Concrete Mixer Trucks vs Static Mixers: Which Is Best for Your Project?

When it comes to mixing concrete, you’ve got options. Two of the most common types are concrete mixer trucks and static mixers. But which one is the right fit for your project? That depends on factors like project size, location, and how much control you need over your concrete mix. Here’s a breakdown of each so you can make the best call.

Key takeaways

1. What’s the Difference Between Mixer Trucks and Static Mixers?
2. How to Choose Between a Mixer Truck and a Static Mixer

What’s the Difference Between Mixer Trucks and Static Mixers?

Concrete mixer trucks and static mixers have a few key differences, let’s go over them.

Concrete Mixer Trucks

These are the large trucks with rotating drums you see on construction sites and on the road. They transport and mix concrete on the move, making cement mixer trucks perfect for jobs that need a steady supply of fresh concrete.

• Best for: Large-scale construction projects, roadworks, and commercial builds.
• How they work: Concrete is loaded at a batching plant, mixed in transit, and delivered ready to pour.

Key benefits:

• High production capacity – Handles large volumes efficiently, making it ideal for big projects.
• Flexible for different job sites – Works well in various locations and conditions.
• Keeps concrete fresh – Reduces the risk of material setting too soon.
• Saves time and labour costs – Speeds up construction by delivering ready-mixed concrete.
• Easily handles big pours – Suitable for large-scale construction without delays.

Cons:

• Requires large access areas.
• Can lead to waste if too much is ordered.
• Expensive to purchase outright.

Static Mixers

Static mixers (also known as stationary mixers) stay in one place and are typically part of a concrete batching plant or used for smaller-scale projects.

• Best for: Small jobs, or those that need careful control over concrete consistency, such as precast manufacturing or infrastructure projects.
• How they work: They blend concrete in a fixed location, allowing for controlled, batch-by-batch mixing. The concrete is then transported separately to where it’s needed.

Key benefits

• Lower maintenance costs – Fewer moving parts mean less upkeep.
• Consistent mixing – Ensures uniform quality across all batches.
• Reduces material waste – More efficient use of materials.
• Provides more precision – Offers flexibility in adjusting the mix.

Cons:

• Not mobile, requiring additional transport to move the concrete.
• Not suited for large, spread-out job sites.

At 2 Rent, we provide a one-stop service for all your concrete mixing needs. From commercial projects to one-off jobs, we can help you source the raw materials, transport your equipment to site, and produce high-quality concrete whenever you need. Hire a concrete mixer truck or static mixer from us today, and set your project up for success.

How to Choose Between a Mixer Truck and a Static Mixer

1. Project Size and Concrete Volume

If your project needs a lot of concrete delivered quickly, a mixer truck is the better option. It keeps concrete fresh and removes the need for extra transport. For smaller projects or those needing more controlled mixing, static mixers could be the right choice, offering more flexibility and reducing waste if done correctly.

2. Site Location and Accessibility

Tight or remote sites can be tricky for mixer trucks to access. In those cases, a static mixer combined with separate transport might be more practical.

On the other hand, for jobs that require continuous pouring – like road construction or commercial builds – mixer trucks provide a more efficient, all-in-one solution.

3. Cost and Efficiency

Mixer trucks are convenient but come with higher running costs (fuel, maintenance, and potential overordering). However, they save time by delivering ready-mixed concrete straight to the site.

Static mixers require a power source and separate transport for the concrete, but they can cut down on waste and offer better control – making them a cost-effective option for small projects.

Hire a Concrete Mixer From 2 Rent

If you’re dealing with large volumes of concrete, you need the right equipment and a team you can trust. At 2 Rent, we deliver both. We’ve streamlined operations for building projects and commercial jobs all across the UK and can help you do the same. With a fleet of concrete mixer trucks at the ready, a skilled team of operators on standby, and competitive prices, there’s no better name to trust. Get in touch today for your free quote.