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Chengli Automobile Industry Park, Suizhou, Hubei, China
Top 10 Common Problems with Concrete Mixer Trucks & How to Fix Them
The Big Helpers at Work Sites
Concrete mixer trucks are big helpers at work sites. They mix and bring wet concrete to where we need it. But like all big trucks, they can have problems too.
At CLW GROUP, we make strong trucks. We know all about concrete truck breakdowns. Our team can help you fix them fast!
Big Problems That Stop the Work
When a cement mix truck breaks down, work stops. This costs time and money. Let’s look at the top 10 problems and how to fix them.
1. Wet Stuff Moving Problems
Hydraulic system problems are very common. The wet stuff that moves the drum can leak or stop working.
Signs of trouble:
- Drum turns slow
- Truck makes funny sounds
- Wet spots under the truck
How to fix it: Check the wet stuff often. Look for leaks. Get new parts when old ones wear out.
2. Drum Won’t Turn Right
The big drum that mixes the wet stuff can have mixer drum issues. This is bad news when you need to pour concrete!
Signs of trouble:
- Drum won’t turn
- Mix is not good
- Loud sounds from the drum
How to fix it: Keep parts wet with oil. Check the parts that turn the drum. Fix small problems fast!
3. Truck Motor Problems
Engine trouble in a concrete mixer is a big deal. If the motor stops, the whole truck stops.
Signs of trouble:
- Truck won’t start
- Motor gets too hot
- Black smoke comes out
How to fix it: Change the oil on time. Check the cool water. Don’t make the truck work too hard.
4. Wire and Power Problems
Electrical system faults can make the truck act funny. Lights, sounds, and even the motor can stop working.
Signs of trouble:
- Truck won’t start
- Lights don’t work
- Funny sounds from the dash
How to fix it: Check the big power box (battery). Look at all the wires. Make sure they are not cut.
5. Concrete Gets Stuck
Chute blockages stop the wet stuff from coming out. This means no concrete where you need it!
Signs of trouble:
- Wet stuff won’t come out
- Chute moves slow
- Concrete is too hard
How to fix it: Clean the chute after each use. Don’t let concrete get hard in the chute.
6. The Truck Body Gets Hurt
Chassis and frame issues can make the truck weak. This is not safe!
Signs of trouble:
- Truck bends in the middle
- Metal has cracks
- Truck sits funny on the road
How to fix it: Don’t put too much in the truck. Check the metal frame often.
7. Truck Gets Too Hot
Cooling system problems make the truck stop. A hot truck is a broke truck!
Signs of trouble:
- Steam comes out
- Hot light comes on
- Truck stops on its own
How to fix it: Check the cool water. Make sure the fan works. Keep the front of the truck clean.
8. Truck Won’t Stop
Braking system failures are very bad! If the truck can’t stop, it can hurt people.
Signs of trouble:
- Truck takes too long to stop
- Funny sounds when you stop
- Stop pedal feels soft
How to fix it: Check the stop parts often. Get new ones when they get old.
9. Round Black Things Wear Out
Tire wear and damage happens to all trucks. But it can be fixed!
Signs of trouble:
- Black round things look flat
- Truck pulls to one side
- Bumpy ride in the truck
How to fix it: Check the air in the black round things. Make sure they are full. Get new ones when they get old.
10. Water Tank Has Holes
The water tank leaks can waste water. You need this water to clean the truck!
Signs of trouble:
- Water on the ground
- Tank looks wet
- Not enough water to clean
How to fix it: Look for holes in the tank. Fix them fast. Check all the pipes too.
Stop Problems Before They Start
The best way to fix problems is to stop them before they start! Here’s how:
- Check your truck every day
- Fix small problems fast
- Keep all parts clean
- Don’t make the truck work too hard
- Get help from pros when you need it
When to Call the Pros
Some problems are too big to fix on your own. Call for help when:
- The motor won’t start
- The drum won’t turn
- The truck won’t stop
- Metal parts are broke
At CLW GROUP, we make strong material handling cranes and mixer trucks. Our team knows how to fix any problem.
Keep Your Truck Running Strong
Preventative maintenance is the key to a happy truck. Check these things each week:
| Part to Check | What to Look For | How Often |
|---|---|---|
| Oil | Is it clean? | Each week |
| Cool Water | Is it full? | Each day |
| Black Round Things | Do they have air? | Each day |
| Drum | Does it turn? | Each use |
| Chute | Is it clean? | After each use |
Impact Analysis: Downtime & Cost by Problem Category
Understanding the potential impact of different problems helps prioritize maintenance and repair efforts. The chart below illustrates estimated downtime (in days) and repair costs for common concrete mixer truck issues.
We Can Help!
At CLW GROUP, we don’t just make tipper trucks and mixer trucks. We help you keep them running too!
Our trucks are made strong. But all trucks need love and care. If your mixer truck has problems, talk to us. We can help you fix it fast!
Remember, a happy truck is a working truck. And a working truck makes money!
Need a new mixer truck? Check out our strong, well-made trucks at CLW GROUP. We make the best mixer trucks in the world!
References:
- CLW GROUP Truck Maintenance Guide, 2023
- Heavy Equipment Maintenance Manual, 3rd Edition
- Construction Equipment Safety Board Reports, 2022
