Thread: Cement mixer - belt drive or direct drive?

Hi all
I am looking at buying a concrete mixer and notice that some are belt driven and others are direct drive. The direct drive ones seem to be cheaper. Any opinions out there about the pros and cons of either system?

i've never used or seen a direct drive mixer. that doesn't necessarily mean that they're no good, but i've always had and used a belt drive and never had any problems... not bad for a mixer that gets used seven days a week!!! hope this helps!

From looking at photos of cheap (ie sub $400) direct drive mixers, they have a very large gear fabricated around the drum, driven by a regular 240 V motor with a small pinion gear. Without having used one, the construction on the frame and drum bearings looks really suspect and the exposed drive method would easily munch up loose clothing. If it was for occasional use and had a long warrantee, then they might be OK. otherwise a more expensive belt drive unit will be better value in the long run.

Thanks
I really only need it for the one job, ie a new house and associated concreting etc.
I was thinking of getting this one: NEW 180L Concrete Cement mixer -Portable Electric 650W | eBay
I also never saw direct drive ones until I looked at eBay ...

I can't speak for the belt-driven models, but the ones with exposed pinion wheels and a drum-mounted gear munch themselves up pretty quickly, and the gears (at least the one on the drum) aren't user-replaceble.

Originally Posted by Draffa

I can't speak for the belt-driven models, but the ones with exposed pinion wheels and a drum-mounted gear munch themselves up pretty quickly, and the gears (at least the one on the drum) aren't user-replaceble.

Thanks for that tip, so do you reckon this one is any better: NEW 130L/4.6CUFT CEMENT CONCRETE MIXER 450W SALE | eBay ?

I couldn't really say either way, sorry.

Originally Posted by Draffa

I couldn't really say either way, sorry.

No worries, thanks anyway.

Originally Posted by Poirot

Thanks for that tip, so do you reckon this one is any better: NEW 130L/4.6CUFT CEMENT CONCRETE MIXER 450W SALE | eBay ?

This is certainly the style I am used to seeing for my odd jobs, and the 'same' one that a mate has had for 'decades' that I borrow when I can. Easy to place the barrow for loading with cement, and good balance/control when emptying