulic Hoses & Couplers
High-pressure flexible lines.
Connect mixer to auxiliary circuit.
Drum Lid / Guard (optional)
Safety cover for loading port.
Prevents spillage and debris entry.
Drain Chute (optional)
Pour spout or funnel.
Controls material discharge.
5. TYPES OF CONCRETE MIXER ATTACHMENTS
5.1 STANDARD DRUM MIXER
Fixed drum orientation, rotation powered by hydraulic motor.
Simple, cost-effective design.
Used for small batch mixing and site repair work.
5.2 TILT OR POUR MIXER
Equipped with a tilting cradle or bracket, allowing forward tilt for controlled pouring.
Some models include a hydraulic tilt cylinder for remote dumping.
Ideal for post holes and precise pour control.
5.3 HIGH-CAPACITY MIXER (GEAR DRIVE TYPE)
Heavy-duty gearbox for higher torque.
Handles dense or aggregate-rich mixes.
Suitable for 3–5 ton excavators.
5.4 COMBINATION MIXER / BUCKET (MIX-AND-POUR)
Functions as both a mixer and bucket.
Loads materials directly from the pile, mixes internally, and pours via bottom gate or tilt.
Used in compact construction and farm environments.
6. HYDRAULIC REQUIREMENTS (TYPICAL RANGE)
Excavator Size
Flow Range (L/min)
Pressure Range (bar)
Drum Capacity (Litres)
Mixing Speed (RPM)
1–2 Ton
20–30
100–130
70–120
25–40
2–3 Ton
30–45
120–160
100–150
25–35
3–5 Ton
40–70
140–190
150–250
20–30
Note: Mixing performance depends on hydraulic flow and drum size. High flow = faster rotation; excessive speed can cause spillage or uneven mixing.
7. MOUNTING CONFIGURATIONS
Mount Type
Description
Features
Typical Use
Top-Mount (Direct Coupler)
Attaches directly to quick hitch or excavator dipper arm.
Compact, simple, uses excavator tilt for pour control.
Small to mid-size mixers.
Cradle / Frame Mount
Mixer sits in a support cradle that allows tilt.
Easy removal, vibration isolation, manual pour control.
General purpose or shared attachments.
Hydraulic Tilt Mount
Includes small hydraulic cylinder for controlled discharge.
Precise pour angle and safety.
Large or high-capacity mixers.
Ensure all quick-hitch pins, safety clips, and locking mechanisms are properly engaged before operation.
8. MATERIAL CAPACITY & MIX RATIOS
Material
Typical Mix Ratio
Comments
General Concrete (C20–C25)
1:2:3 (Cement : Sand : Aggregate)
Most common for posts and pads.
Mortar / Fine Mix
1:3 (Cement : Sand)
For patching or blockwork.
Lean Mix / Backfill
1:5
For non-structural fill.
Rapid Set Concrete
As specified by manufacturer
Mix continuously; shorter working time.
Always maintain 50–75% drum fill capacity for optimal mixing.
9. OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
Position the excavator on level ground before loading or pouring.
Load cement, sand, and aggregate evenly into the drum.
Engage auxiliary hydraulics to start rotation.
Mix for 2–4 minutes or until homogeneous.
Reverse rotation to discharge if equipped, or tilt drum for pouring.
Rinse drum immediately after use to prevent concrete hardening.
Do not exceed rated drum volume or hydraulic flow.
Avoid running the motor dry or with an empty drum for prolonged periods.
10. INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE
10.1 Daily / Pre-Use Checks
Check
Purpose
Hydraulic hoses and couplers
Detect leaks or damage before operation.
Motor and gearbox casing
Inspect for cracks, leaks, or loose fittings.
Drum interior
Ensure clean and free from hardened residue.
Mounting pins and bolts
Confirm tightness and security.
Rotation direction
Verify correct motor polarity before mixing.
10.2 Periodic Maintenance (Every 250 Hours)
Task
Description
Replace gearbox oil (if applicable).
Inspect drive coupling or chain for wear and tension.
Lubricate pivot and tilt points with lithium grease.
Check hydraulic motor seals for leakage.
Clean and inspect quick couplers.
10.3 Annual Service
Task
Description
Replace seals, O-rings, and gearbox bearings if needed.
Flush hydraulic motor and inspect internal splines.
Check structural welds and bracket integrity.
Repaint or treat surfaces for corrosion protection.
Store upright, clean, and dry with hydraulic caps fitted.
Long-Term Storage
Store indoors (5–25 °C). Drain gearbox oil if unused >6 months. Grease exposed steel parts.
Transport
Secure mixer upright using straps. Protect hydraulic hoses and drum mouth from damage.
15. MAINTENANCE RECORD TEMPLATE
Date
Technician
Hours
Inspection
Findings
Action Taken
16. TECHNICAL SUMMARY
Category
Specification
Machine Compatibility
Mini Excavators (1–5 Ton)
Drive Type
Hydraulic Motor (Orbital or Gear)
Drum Capacity
70–250 L (model dependent)
Flow Range
20–70 L/min
Pressure Range
100–190 bar
Rotation Speed
20–40 RPM
Mounting Options
Top-Mount, Cradle, Hydraulic Tilt
Lubrication
EP90 Gear Oil / Lithium Grease
Maintenance Interval
250 hours oil change, annual service
Noise Level
Typically <85 dB
Safety Compliance
ISO 4413:2010 (Hydraulic Systems)
Concrete mixer attachments for mini excavators provide efficient on-site mixing and pouring, turning compact machines into multi-purpose construction tools. Correct hydraulic setup, routine maintenance, and immediate cleaning after use are essential for long service life and consistent performance.
This guide does not include hydraulic hose installation or machine modification steps; all hydraulic connections must follow OEM specifications.
Concrete mixer attachments for mini excavators provide efficient on-site mixing and pouring, turning compact machines into multi-purpose construction tools.