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Chengli Automobile Industry Park

What is a concrete mixer truck?
What Is a Concrete Mixer Truck?
A concrete mixer truck is a special big truck. It moves fresh concrete from where it is made to where it is needed. These trucks have a big drum that spins. The spinning keeps the concrete from getting hard while the truck drives.
How Does a Concrete Mixer Truck Work?
A concrete mixer truck has parts that work together:
- Mixing drum – This big part spins to keep the concrete mixed
- Chassis – This is the truck body that holds everything
- Discharge mechanisms – These help get the concrete out when you arrive
The drum spins in one way to mix the concrete. Then it spins the other way to pour it out. Most mixer trucks can hold between 6 cubic meters to 20 cubic meters of concrete.
Types of Concrete Mixer Trucks
There are different kinds of concrete mixer trucks:
Front Discharge Mixers
- The concrete comes out from the front of the truck
- Drivers can see better when they pour
- The new ADVANCE® Challenger is a good example
- Good for small spaces in cities
Rear Discharge Mixers
- The concrete comes out from the back of the truck
- Most common type in many places
- The 2025 Peterbilt 567 can hold 9 yards of concrete
- Needs a helper to guide the pouring
Volumetric Mixers (VCMs)
- Mix all parts of concrete on the job site
- Like a mobile concrete factory
- Good for small jobs or special concrete types
Key Features of Concrete Mixer Trucks in 2025
Feature | Details | Example | Why It Matters |
---|---|---|---|
Truck Power | 385-395 horsepower | Mack Granite® 64FR with 395hp | More power means better climbing hills with full loads |
Weight Capacity | Up to 58,740 lbs | 2025 Peterbilt 567 | Shows how much concrete the truck can carry |
Drum Size | 9-11 cubic yards | Contech Extreme Duty 9-yard drum | Tells how much concrete fits in one load |
Turning Radius | As low as 31.5 feet | ADVANCE® Challenger | Smaller turning helps in tight spaces |
Axle Setup | Front: 18,740 lbs Rear: 40,000 lbs | Peterbilt 567 Tandem Axle | Strong axles help carry heavy concrete safely |
Concrete Mixer Truck Infographic
Types of Concrete Mixer Trucks
Front Discharge
Rear Discharge
Volumetric Mixer
Truck Capacity (Cubic Yards)
Top Manufacturers (Market Share)
Average Truck Cost
Fuel Types
Top Brands and Makers in 2025
Many companies make concrete mixer trucks. The best ones are:
- Zoomlion from China
- Hidro-Mak from Turkey
- DUX MACHINERY from USA
- Normet Group from Finland
- Mack and Peterbilt in North America
These companies make mixer trucks of different sizes for all kinds of jobs.
Buying or Renting a Concrete Mixer Truck
If you need a concrete mixer truck, you can buy one or rent one:
New Truck Costs:
- Small mixer: $100,000-$150,000
- Big mixer: $200,000-$300,000
- Special mixer: Can cost more
Rental Options:
- Daily rental: About $400 per day
- Weekly rental: $1,600-$2,000
- Monthly rental: $4,800-$6,000
When picking a truck, think about:
- How much concrete you will move
- Where you will drive
- If you want front or rear discharge
- If you need special features
New Technology in Concrete Mixer Trucks
Concrete mixer trucks are getting better with new technology:
- Electric motors – Some trucks now use batteries instead of gas
- Smart drums – Computers help control the mixing
- Better controls – Drivers can set exact mixing speeds
- Lighter materials – New trucks weigh less but hold more
- Safety features – Cameras help drivers see better
These new features make concrete mixer trucks safer and better for the environment.
Parts of a Concrete Mixer Truck
A concrete mixer truck has many important parts:
- Drum – The big spinning container that holds concrete
- Drum motor – Makes the drum spin
- Water tank – Holds water to clean the drum
- Chutes – Help pour the concrete where it needs to go
- Control panel – Lets the driver control the drum
- Hydraulic system – Gives power to move parts
The hydraulic system is very important. It has a pump, motor, and reducer that all work together to spin the drum at the right speed.
Questions People Ask About Concrete Mixer Trucks
What’s the difference between a cement truck and a concrete mixer?
They are the same thing. People call them cement trucks, concrete trucks, transit mixers, or agitator trucks.
How long can concrete stay fresh in a mixer truck?
Usually about 90 minutes. After that, the concrete starts to get hard. The drum keeps spinning to give more time.
How much concrete can a mixer truck hold?
Most trucks hold between 6-11 cubic yards (or 6-10 cubic meters) of concrete.
Can mixer trucks make their own concrete?
Regular mixer trucks cannot, but volumetric concrete mixers (VCMs) can mix it fresh at the job site.

Why Concrete Mixer Trucks Matter
Concrete mixer trucks are very important for building things. Without them, it would be hard to:
- Build big buildings
- Make new roads
- Fix bridges
- Pour foundations for houses
They help bring concrete where it’s needed when it’s needed. This makes building faster and better.