Find the Best Concrete Agitator Trucks Near You

A concrete agitator truck, commonly known as a concrete mixer, is a vehicle designed for transporting freshly mixed concrete from a batching plant to construction sites. It is equipped with a rotating drum that keeps the concrete in a liquid state through agitation, or turning of the drum, to prevent it from solidifying during transport.

The drum rotates in one direction to mix the concrete and in the opposite direction to discharge it. These trucks are essential in the construction industry for ensuring that concrete reaches the site ready for use without segregation or hardening.

The role of a concrete agitator driver includes more than just driving the truck to the construction site. They are responsible for loading the truck with the correct mix and quantity of concrete, maintaining the concrete's consistency by operating the drum rotation, and ensuring timely delivery to prevent premature hardening.

Upon arrival at the site, the driver manages the concrete discharge, ensuring it meets the project's specifications. Drivers must also perform basic maintenance checks on their vehicles and ensure the mixer is cleaned after delivery to prevent concrete residue from hardening inside the drum.

The terms ‘cement truck’ and ‘concrete truck’ are often used interchangeably, but they refer to the same vehicle type, more accurately called a concrete truck. Cement is an ingredient used in concrete, along with water, sand and gravel. A concrete truck transports concrete, not just cement. Therefore, the correct term is a concrete truck, as it carries a mixture of cement, water and aggregates.

In the context of concrete trucks, a mixer and an agitator refer to two mechanisms with similar functions but slight differences in operation and purpose. A mixer is designed to combine the concrete mix components thoroughly to produce concrete. An agitator, on the other hand, is meant to keep the concrete mixture moving and maintain its consistency after it has been mixed in a stationary mixer. This distinction is crucial in ensuring the concrete remains workable and ready to pour upon arrival at the job site.

Yes, concrete can be mixed in a concrete truck. This process is typically done when the truck is loaded at the batching plant, where the raw materials are added to the drum, and the drum rotates to mix them into concrete. The mixing continues during transport to keep the concrete workable upon delivery. Some concrete trucks are equipped with the capability to perform the initial mixing while en route to the job site if the concrete components are loaded separately.

The time that concrete can stay in a concrete truck without compromising its quality is generally limited to about 90 minutes from the time it was mixed at the batching plant. This duration can depend on factors such as the concrete mix, ambient temperature, and specific project requirements. After this period, the concrete may begin to harden and lose its workability, making it difficult to use and potentially leading to wasted material unless specific admixtures are used to extend workability time.

Due to capacity and location variables, agitator truck hire rates vary. Based on recent data from iseekplant:

• Mini agitator (2.5 – 4.5 m³): ~$400 – $600 for a 4‑hour minimum hire.
• Standard agitator (6 – 8 m³): ~$500 – $700 for a 4‑hour hire.
• Semi or large agitator (9 – 12 m³): ~$700 – $900 for a 4‑hour hire.

Additional cost factors to consider:

• Distance surcharge: Extra based on km from plant.
• Waiting time fee: Applied if truck waits onsite after set free period.
• Out‑of‑hours or weekend hire: Typically attracts higher rates.
• Small‑load fee: If ordering below minimum volume, extra charge may apply.

Agitator trucks (also called concrete mixer trucks) come in different capacities depending on the size of the truck and the job requirements. In Australia, typical capacities are:

Key points:

• Capacity is measured as the volume of fresh concrete the drum can carry per trip.
• Overloading reduces mixing efficiency and can lead to safety issues, so trucks are loaded according to manufacturer and transport regulations.
• Agitator trucks are designed to keep concrete in motion while transporting to prevent setting before pouring.

Concrete can stay in an agitator truck for a limited period before it starts to set, and this depends on mix type, temperature, and additives.

Key points:

• The truck drum continuously rotates to keep the concrete agitated, preventing premature setting.
• After the workable window, the concrete may start to stiffen, affecting pumpability and finish quality.
• For longer transport or delays, set-retarding admixtures can extend the workable time.
• Most suppliers plan deliveries so concrete is poured within 90 minutes of mixing to ensure quality.

Yes, site access requirements are important for agitator trucks because they are large, heavy vehicles and need enough space to maneuver safely. Without proper access, delivery can be delayed or unsafe.

Key site access requirements:

Tip: Suppliers usually conduct a site inspection to confirm access, which helps prevent delays, truck damage, or unsafe pours.

In Australia, the minimum order for an agitator (concrete) truck delivery typically depends on the supplier and type of concrete, but general guidelines are:

Notes:

• Orders below the minimum may incur a small-load surcharge.
• Delivery is usually scheduled based on truck capacity (commonly 8–10 cubic meters per agitator).
• It’s best to confirm with your local supplier, as rules can vary by region and supplier.