Aquiring a cement mixer - For slow moving large project

[Ouch]

So the garden is crawling ahead, my progress being comparable to continental drift now that I've rendered most the garden a useless, muddy eyesore.

I will be needing a cement mixer shortly for the next stages of the garden work (and a few other jobs), don't fancy hiring as my time on the tools is sporadic and I'll end up having to hire it for months on end.

Don't really know anyone in that part of the trade, so long term loan isn't an option. Wondering if second hand is the way to go? Any makes & models to avoid? Anything good to look out for? I've got no idea as to what sizes/options to be asking for as I'm figuring this out as I go (have electric in the work area so that's not a problem). Any pitfalls to be wary of?

Usage I'd imagine to be moderate at first with the occasional blitz and then followed by long periods of neglect. Portability would be advantageous, however not vital.

Any tips or suggestions?

[lutonlagerlout]

belle electric mixers normally stand the test of time

LLL

[rxbren]

got an electric belle baromix and its been faultless and for some reason the electric version works better than my mates petrol version

[KAMIKAZEE DIY]

I've got one on week hire just now. When I went to reserve it they asked what mixer I wanted - so I asked prices and went for cheapest = petrol. Apparently for an electric you need a transformer so that would of been another hire charge, and maybe something else you need to buy.

That's my only experience but one of regular contributors might be able to tell you models that don't need transformers.

Cheers

[KAMIKAZEE DIY]

I've got one on week hire just now. When I went to reserve it they asked what mixer I wanted - so I asked prices and went for cheapest = petrol. Apparently for an electric you need a transformer so that would of been another hire charge, and maybe something else you need to buy.

That's my only experience but one of regular contributors might be able to tell you models that don't need transformers.

Cheers

[Ouch]

Looking at any tools that cross the threshold between DIY and trade and they're usually offered in both 110 and 230v formats. If the hire centre is used to dealing with trade then they'll probably offer a 110v by default, thus requiring a transformer for domestic use.

Will look closer at the Belle mixers, is second hand worth a punt?

[KAMIKAZEE DIY]

I've worked it out that I reckon by time I'm finished what I've paid in hire (£41 weekend) I could of bought my own new mixer.

Maybe not for professional use but you can get one for £200 - £250, and, if it packs in you should be able to take it back.

I don't have storage space or i would of got one and it would prob make your project go hell of a lot quicker if you could go out in evenings or weekends when weather permits.

You can have all the trowels and levels etc but you won't get far without mixer.

Hindsights a great thing and I would of saved TIME and MONEY if I had my own.

Cheers

[mickg]

buy a second hand belle electric mixer off ebay and when the work is completed sell it via ebay