Vent: I actually prefer mixing concrete by hand over using a mixer for small fence post jobs

I know I'm going to get pushback on this, but I've been setting posts for about 10 years now and I switched back to hand mixing about 2 years ago. Started when I took on a 12-post job in my neighbor's backyard where the mixer couldn't even fit through the gate. Got tired of hauling that thing up and down my trailer ramps, cleaning the drum after every 4 bags, and dealing with the motor sputtering in cold weather. Hand mixing in a cheap plastic tray takes me maybe 90 seconds per bag and I can control the consistency way better. I still rent a mixer for big commercial jobs with 50+ posts, but for residential work under 20 posts, I honestly save time not having to set up and break down the machine. Has anyone else made the switch back to hand work for smaller projects?

2 comments

2 Comments

susansingh1mo ago

90 seconds per bag" is about all the convincing I need. Less hassle beats fancy gear every time.

ray_patel271mo ago

Yeah exactly what @susansingh is getting at. Once you factor in dragging the mixer through mud, finding an extension cord long enough, and chipping dried concrete off the drum the next morning, hand mixing ends up way faster for those smaller jobs. I'll grab one of those heavy duty plastic mortar tubs from the hardware store, throw in half a bag of mix, add water slowly while I stir with a hoe, and I'm done before the mixer would even warm up. The control over the slump is actually better too because you can feel the consistency as you go.