Mixer Trucks For Sale
Explore concrete mixer trucks, front or rear discharge, 8 to 12 yd drums, tri or quad axles. Compare payload, weight law fit, uptime and spec options.
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About Mixer Trucks
Payload hinges on drum size, tare weight, and state bridge laws. Common capacities run 8 to 12 cubic yards, with 10 to 10.5 yards popular for producers targeting a legal full load without overweight risk. Tri-axle and quad-axle setups, steerable lift axles, and booster axles help legalize more concrete while protecting turning radius and tire life. Lightweight specs such as aluminum wheels, composite or high-strength steel drums, aluminum water tanks, and optimized subframes can pull hundreds of pounds out of tare. On-board scales and ticket printers reduce disputes and help avoid fines, especially where seasonal load limits or municipal streets are in play.
Chassis choice drives uptime and operating cost. Popular vocational platforms include Mack Granite, Kenworth T880, Peterbilt 567, International HX, Western Star 4700 or 4900, and Freightliner 114SD. Engines in the 350 to 450 hp range with 1250 to 1650 lb-ft deliver the low-speed torque mixers need. Allison RDS series automatics dominate for stop-and-go duty and jobsite maneuvering, while some fleets still run manuals for simplicity. Expect heavy front axles in the 18k to 20k class with 425 tires, double-frame or insert rails, and rugged suspensions like Hendrickson Haulmaax, Chalmers, or Mack Camelback. Air disc brakes offer better wet performance and downhill control, though drums remain common for cost and familiarity.
Mixer package details matter for lifespan. Look for AR steel drums with healthy wall thickness, straight and secure wear blades, or optional liners that slow abrasion. Inspect the ZF or Bonfiglioli style drum gearbox, hydraulic pump and motors, and cooler for leaks and heat issues. Chute packages range from manual fold-over to full hydraulic swing and extension, with chute locks that prevent accidental movement. Water systems typically carry 100 to 150 gallons with in-cab metering. Admix tanks, slump meters, and automated slump control improve quality. Corrosion protection such as galvanized components, epoxy coatings, and stainless lines pays off in northern salt states. Cameras, chute interlocks, stability control, and 360 visibility packages reduce incident cost and support modern safety programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose between front-discharge and rear-discharge mixer trucks?
Pick based on your delivery model and jobsite profile. Front-discharge trucks let the driver position the chute from the cab and can shorten cycle times on tight or high-volume work, but they are heavier and typically cost more to buy. Rear-discharge trucks are lighter, simpler, and widely supported by parts and technicians, which lowers maintenance cost. If you rely on drivers to pour solo or service curb-and-gutter work with frequent repositioning, front-discharge is compelling. If you run multi-person crews and want maximum payload per dollar, rear-discharge is often the value choice.
What drum capacity is typical, and how does it affect legal payload?
Common sizes range from 8 to 12 cubic yards. A 10 to 10.5 yard drum is a sweet spot because many states allow that volume to travel legally on tri- or quad-axle configurations without frequent overweight issues. Larger drums offer dispatch flexibility but only help if your axle count and bridge spacing can legalize the weight. Tare weight is critical, so balance drum size with lightweight components and your state’s bridge formula to move the most concrete legally.
Which axle configuration helps me run a legal 10-yard load?
In many markets, a quad-axle rear with a steerable pusher or tag makes a 10-yard load legal while protecting turning radius and tire wear. Some states allow tri-axle rears with a lift axle to carry similar payloads, and others may require boosters. Exact legality depends on axle ratings, spacing, and your state bridge law, so verify the spec with local DOT guidance and consider seasonal or municipal restrictions that reduce allowable weight.
What should I inspect on a used concrete mixer truck?
Start with the drum thickness, blade wear, and any liner condition. Check the drum gearbox, hydraulic pump, motors, and hoses for leaks or heat discoloration. Inspect the subframe, pedestals, and chute pivots for cracks and elongated pin bores. Run the drum at various speeds to listen for cavitation. Confirm water system operation and any slump meter or scale calibration. On the chassis, review DPF and SCR service history, look for frame rail rust or twist, examine suspension bushings, steering components, brake lining life, and note any ABS or stability control faults.
Are automatic transmissions better than manuals for cement mixers?
Allison RDS automatics are common because they handle constant starts, tight maneuvering, and frequent PTO engagement with less driver fatigue. They also manage heat well with appropriate coolers. Manuals can reduce acquisition cost and may be preferred in certain fleets for simplicity, but clutch wear and driver variability are trade-offs. For most ready-mix operations focused on productivity and consistent pours, a well-spec’d automatic is the safer bet.