I finally bought a mortar mixer after years of hand mixing

Last month I got a job for a big patio in Phoenix and knew my old tub and hoe would kill my back. I spent about $800 on a small electric mixer from a local supply house. It cut my mixing time in half and the mortar was way more even. Has anyone else made the jump and found it worth the cash?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_thea1mo ago

Tbh my back filed for divorce after the last hand mixed patio, so yeah I get it.

robin6281mo ago

yeah man I did the same thing about a year ago for a big retaining wall job. I was using a wheelbarrow and a hoe forever and my shoulders were toast after every pour. Picked up a used 4 cu ft electric mixer off Craigslist for like $500 and it was the best move I ever made. The mix comes out way more consistent too since you can let it spin longer without getting tired. My only regret is not doing it sooner honestly.

dakota4151mo ago

Blew out my back last summer mixing three yards by hand for a little patio project. Felt like I got hit by a truck for a week straight, and my wife still gives me crap about all the groaning I did. Ended up renting a mixer from Home Depot for the next pour and yeah, night and day difference. Your mix consistency point is spot on too. Hand mixing always leaves those dry pockets no matter how careful you are. Still kicking myself for not buying one years ago, but hey, at least my spine still mostly works.