Concrete mixer truck: capacity and use
A concrete mixer truck carries fresh concrete from the batching plant to the site, keeping it moving. Drums range from 6 m³ on a 4x2 to 16 m³ on an 8x4, but concrete is heavy: on the road, a 6x4 can legally carry only about 5 m³. Here is the real capacity of a concrete mixer truck, its models and how to use it.
What a concrete mixer truck is used for
The drum is a tank that rotates on itself during the trip. Its internal blades mix the concrete to prevent it from hardening or separating. On site, the drum turns the other way to discharge the concrete through the rear chute.
The mixer truck does not make the concrete: it is loaded at the batching plant, then carries it and keeps it ready for use. It is fitted with a loading hopper at the rear, a swivelling chute to pour the concrete and, usually, a water tank to wash the drum and the chute.
It is the truck of construction companies and concrete plants: foundations, slabs, columns, concrete roads, structures. It is seen on large sites in Abidjan, Lomé, Conakry or Bamako.
Mixer capacity: the models in our catalogue
| Configuration | Drum capacity | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 4x2 | 6 m³ | Howo 4x2 266 hp mixer |
| 6x4 (10-wheeler) | 8, 10 or 12 m³ | Howo 6x4 mixer, Howo A7 8 m³ mixer, Shacman F3000 mixer |
| 8x4 (12-wheeler) | 12, 14 or 16 m³ | Howo 8x4 371 hp mixer |
On the Howo trucks in our catalogue, the drum is driven by an Eaton hydraulic pump and motor and a Bonfiglioli reducer. See for example the Howo 6x4 336 to 371 hp mixer or the Howo 8x4 371 hp mixer.
The real capacity: the weight of concrete
Fresh concrete weighs about 2.4 tonnes per m³. That is much heavier than sand or earth. A mixer truck therefore reaches the maximum authorised weight very quickly.
In UEMOA countries, regulation no. 14/2005 limits the gross weight to 26 tonnes for a 3-axle rigid truck and 31 tonnes for a 4-axle rigid truck, truck included. Yet a mixer truck is heavy when empty:
| Mixer truck | Empty weight (approx.) | Load allowed (approx.) | Corresponding concrete (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6x4 (26 t in total) | 13.5 to 14.5 t | 11.5 to 12.5 t | 5 m³ |
| 8x4 (31 t in total) | 15 to 16.5 t | 14.5 to 16 t | 6 to 7 m³ |
A 10 or 12 m³ drum filled to the brim therefore cannot legally run on the road. The large drum remains useful on off-road sites and for mixing in good conditions, but always calculate the authorised volume with the exact empty weight of your truck.
The Howo concrete mixer truck and other brands
The Howo concrete mixer truck exists with the classic cab and as a Howo A7, most often with a 336 or 371 hp engine. Shacman also offers mixers on its F3000, X3000 and H3000 ranges. To choose between the two brands, read our comparison Howo or Shacman.
Using a concrete mixer truck properly
- Keep the drum turning throughout the trip, slowly, to keep the concrete homogeneous.
- Deliver quickly: concrete begins to set shortly after it is made. Ask your batching plant for the maximum time to respect between mixing and pouring.
- Wash the drum after each delivery: concrete that hardens inside makes the truck heavier and reduces the drum's capacity.
- Keep an eye on the hydraulics: the pump, motor, reducer and hoses turn the drum. A leak or breakdown can immobilise the truck while loaded.
- Choose the right chassis: for difficult site access, a 6x4 is more manoeuvrable; for long distances with large volumes, an 8x4 carries a little more. See our comparison 10-wheel vs 12-wheel truck.
Frequently asked questions about the concrete mixer truck
What is the capacity of a concrete mixer truck?
The drum is usually 6 m³ on a 4x2, 8 to 12 m³ on a 6x4 and 12 to 16 m³ on an 8x4. But on the road, the weight of the concrete limits the load to about 5 m³ on a 6x4 and 6 to 7 m³ on an 8x4 in UEMOA.
How much does one m³ of concrete weigh?
About 2.4 tonnes for standard concrete. It varies with the concrete mix.
Which engine for a Howo concrete mixer truck?
Most often a 336 or 371 hp Sinotruk WD615 engine. The engine also drives the hydraulic pump that turns the drum.
What is the price of a Howo concrete mixer truck?
It depends on the configuration, the drum size, the hydraulic equipment and the condition of the truck. Write to us on WhatsApp to find out about the mixer truck suited to your sites.
Looking for a concrete mixer truck?
Tell us the size of your sites: we will help you choose the right drum. Write to us on WhatsApp to find out more.
