W h a t ` s N E W I N MORTAR MIXERS

What’s NEW IN
MORTAR MIXERS
Manufacturers this year are touting hydraulic drive systems, safety features,
longer drum life, and a bigger selection of sizes
By Carolyn Schierhorn
hey’re bigger. They’re smaller.
They’re reportedly easier to
operate and maintain. The
1997 lineup of “conventional”
mortar mixers focuses on flexibility—meeting the needs of both
contractors that do large-volume
jobs and those that primarily do
repair work.
Manufacturers emphasize operator safety and convenience in
their literature. One company promotes its ability to customize a
mixer to accommodate space con-
T
straints: Components can be configured in a mirror image of what
is typical and paddle movement
reversed, to allow the operator to
stand in a specific location.
Hydraulic-drive systems are becoming more popular. Hydraulic
mixers permit the operator to reverse the paddle shaft to back out
of a jam. Without belts or gears,
these machines are said to simplify maintenance, and they run
more quietly.
Contractors in the market for a
mortar mixer should compare the
seal systems and paddle configu-
Stow hydraulic mixer allows paddle reversal
Powered by a 13-hp engine, this mixer from Stow
comes standard with a hydraulic dump that allows
the operator to dump a full drum by pushing one
lever. The paddle shaft can be reversed, making it
safer and easier to clear obstructions. The mixer has
a total capacity of 13.8 cubic feet and a batch capacity of 12.5 cubic feet and carries a five-year warranty.
Paddle speed is adjustable—up to a maximum of 40
rpm. The machine also has an easy-to-access filter.
Contact: Stow Mfg., P.O. Box 490, Binghamton, NY
13902 (607-723-6411).
Muller stresses durability of Model 306
Available with a variety of power options, Muller
Machinery’s Model 306 mortar mixer has a batch capacity of 6 cubic feet (11⁄2 to 2 bags). For strength and
durability, the unit features 7-gauge drum shells with
3
⁄16-inch flanged drum heads and 11⁄2 -inch solid-steel
square paddle shafts. Double paddle-shaft seals and
heavy-duty paddle-shaft bearings also are said to provide long life. A T-shaped tubular-steel frame allows
better wheelbarrow access.
Contact: Muller Machinery Co. Inc., c/o Schaefer Associates, 70 Grand Ave., Suite 001, River Edge, NJ 07661
(201-343-2255).
rations of various models, because these differ among manufacturers. Also consider the quality of the steel used in the drum
and other components. Since a
mortar mixer is probably the
most used and abused piece of
equipment on-site, look for features that indicate durability (see
How to Select a Conventional Mortar Mixer, March 1993, pages 119121.) And always ask about the
manufacturer’s warranty.
The following review highlights
some of the newest mortar mixer
models. All the information was
provided by the manufacturers.
Spray Force mixer has helical paddles
Powered by a 12-hp gas engine, Powermix 921 by
Spray Force has a 13-cubic-foot drum built with 31⁄ 6-inch
steel plate. Double bearings at each end of the drum
are designed to provide greater shaft support and
smoother drum rotation. Helical-designed cast-steel
paddles mix mortar quickly and evenly with little
splashing, according to the manufacturer. The heavyduty gear drive has no belts, pulleys, or chains; the
clutch and gears are sealed in an oil bath for continuous lubrication.
Contact: Spray Force Mfg., 2880 N. Larkin, Fresno, CA
93727 (800-824-8490).vice card.
Whiteman mixer has 3⁄16-inch steel drum
This 7- cubic-foot mixer features cast steel paddle
arms with rubber blades for a clean and uniform mix,
according to Whiteman Industries Inc., the manufacturer. The paddle shaft consists of 13⁄4-inch-square
hardened steel, and the drum, 3⁄16-inch steel. The engine’s steel cover has punched ventilation openings
for increased cooling and added strength.
Contact: Whiteman Industries Inc., A Multiquip Co., P.O.
