I have this exact mixer, and I am in my mid-50s, so I buy 50 lb bags. The machine mixes three 50 lb bags no problem (two 80 lb bags), and that is about all you ever want to move in a wheelbarrow anyway. I wouldn't try to start the machine dry with more than one bag at a time though. Make sure it is moving freely (a bit soupy) before adding the second bag.
Thank you for the video. Here is a tip: Cut the bag on the bottom in the middle of the narrow side and grab both ends. It will pour right in with no mess. Kind of like cracking an egg.
I'm not trying to shade anyone involved in this video or the people commenting, but I have professionally dealt with pouring cc for some thirty years and have even used these HF mixers before. Here's a tip: first, be realistic about how much cc you can place (mix) with them; they are small and what you just mixed will start to set immediately creating a problem with the next batch. Moisten the ground you are placing the cc on before you start so the moisture won't be sucked out of the batch you just mixed before the next drop. Be Realistic, you are only talking about a square foot of coverage with the load. Knit the two loads together at their "join" with a shovel and keep it small with a 2x4 mid-form so you are not trying to do too much. Also, don't spray water into the barrel before putting in the dry product, it will only cause clumping and create a bad mix. If you know someone with a 3/4 ton truck, have them pick up a mixer trailer (one yard) of cc and bring it to your project. This should produce 81 sq. feet of pad measured at 3 1/2". This is the only way you will get a decent result on a small project. Don't step over a dollar to pick up a dime.
Thanks for the tips, after I assembled my mixer, ran it fine but then I started putting a 60 lb bag in it would not turn. I ended up mixing by hand. I now have another project and I will align belt, pulley and belt tension. These tips you give are great thank you.
Unguidedone - It's clearly inexcusable to shoot in anything less than 4K with a full CGI crew, digital FX artists, and sound engineers when showing DIYers the basics of a Harbor Freight concrete mixer.
Mine sat out back for a couple years without running, now it seems underpowered as heck; I even have to help it get going by hand. Hopefully this week will loosen it up as it works, or I'll have to take apart the motor and lubricate it. I should have run it every couple months I guess. Tip for noobs: when concrete is nearly wet enough, even a cup of water makes a difference, so add gingerly near the end or you'll make soup.
Thx, xonkkram! If you still are checking this page, question here: it doesn't seem like the model has enough power to turn properly. Any ideas? I'm using 60 lb bags, and the 1st day it wouldn't even turn with that. The mixer wasn't properly assembled, I found out. But it still seems to be lacking turning power. Answers?
Thank you. I suspected as much. I know it was put together right the 2nd time. I'll check with Harbor Freight about engines. I ended up hand mixing in a wheel barrow 16.5 bags of cement. DAMN!
Why do you think two 80lb bags is good for this mixer. It is 3.5 cubic feet. one 80ld bag is .6 CF, so you should be able to put 5.8333333 bags of 80lb concrete in this mixer at one time. That would be the max. XONKKRAM, do you think this mixer can not handle its load capacity?
Ok my 2 cents....(1)...Have water in it already so you don't get dust and the concrete doesn't stick at the bottom..and don't throw the bag on top lay it on a flat surface on piece of re bar in the middle cut the bag and lift of the rebar it will pull the re bar up and it will separate it and you will have 2 40 lbs bags instead of one 80lb. bag
@@kcender3771 why would you get a bad mix? Start out with half of the water that is recommended. I can see if you add to much water right away. After you start mixing add the rest of the water.
Luis Godinez I was doing 9 ft X 8 ft X 4 in squares as a time without a problem. Basically the sky's the limit. The only limitation is that the first material you pour will start to harden and if you wait too long to go back to it, it will be hard to smooth out.
+triplecreekfarms I have put in two 80 lb bags at once and it seems to handle it alright. However, I don't want to stress the machine any more than I have to and it seems easier to manage one bag at a time.
