What is the vehicle that mixes concrete called?
2 Answers
The vehicle that mixes concrete is called a mixer truck or can also be referred to as a concrete mixer transport truck. A mixer truck is a specialized truck used to transport construction-grade concrete; due to its shape, it is often nicknamed the "snail truck" or "olive truck." These trucks are equipped with a cylindrical mixing drum to carry the mixed concrete. During transportation, the mixing drum continuously rotates to ensure the concrete does not solidify. Below is an introduction to concrete mixer transport trucks: 1. Components: They consist of a truck chassis, mixing drum, transmission system, water supply device, full-power take-off, front and rear supports for the mixing drum, reduction gear, hydraulic transmission system, loading and unloading system, and control mechanism. The concrete mixer transport truck is composed of a truck chassis and specialized concrete mixing and transport equipment. 2. Working principle: Power is output from the full-power take-off of the second-class chassis and transmitted to the hydraulic pump via a drive shaft. The hydraulic pump generates hydraulic energy, which is transmitted to the hydraulic motor through oil pipes. The hydraulic motor converts hydraulic energy into kinetic energy, which is then transmitted to the mixing drum via a reduction gear to increase torque. By adjusting the servo handle angle of the (double-acting variable) hydraulic pump, the mixing drum's rotation direction and speed are controlled, enabling operations such as concrete loading, mixing, agitation, and unloading.
I've been driving for over a decade, working with those concrete mixing trucks commonly seen in the construction industry. We usually call them concrete mixer trucks, or simply mixers. The distinctive feature of these vehicles is the large rotating drum mounted on their backs, specifically designed for mixing and transporting concrete while preventing it from solidifying during transit. The drum is hydraulically driven, with the truck's engine powering its continuous rotation through a transmission system to maintain mixture uniformity. Shuttling between construction sites, drivers must master speed control to avoid material separation caused by excessive jolting. I've seen various types, including truck-mounted and trailer-mounted models - smaller units are suitable for urban projects while larger ones serve highway construction. Safety is paramount during operation: always wear helmets and keep clear of rotating parts, as accidents can be extremely hazardous. Maintenance is equally crucial, requiring regular internal cleaning with high-pressure water jets to prevent residual concrete from damaging equipment. Overall, these trucks play a vital role in construction projects - efficient, practical, and indispensable helpers on job sites.
