How Much Does a Concrete Mixer Truck Weigh?
3 Answers
Concrete mixer trucks generally weigh around 6 tons for single-axle models, while rear eight-wheel mixer trucks typically weigh about 12 tons. Below is relevant information about concrete mixer trucks: Overview: The concrete mixer truck (cement mixer, concrete mixer) is a specialized truck used to transport construction concrete; due to its distinctive shape, it is often referred to as a 'snail truck.' Features: These trucks are equipped with cylindrical mixing drums to carry mixed concrete. During transportation, the mixing drum continuously rotates to ensure the concrete does not solidify. After delivering the concrete, the interior of the mixing drum is usually rinsed with water to prevent hardened concrete from occupying space.
A friend asked me about this before, an empty cement truck on a construction site is completely different from a fully loaded one. A three-axle truck usually weighs just over ten tons when empty, and the newer models with water tanks are even heavier. Fully loaded, it's at least thirty tons, and with the cargo, it can reach thirty-five tons—driving one makes the whole road shake. I drive a dump truck, and even carrying ten tons of cement feels strenuous. These mixer trucks weigh as much as two of my trucks when empty. Their front wheels sink deep into mud pits, so it's best to stay far away when you see them on the road.
When preparing for the transportation certificate exam, I memorized these specifications. The maximum load capacity of a cement mixer truck depends on its official announcement. For common 8x4 models, the tare weight is around 14-15 tons. With the drum rotating, it can carry over ten cubic meters of concrete, which has extremely high density - the concrete alone weighs at least 20 tons. The standard load limit is 30 tons, but although overload checks are strict, it's common to see these trucks carrying 35-36 tons on construction sites. Their braking distance increases by at least 30%, and they're prone to rollovers when turning. Traffic enforcement targets these overweight vehicles as they're the most conspicuous offenders.
