Concrete Mixer: Borrow or Buy?
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Unless you pour concrete regularly, a mixer sits idle 99% of the year. For a one-time pad, walkway, or footing project, borrow or rent one for the day.
The Numbers
Why Borrow
- Concrete projects are infrequent. Most homeowners pour concrete once every few years.
- For small jobs (3-4 bags), mixing by hand in a wheelbarrow works fine
- The mixer is heavy, awkward, and needs cleaning immediately after use
- Rental shops have them available same-day in most areas
Why Buy
- You do masonry or concrete work as a trade or side business
- You have a multi-phase project (footings today, pad next weekend, walkway the weekend after)
- Your tool-sharing group does enough concrete work to keep it busy
Check Before You Buy
Someone in your neighborhood probably owns a concrete mixer and uses it a few times a year. Borrowing saves money, saves garage space, and keeps tools in use instead of collecting dust.
See How FriendsWithTools WorksCommon Questions
How many bags of concrete can a mixer handle?
A standard 3.5 cu ft mixer handles 1-2 bags (80 lb each) per batch. A batch takes about 3-5 minutes of mixing. For a 4x8 ft pad at 4" thick, that is about 12-15 bags, or 6-8 batches.
Can I mix concrete without a mixer?
Yes. For 1-4 bags, mix in a wheelbarrow with a hoe. It takes more physical effort but works. For 5+ bags, a mixer saves your back and produces a more consistent mix.