What Are The Five Main Advantages Of Using A Volumetric Mixer Over A Drum Mixer? Achieve Unmatched On-Site Concrete Control

The primary advantages of a volumetric mixer are precise quantity control, on-site mix flexibility, the ability to service jobs of any size profitably, improved access to remote locations, and significant cost savings. Unlike traditional drum mixers that deliver a pre-mixed, perishable batch of concrete, a volumetric mixer functions as a mobile batch plant, producing fresh concrete on-demand, exactly where and when it is needed.

The core difference is control. A volumetric mixer turns concrete production into a precise, on-demand service, eliminating the waste, logistical constraints, and time pressures associated with the pre-mixed concrete delivered by a drum truck.

What are the five main advantages of using a volumetric mixer over a drum mixer? Achieve Unmatched On-Site Concrete Control

The Core Difference: A Mobile Plant vs. A Delivery Truck

To understand the advantages of a volumetric mixer, it's crucial to recognize its fundamental difference from a drum mixer.

A drum mixer is essentially a transportation vehicle. It picks up a batch of concrete that has been mixed at a central plant and must deliver and pour it before it begins to set, a process often referred to as a "hot load."

A volumetric mixer, by contrast, carries unmixed materials—sand, stone, cement, and water—in separate compartments. It mixes these ingredients on-site according to a specific design, creating fresh concrete seconds before it's poured. This distinction is the source of all its key benefits.

Unpacking the Key Advantages

Each advantage stems directly from the on-demand, on-site mixing process.

Advantage 1: Precise Quantity Control & Waste Elimination

With a drum mixer, you order a specific volume, and any excess is either sent back or disposed of, often at a cost.

A volumetric mixer produces the exact amount of concrete needed for the job. This eliminates waste, reduces associated disposal costs, and ensures you never pay for concrete you don't use. It also removes the risk of running short and needing to order a costly second truck.

Advantage 2: Unmatched On-Site Mix Flexibility

A drum truck delivers one single, pre-determined mix design. If a project requires different concrete specifications for different applications (e.g., a foundation and a sidewalk), multiple trucks are required.

A volumetric mixer can change mix designs instantly. The operator can adjust the ratios of materials on the fly, allowing a single truck to pour multiple types of concrete during one visit, dramatically increasing efficiency.

Advantage 3: Maximum Concrete Freshness and Quality

Concrete begins to hydrate and cure the moment water is introduced. The longer it sits in a rotating drum during transit, the more its workability can degrade.

Because a volumetric mixer blends the materials just before discharge, the concrete is always perfectly fresh. This leads to a higher-quality, more durable product. Independent tests have shown this fresh-mixed concrete can achieve marginally higher strength compared to concrete from drum mixers.

Advantage 4: Profitability Across All Job Sizes

Drum mixers are inefficient for small jobs due to fixed costs, often leading to "small load" fees that make minor repairs or projects prohibitively expensive.

A volumetric mixer makes any size job profitable. It can efficiently deliver a small quantity for a patch job and then immediately handle a large, continuous pour without the logistical delays of coordinating multiple drum trucks from a batch plant.

Advantage 5: Enhanced Accessibility and Logistics

Projects in remote or hard-to-reach locations may be too far from a central batch plant for a drum mixer to service effectively before the concrete begins to set.

The volumetric mixer brings the batch plant to the job site. This capability opens up opportunities in rural or remote areas and simplifies logistics for projects with difficult access.

Understanding the Trade-offs

While powerful, volumetric mixers are not a universal solution. Understanding their context is key to making an informed decision.

Initial Investment

The upfront cost of a volumetric mixer is significant. It is a complex piece of machinery that functions as a self-contained production facility.

However, sources indicate that producing concrete on-site can reduce costs by 20-40%. This efficiency allows a volumetric mixer to potentially pay for itself within five years through reduced waste, lower material costs, and broader service offerings.

Operational Requirements

Operating a volumetric mixer requires a higher level of skill than driving a drum truck. The operator is also the batch manager, responsible for calibrating the machine and ensuring the mix design meets specifications.

This requires thorough training and a deep understanding of concrete production, which is a different skill set than simply transporting a pre-made product.

Making the Right Choice for Your Operation

Choosing between a volumetric and drum mixer depends entirely on your business model and the types of jobs you service.

If your primary focus is custom residential work, repairs, or remote projects: The volumetric mixer's flexibility and waste elimination offer a clear competitive advantage.
If your primary focus is high-volume, single-spec pours near a batch plant (e.g., large foundations for a subdivision): The simplicity and scale of traditional drum mixers may remain the more straightforward solution.
If your primary focus is starting a versatile concrete business: A volumetric mixer allows you to profitably service a wider range of clients, from small contractors to large municipal projects, without the limitation of load size.

Ultimately, adopting the right mixing technology is about aligning your equipment's capabilities with your operational goals to maximize efficiency and profitability.

Summary Table:

Advantage	Key Benefit
Precise Quantity Control	Eliminates waste and extra costs by producing exactly the amount needed.
On-Site Mix Flexibility	Instantly change mix designs for different applications with one truck.
Profitability on Any Job Size	Efficiently service small patches and large pours, maximizing revenue.
Superior Concrete Freshness	Mix on-demand for higher quality, durability, and marginally higher strength.
Enhanced Accessibility	Bring the batch plant to remote or hard-to-reach job sites.

Ready to transform your concrete operations with the flexibility and efficiency of a volumetric mixer?

GARLWAY specializes in construction machinery, offering robust and reliable volumetric mixers designed for construction companies and contractors who demand precision and profitability. Our solutions help you eliminate waste, service a wider range of projects, and significantly reduce costs.

Contact GARLWAY today to discuss how our volumetric mixers can be the key to unlocking new growth and efficiency for your business.