Box 6254, Carson, CA 90749 (310-537-3700).
Mighty’s Mortar Hog has a 15-cubic-foot capacity
Called the Mortar Hog, Model 150 by Mighty
Equipment Inc. is a hydraulically driven mixer with a
maximum capacity of 15 cubic feet. The large size
makes it especially suitable for use with a silo-dispensing system. The operator can reverse the paddle
direction to unclog the machine easily. This hightorque mixer requires little maintenance, according
to the manufacturer, which offers a 30-day moneyback guarantee.
Contact: Mighty Equipment Co., P.O. Box 110808,
Nashville, TN 37222 (800-251-8177).
Gilson mixer has hydraulic drive
This model, by Gilson Mixers, has a capacity of 12
cubic feet or four bags. The machine’s hydraulic
drive has an overload bypass to help contractors
avoid costly repairs to the paddles and shaft system
in the event of a jam. Hydraulic controls are located
at the tow end of the mixer for efficient operator control. Four mixing paddles and two end scapers, all
with adjustable rubber wipers, are mounted on a
square paddle shaft for extra strength. The square
shaft configuration is designed to eliminate problems
with paddles twisting on the shaft. The manufacturer
can customize mixers to meet the needs of individual
contractors.
Contact: Gilson Mixers, CF Gilco Inc., P.O. Box 326,
Cedarburg, WI 53012 (414-375-9282).
All power options available for Anchor mixer
Mixers by Anchor are designed and built to contractor specifications. All power options are available. This 6-cubic-foot model has spiral elliptical
blades for fast and thorough mixing, a high-speed 48inch trailing axle, and 20-inch pneumatic tires. The
machine has a completely sealed gear reduction unit,
with all gears and bearings running in a bath of clean
oil. Equipment options include refractory blades,
rubber blades, a drum liner, and a water meter.
Contact: Anchor Mfg. Co., 2922 W. 26th St., Chicago,
IL 60623 (800-628-5694).
Reverse button on Hydraulic Mudpumps
mixer permits instant paddle reversal
This 8-cubic-foot mixer from Hydraulic Mudpumps
Inc. features a direct-drive hydraulic motor, which
eliminates belts, clutches, and gears that can wear out
or break. The operator can start or stop the mixing
paddles by pulling or pushing a hydraulic-valve button. In addition, the paddle direction can be changed
by pulling up on another button. This makes it easier
to remove objects that become caught between the
paddles and the drum. A pressure-relief valve protects
the hydraulic power system and paddles.
Contact: Hydraulic Mudpumps Inc., 1202 Woodview Dr.,
Manitowoc, WI 54220 (800-626-2464).
Imer’s Mix 60 blends 60 to 80 pounds of mortar
Weighing 64 pounds, Mix 60 is a portable verticalshaft mortar mixer by Imer U.S.A. Inc., which blends
60 to 80 pounds of mortar, stucco, or grout per
batch. To transport the mixer, just pull it along like a
piece of luggage, states the manufacturer. Powered by
a direct-drive motor/gearbox combination, the machine is designed for restoration work or jobs in confined spaces. The mixer has a 55-rpm paddle speed.
Contact: IMER U.S.A. Inc., 207 Lawrence Ave., South
San Francisco, CA 94080 (415-872-2200).
Stone Construction Equipment Champion mixer
sports a special cowl design
For increased engine airflow, the Stone Champion
1285PM mortar mixer features a cowl that is said to
provide five times more ventilation than is typical.
With a capacity of 12 cubic feet, the machine is
equipped with the manufacturer’s patented “power
blend” mixing action—an arrangement of durable
rubber and steel blades that rotate in a triple-eight
configuration, which constantly divides and recombines the mixture for a fast, smooth, and uniform mix.
Contact: Stone Construction Equipment Inc., P.O. Box
150, Honeoye, NY 14471 (716-229-5141).
PUBLICATION #M970150, Copyright © 1997, The Aberdeen Group, All rights reserved