Masonry Magazine October 1992 Page. 42
Better Ideas in Masonry Construction!
AA900-Retro Tie repair anchors to stabilize masonry walls
AA4018-Adjustable veneer anchors
AA675-Continuous adjustable reinforcing
Recent addition of plastic replaceable liners and drums further enhances the convenience and general purpose use of this type of mixer.
Most contractors prefer the paddle type, mortar/plaster mixer when large or continuous amounts of mortar are required. Paddle mixers are available in rated sizes, ranging from 4 cubic feet to 15 cubic feet. As no applicable standard for rating mixing capacity exists, it's best to determine the actual drum dimensions and match it to the level of fill for your desired batch size.
Paddle configuration and seal systems vary widely among manufacturers. Some mixers offer a choice of rubber or steel blades, while others offer both as standard. Most manufacturers tack the drum's end plate scrapers onto the outside paddles. A few manufacturers, however, place these end scrapers on separate arms to provide a more aggressive mixing action and easier cleaning. Still others have reintroduced spiral blades.
Round paddle shafts with shear pins and square paddle shafts dominate today's mixers, with square shafts typically being placed on the larger capacity mixers. Drum seals range from simple gland type seals to more complex spring loaded or metal backed seal systems. No seal system lasts forever, but some systems are easier to maintain than others, saving more expensive components of the paddle drive.
Some manufacturers continue to provide abrasive resistant steel in their mixer drums, while others have reverted to mild steel in a heavier gauge to promote similar drum life. Synthetic materials for drums and drum liners are beginning to appear for specialized applications or for ease of cleaning.
Variety of Drive Systems
Drive systems for today's paddle mixers include the economical belt drive, variations of mechanical or enclosed mechanical drives, and more recently, enclosed hydraulic drive systems. Belt drives, while economical, require higher maintenance and may cause slippage in larger mixers when mixing dense materials. Enclosed gear drives protect component parts from abrasive grit present on the jobsite.
Hydraulic direct drives provide power with fewer moving parts, promoting similar advantages to their mechanical counterparts. Additional features of hydraulic drives include the ability to provide a safety valve for overloads or jammed paddles, saving expensive downtime and repair costs. Most manufacturers offering hydraulic drive provide a reversing feature to promote additional safety when clearing a jam. Some also offer the option of hydraulic dumping.
Belt drive systems tend to dominate the smaller size mixers, while enclosed direct drives take over the larger size mixers with heavier applications.
Features overlooked by many contractors, yet important to safety and trouble free service, are the construction of the mixer frame and engine.
FINSTROM
AA224-Brick Vents
Select from these or over 60 other reinforcements shown in our Free Masonry Guide. Whatever your requirements call:
AA
WIRE PRODUCTS COMPANY
6100 South New England Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60638
312-586-6700/1-800-323-7170
42 MASONRY-SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 1992
"Er, I've been thinking Finstrom. Maybe you need a little change from paving patios with yellow brick!"