Portable Mixer vs Drum Mixer: Pros, Cons & Costs

When working on tight schedules and demanding projects, every minute counts. That's why choosing the right concrete mixer can make all the difference. In this comparison, we’ll show you why portable continuous-feed mixers like the MudMixer are a better choice for contractors over traditional drum mixers.

What is a Drum Mixer?

A drum mixer is a type of cement mixer that uses a rotating steel drum to mix concrete, mortar, or other materials. The mixing drum rotates to agitate the components, allowing them to combine into a uniform mix. While this is a tried-and-true method, it does have some drawbacks, especially in terms of efficiency and labor.

Typical Use and Mixing Process

Drum mixers are commonly used on small-scale or DIY projects where only small quantities of material are needed, such as for fence post holes or patch jobs. The process works in batches: fill the drum, mix, pour, and repeat. However, this stop-and-start cycle slows down progress, requiring frequent breaks between pours and causing potential delays on a busy job site.

The operator must manually adjust water to get the right slump or consistency, which can lead to inconsistency, especially if the operator is not experienced. Achieving the desired mix often depends on trial and error, with the risk of over-watering or under-watering the concrete.

Pouring and Cleanup

Once mixed, the material is poured by tilting the drum or using a rear discharge method, but this can sometimes be imprecise, leading to spills or difficulty controlling the flow. Cleanup is also a major concern, as it requires more effort and increases the risk of concrete buildup inside the drum, shortening the lifespan of the equipment.

The Reality of Drum Mixers on a Busy Job Site

For contractors, time is money. Drum mixers create significant inefficiencies that affect both project timelines and profits. Here's why:

• Downtime between batches wastes valuable time and reduces productivity. Your crew waits for the mixer to finish a batch, leading to delays.

• Inconsistent mixes can result in poor-quality work or rework.

• Labor-intensive cleanup requires extra manpower and increases job costs.

• Lost time = lost profit. Every minute spent waiting for a drum mixer to finish a batch or cleaning it out adds up, causing significant project delays.

What is a Portable Continuous-Feed Mixer?

A portable concrete mixer like the MudMixer operates differently from a traditional drum mixer. Instead of mixing in batches, it provides a steady, uninterrupted flow of material as long as the hopper is being supplied. That means there’s no waiting between batches, which makes things way faster and reduces how much labor you need. Whether you’re mixing concrete, mortar, or stucco, you can count on faster output and consistent results.

How a Continuous-Feed Mixer Works

The MudMixer operates with a simple, yet effective design. Here’s how it works:

1. Dry Material is Loaded into the Hopper: Pre-blended materials, such as bagged concrete mix, mortar, or stucco, are poured into the MudMixer hopper.

2. Water is Controlled Through an Adjustable Dial: The amount of water added to the mix can be adjusted easily with a dial to get the exact mix you need.

3. Internal Auger Blends Materials: The auger moves the materials through the system and blends them into a smooth mix.

4. Finished Mix Exits Through a Chute: Once the mix is ready, it exits the unit through a chute, where it can be poured directly onto the job site in a continuous, controlled stream.

This continuous operation eliminates the stop-and-start cycle, keeping your crew working non-stop and cutting down on delays.

Why Contractors Choose Continuous-Feed Mixers

Consistent Mix Output

With a drum mixer, it’s all about timing. One operator can make or break the consistency of the mix. But with the MudMixer, you get a consistent mix every time because of the adjustable water dial and continuous operation.

One-Person Operation

The MudMixer is built to be run by just one operator. This means you don’t need extra people to stand by and help with the mixing process. The rest of your crew can focus on finishing and other tasks while the mixer keeps going.

Reduced Stop-and-Start Workflow Delays

When you use a continuous-feed mixer, there’s no waiting between batches. This helps your crew stay productive throughout the project and keeps everything on schedule.

