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Implements & AttachmentsPTO Cement Mixers
A PTO cement mixer lets one person mix concrete for post footings, pads and repairs without a separate engine. It is simple equipment that rewards good setup and quick cleanup.
Key points
- PTO mixers need the right PTO speed, hitch category and enough tractor weight.
- Follow the concrete maker's mix directions, and do not overload the drum.
- Wear gloves, eye and dust protection; never reach into a turning drum.
- Rinse the drum right after use before concrete sets.
- Use ready-mix and a contractor for large or structural pours.
How does a PTO cement mixer work?
A PTO mixer has a rotating drum, usually tilted, that is driven through a gearbox by the tractor's PTO shaft. Mixing speed depends on gearing and PTO speed, so check your tractor manual and the mixer's data plate for the correct shaft speed.
Most mount on the three-point hitch so you can drive up to the work site, mix, tip the drum and pour from the back. Some are trailer-mounted and pulled behind a truck or tractor.
What should you check before buying a PTO mixer?
Check the drum for dents and heavy buildup of old concrete, which cuts capacity and unbalances the drum. Inspect the gearbox for oil leaks, the bearings and the drive shaft guards. Make sure the tilting mechanism works smoothly.
Confirm that the mixer's hitch category and weight suit your tractor. A loaded drum is heavy and can lift the front end of a small tractor, so ask the maker about recommended ballast.
- Drum shell free of cracks and heavy old buildup
- Gearbox dry on the outside and oil at the right level
- Tilt handle or crank moves freely
- PTO shaft shield in place and turning smoothly
- Hitch category and lift capacity match your tractor
How do you mix a good batch?
Follow the cement or concrete manufacturer's mix instructions, since ratios and water content depend on the product and the job. Add water and aggregate first as directed, then cement, and let the drum mix long enough to combine everything evenly.
Avoid overloading the drum. A batch that is too big mixes poorly, spills and strains the gearbox. Always wear gloves, eye protection and a dust mask, because dry cement is a skin and lung irritant.
For a row of fence-corner posts on a cattle ranch, mix only as much as you can pour in the time before it begins to stiffen. Work from the farthest post back toward the tractor, so you are not driving over fresh footings.
What safety rules apply when mixing with a tractor?
Keep hands, tools and clothing away from the drum opening and PTO shaft while it turns. Do not reach in to scrape or shovel while the PTO is engaged. Shut off the tractor and remove the key before you clean out the drum.
Set the tractor on level ground with the brake on. A raised mixer shifts the load, so keep the unit low when you move and avoid slopes. Keep children and bystanders well back.
How do you clean the mixer so it lasts?
Concrete is the enemy of any mixer. Rinse the drum and blades as soon as you finish, before the batch sets. A little water and a few handfuls of gravel spun in the drum help scour out residue, as long as you follow the manual and keep the PTO guards in place.
Chip off old buildup only when the tractor is off and the key is out. Grease fittings, check the gearbox oil and protect bare steel from rust before storage.
What jobs suit a PTO cement mixer?
Fence-corner posts on a cattle ranch, a pad for a hay feeder, a footing for a pole barn, or a small slab at the workshop are typical jobs. Mixing on site keeps you from hauling wet concrete and wasting a batch.
Large structural pours, such as a barn foundation, are usually better left to a ready-mix supplier and a qualified contractor. Local building rules and permits vary, so check with your county.
Is buying a PTO mixer worth it?
If you pour several times a year, a PTO mixer can save labor and rental fees. If you pour once every few years, renting or borrowing is simpler. Ask your dealer or rental yard about options.
Talk to your local building office before any structural work and your extension agent about pad design for feed areas and manure management.
Sources and further reading
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