Concrete mixer manufacturers share tips on how to extend the service life of concrete mixers.

In the first few years of a concrete mixer truck’s service life, it’s in a prime state—roughly equivalent to the adolescent phase of a person’s life. During this stage, individuals are full of enthusiasm, daring and proactive, and seem remarkably resistant to fatigue. Concrete mixer trucks in this phase are similarly in excellent condition; they require only routine maintenance according to international standards and, fundamentally, won’t encounter any major problems. However, some concrete mixer trucks with less robust quality may not experience significant product-quality issues during their initial operation. Yet, after being in use for more than a year, these trucks will gradually need to have certain easily worn components replaced as a matter of course.

During the 2- to 4-year “Microsoft phase,” concrete mixer trucks generally enter their mature stage. They no longer exhibit the same vigorous energy and performance as in their early years. During this phase, it’s essential to regularly replace certain components to keep the truck running smoothly and maintain its operational efficiency. First and foremost, you’ll need to replace the brake pads. Brake pads are the first line of defense for safe driving. Based on experience, brake pads typically start wearing out within about two years. Around the same time, the high-pressure oil pump should also be cleaned or replaced. If the concrete mixer truck starts feeling unstable or shaky while driving, you should take a closer look at the vehicle’s shock absorbers. If the shock absorber’s torsion spring has lost its elasticity, driving in rainy conditions becomes extremely risky. Sand and gravel are crucial ingredients in concrete. They cause uneven wear on the concrete mixing drum as well as on the inlet and outlet ports during operation. Since different manufacturers use varying materials in the production of storage tanks, the service life of these tanks can differ significantly.

Concrete mixer manufacturer: How to extend the service life of concrete mixers?

1. Clean and inspect the lubrication management system; replace the lubricating oil; retighten the cylinder head nuts from scratch according to the standard torque specifications; check and adjust the tension of the drive belt, the condition of the operating mechanism, the cylinder clearance, and the tightness of all connecting components.

2. Vehicle maintenance, also known as daily maintenance, involves cleaning and inspecting the vehicle after each shift (day) of work. If low levels of lubricating oil or coolant are detected, they should be replenished promptly.

3. Seasonal maintenance—this is a periodic maintenance procedure carried out either before the onset of winter or just before the arrival of summer. Its purpose is to help the vehicle’s operating habits adapt to changing requirements.

What checks should be performed when using a long-idle concrete mixer?

1. In winter, when temperatures are low, animals may hide in the engine compartment of a mixer truck. Therefore, before starting the car, be sure to check under the chassis or on the tires to see if any small cats or other animals have taken refuge there. Also, make sure the tire pressure is sufficient and that the tires show no signs of cracks, bulges, or other damage.

2. For concrete mixer trucks that have been parked for a long time, the interior compartment will inevitably become stuffy and humid, potentially leading to the growth of Aspergillus flavus. Therefore, after starting the mixer truck, you should open the vehicle doors and windows to allow fresh air to circulate inside the compartment. Additionally, the central air-conditioning system should also be turned on to ensure proper ventilation.

3. Check the total quantity of various hydraulic oils, then start the vehicle and observe whether any warning lights are flashing on the display. Make sure everything is completely accurate and error-free before hitting the road.

4. When the mixer truck is used again, keep it stationary. Once the coolant temperature rises to around 60℃, maintain the engine speed at approximately 2,000 rpm.

Alright, if anyone is interested in purchasing a concrete mixer truck, feel free to consult our concrete mixer truck manufacturer.