Faster Overall Production

The MudMixer lets you mix up to 1 cubic yard per hour with one person. That’s a lot faster than waiting for a drum mixer to finish each batch, which means you can get more work done in less time.

MudMixer®: Fastest and Easiest Portable Mixer for Concrete, Mortar, and Stucco

With the MudMixer, you can mix while you load, meaning no more batching or breaks between pours. The adjustable water dial allows you to achieve a consistent mix every time, while the lightweight design and narrow frame make it easy to move around the construction site, even in tight spaces.

See the MudMixer in Action

 

Drum Mixer vs. MudMixer Portable Concrete Mixer

 

Drum Mixer Pros

Drum mixers are a popular choice for smaller, one-off projects due to their affordability and availability. They work well for occasional use, especially when speed and efficiency aren’t a priority. However, these mixers are best suited for simpler tasks and smaller quantities of material.

Key Benefits of Drum Mixers:

• Low entry price: Affordable for small projects or DIY tasks.

• Familiar and widely available: Easy to find at rental shops or home improvement stores.

• Works for occasional use: Ideal for smaller quantities where time efficiency isn't critical.

Drum Mixer Cons

While drum mixers have their place, they come with significant drawbacks, especially for contractors working on bigger projects. The stop-and-start mixing cycle creates inefficiencies, and manual adjustments can lead to inconsistent mixes. Additionally, cleanup is a time-consuming task that can shorten the equipment’s lifespan.

Drawbacks of Drum Mixers:

• Slow mixing cycles: The stop–mix–pour–repeat process disrupts workflow.

• Harder cleanup: Concrete buildup inside the drum is difficult to clean.

• Inconsistent mixes: Manual adjustments lead to varying mix quality.

• Higher labor burden (shortens mixer life): Multiple operators are required, increasing labor costs.

• Lost time = lost profit: Waiting for batches and cleaning slows down the job.

• Manually adding water: Achieving the right consistency is a guessing game.

MudMixer Pros

The MudMixer’s continuous-feed operation provides faster, more consistent mixing without the need to stop between batches. Its one-person operation that reduces labor costs and keeps the crew working. Plus, cleanup is quick, and the portable design makes it easy to maneuvre around tight job sites.

Key Benefits of the MudMixer:

• Continuous pour → faster productivity: Keeps the crew working without interruptions.

• One-operator workflow: One person can manage the entire mixing process.

• Reduced fatigue on crews: No stop-and-start work means less tiredness.

• Adjustable water input for consistent mixtures: Easy to control water for the right mix every time.

• Easy cleanout: Quick cleanup reduces concrete buildup and extends equipment life.

• Portable enough for tight access: Narrow frame and lightweight design allow for easy maneuvering in confined spaces.

Considerations for the MudMixer

While the MudMixer offers excellent long-term value, it comes with a higher initial cost. However, for contractors handling regular or larger projects, the return on investment (ROI) is quick, making it a smart choice despite the higher upfront price.

Cost & ROI Comparison

MudMixer Paid For Itself After One Job

“Contractors wanted $9000.00 to pour a parking pad next to our house. I purchased the MudMixer and did it myself. Myself and two other guys poured 300 bags in 6 hours. The MudMixer paid for itself in one job.” Mark F. (Homeowner, DIY Project)

Why the Cheaper Mixer Often Costs More

While the initial cost of a drum mixer is lower, its true cost over time adds up quickly. Crew downtime, material waste, and replacement parts make it more expensive in the long run. Plus, the shorter life of the mixer due to concrete buildup means you’ll be replacing equipment sooner than you’d like.

Final Recommendation

For small, occasional projects, the drum mixer might get the job done. But for contractors, fence builders, concrete pros, and crews working on bigger or more frequent jobs, the MudMixer is the smarter choice. It’ll save you time, reduce labor, and help you make more money in the long run.

Choose MudMixer If:

• You mix more than twice a year

• Labor efficiency matters

• Job timelines matter

• Quality and long life of equipment matter