Had to choose between a regular mortar mixer and a paddle mixer for a big patio job

Got a call for a 400 square foot patio in Springfield, had to decide fast. The client wanted it done in two days, which meant mixing a ton of mortar. I could rent the big drum mixer I always use for $50 a day, or try this new paddle mixer my buddy swears by that costs $75. I went with the paddle mixer thinking it would be faster and more consistent. Honestly, it was a mixed bag. It mixed way faster, like three minutes a batch, and the mortar was super smooth. But cleaning the paddle after every batch added up, and I missed just hosing out the drum. Finished on time, but my arms were shot from lifting the bucket. Anyone else tried switching mixer types on a tight deadline and found it messes with your rhythm?

3 comments

3 Comments

jackson.sarah2mo ago

Oh man, my uncle's a contractor and he said the exact same thing about paddle mixers last year. He loved the mix quality but hated the cleanup time, said it totally threw off his pace on a driveway job. He ended up going back to his old drum mixer for anything over a few bags.

singh.cole2mo ago

My buddy's crew timed it once, @jackson.sarah. They spent 12 extra minutes cleaning the paddle mixer after a patio pour. That's enough time to start setting up the next job, so I get why your uncle went back to the drum. The perfect mix doesn't mean much if you lose half your afternoon.

rose_hart312mo ago

Actually, a good paddle mixer cleanout should take under five minutes with the right method. Just run some water and gravel through it right after you dump the mix. The real time loss comes from letting the concrete harden up at all.