How many yards are in a concrete truck?

In this blog, you will gain valuable insights into the capacity of concrete trucks, including essential details about how many yards they can carry and key safety measures for proper maintenance. We will cover several important topics, such as:

• What is a concrete truck?
• How many yards can a concrete truck hold?
• Why must the concrete load be less than the truck’s total capacity?
• Best practices for maintaining your concrete truck

What is a concrete truck?

A concrete truck, also known as a cement mixer, is a specialized vehicle designed to transport wet concrete from a batching plant to a construction site. These trucks ensure that the concrete remains in its fluid state and is ready for immediate use upon arrival. There are two main types of concrete trucks based on their functionality:

1. Transit Mixer: This type of truck is loaded with dry materials and water, and the concrete is mixed during transport. The mixing drum rotates continuously to keep the concrete from hardening, ensuring it remains in optimal condition until it reaches the construction site.
2. Volumetric Mixer: Unlike a transit mixer, a volumetric mixer carries the individual ingredients (cement, sand, aggregate, and water) separately and mixes them on-site as needed. This allows for greater flexibility and precision, ensuring fresh concrete is produced directly at the location where it will be used.

How many yards can a concrete truck hold?

The capacity of a concrete truck can vary depending on its size and model. Here in the US, the standard capacity of a concrete truck typically ranges from 8 to 11 cubic yards of freshly mixed concrete. The truck’s drum is designed to hold and continuously rotate this volume, keeping the concrete in a fluid state during transportation to the construction site.

Why must the concrete load be less than the truck’s total capacity?

There are several important reasons why concrete trucks should be loaded with slightly less than their full capacity. By following this practice, the truck’s purpose is better served, ensuring efficiency and safety. Here are some key considerations:

1. Breathing Room for Proper Mixing: Allowing some breathing room inside the drum is crucial for achieving the correct concrete consistency. When a drum is overloaded, there isn’t enough space for the materials to mix thoroughly. This can result in a blend that is inconsistent, making the final product difficult to pour and finish smoothly. Proper mixing space ensures that the concrete is uniform, meeting quality standards.
2. Minimizing the Risk of Spillage: If a concrete truck is filled to its maximum capacity, there is a higher risk of wet concrete spilling out during transit. This spillage can cause hazardous road conditions, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Additionally, cleaning up spilled concrete and repairing any road damage is a complex and costly process.
3. Efficient Mixing and Customer Satisfaction: Loading the correct quantity of concrete helps ensure smooth and effective mixing throughout the journey. This results in a high-quality product upon delivery, leading to greater customer satisfaction. Consistently delivering well-mixed concrete helps maintain a strong reputation and contributes to the success of the business.

Best Practices for Maintaining Your Concrete Truck

1. Schedule Regular Concrete Chipping Appointments: It is essential to book concrete chipping services every three months for your truck. During peak construction seasons, more frequent chipping may be necessary. Licensed professionals will physically enter the drum using handheld jackhammers to remove any hardened concrete buildup along the interior walls. This process helps maintain optimal drum performance and prevents long-term damage.
2. Leave Cleaning to the Professionals: Cleaning the cement storage silos and central mixers should always be handled by trained professionals. This work is inherently dangerous and requires expertise. Attempting to do it yourself could lead to damaged drums, severe injuries, or even fatalities. Proper concrete chipping performed by experts ensures safety and the continued functionality of your equipment.
3. Perform Regular Inspections: Frequently check your truck’s drums, silos, and mixers for any signs of lags, clogs, or unusual behaviour that might indicate an issue. If you notice any irregularities, make sure to communicate these observations to the chipping team. They can address the problems and perform any necessary repairs, ensuring that your truck continues to operate efficiently and safely.

WRAP:

By the end of this blog, you will have a deeper understanding of the critical aspects of concrete truck maintenance, including the truck’s capacity and the reasons it should not be loaded to its full capacity. Maintaining and operating concrete trucks properly not only ensures consistent, high-quality concrete but also promotes safety and efficiency on the job site.