Harbor Freight Cement Mixer Review and DIY TEST!

Harbor Freight Cement Mixer Review and DIY TEST! | Tool Reviews |

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3 жыл бұрын

Today I will be testing the harbor freight cement mixer that I picked up at my local harbor freight store. The price was a little over $200 after tax and I attempt to pour 2 yards of concrete with this machine. Perfect for any solo DIYer that needs that little bit of extra help. Sit back, relax, and ejoy the show.
Harbor Freight Cement Mixer Review and DIY TEST! | Tool Reviews |
#harborfreight #toolreview #diycement

Пікірлер: 134

@NightWrencher Жыл бұрын

If this video was helpful to you, consider donating a few bucks to help me keep the lights on and make more content just like this, THANK YOU! www.givesendgo.com/TheNightwrencher

@bobbenoit8470 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for making a video on this mixer. I bought the exact same mixer 2 years ago. I've used it on several foundations and just finished using it to pour approximately 15 cubic yards of concrete for a path (6ftx 150ft?) downa hill to my dock. I just bought 15 pallets of 80lb ready mix bags, instead of custom mixing it. I didn't save anything on material doing it this way but there was no other way to do it because of the distance and terrain. I couldn't geta concrete truck in there. The easier method would have been a pump truck, but than I would have needed a huge crew and hopefully somebody besides me that knew what they were doing. On that project alone that little mixer processed exactly 609 bags! That little mixer has paid for itself many times over. Word of advice for those buying this Chinese mixer: Yes, it's a POS, but if you are careful it will do the job if you heed these precautions: 1) instructions are crap; so, your intuition and hopefully mechanic skills to put it together. Recomendation: use thread lock on on as many bolts and screws as possible that are susceptible to loosening, especially, the arm mechanism that tilts the barrel of the mixer. 2) lubricate all moving parts before use ( grease gear). 3) level the mixer both directions before starting (you may have to dig out some dirt), in order to prevent movement of the mixer which makes it unstable causing parts to loosen up 4) don't overload the mixer! Use common sense. I mixed just one bag at a time. Treat it like it was made in China! 😆 5) thoroughly clean it up after each use

@NightWrencher 2 жыл бұрын

Thats pretty crazy! Its paid for itself on my stuff already too. Just gotta be gentle 🤣

@philipamodeo164 2 жыл бұрын

@@NightWrencher i concur with Bob. i too have mixed hundreds of 80lb bags of concrete through this cheap mixer. Make sure you wear a N95 mask when you mix.

@someonespadre 2 жыл бұрын

A friend had this mixer for 20 years. I find it mixes about half the rated capacity well.

@workingman9745 Жыл бұрын

Isn't most EVERYTHING Chinese POS.

@alzeal 3 жыл бұрын

I've put about 500 90lb bags through mine and it still works like a champ.

@NightWrencher 3 жыл бұрын

Very nice, I've been using it to make potting mix. Works pretty good!

@treystewart544 2 жыл бұрын

@@NightWrencher it’s like a bob the builder mixer

@georgetoussaint185 2 жыл бұрын

Mixed 48 80# bags of concrete this weekend. Mixer will do a very good job mixing 2 bags at a time. I found it necessary to mix it a little on the wet side. Only problem was I have a large contractors wheelbarrow - would not fit under the mixer so I had to put the mixer up on concrete blocks so I could get my wheelbarrow under the mixer. I am very strong but 80# bags would be a lot of weight for the average guy. It takes a little longer but splitting the bag and putting the contents into two 5 gallon pails made it easier to pour with the mixer on blocks. I have a few more little projects to finish and then I will sell it. Really a good value for $200.

@NightWrencher 2 жыл бұрын

I know exactly what you mean, my wheel barrow is really tall too so dumping the mix onto the wheel barrow was always tricky. I mix my own concrete which is cheaper so going wheel barrow by wheel barrow took a really long time

@MyBigThing2010 Жыл бұрын

Holy crap! 2 bags at a time??? Mine is struggling and moaning with one 80lb bag.

@bryanmeier8251 6 ай бұрын

I have done same exact process you did on your post👍

@426superbee4 Жыл бұрын

My HF 4 yard mix > after idk how many years i had it? It mostly sets in the barn. So the other day i need to make a pad for a shed, and it wouldn't turn on.. The off and on switch was bad. So. I had a simple, 84 cent, cheap, house light switch, and put it on. And it works GREAT 👍

@Clifford270 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for creating this. Helped me make up my mind which mixer to buy

@NightWrencher 2 жыл бұрын

I hope it works out!

@robschmidt5014 3 жыл бұрын

I have the same mixer and it’s been pretty good

@sudd2685 Жыл бұрын

Looking great young man, got to be happy with that.

@NightWrencher Жыл бұрын

Its been useful! I'm very pleased

@kevinhampton7215 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks great revue

@NightWrencher 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@kammyHS 2 жыл бұрын

I found if you dig a small hole for your wheel barrel to go into you don’t need to raise the legs or modify. 😊👍🏻

@NightWrencher 2 жыл бұрын

Very smart! Thank you!

@jinglingbabygarage7030 2 жыл бұрын

That sounds like a great idea, that was a problem using my mixer since the wheel barrow was a bit too tall, thanks!

@robkelly1784 2 жыл бұрын

just be ready to pull your full barrel out of the hole. It will be very heavy

@stvdmc2011 2 жыл бұрын

got the same mixer from Harbor Freight. Yes not best mixer out there but for the money it got the job done and it beat the hell out of trying to mix +500 80lbs bags of concrete by hand in a wheel barrel.

@NightWrencher 2 жыл бұрын

It does what it needs to do, its not a commercial grade unit but for the DIY guy, its great.

@thecommentwhisperer4360 2 жыл бұрын

I got my cement mixer from home depot. His name was Santiago.

@NightWrencher 2 жыл бұрын

🤣 you could have bought 2 santiagos for the price of this mixer

@tyson9419 Сағат бұрын

Ha!

@CalebaFamily Жыл бұрын

Ccp stand for? Cheap Chinese products?

@jreeder6168 Жыл бұрын

Good information and presentation

@NightWrencher Жыл бұрын

Thanks man 👍

@moonolyth Жыл бұрын

Picked up a cobalt fr $200 used. That job came out great!

@t.p.9232 2 жыл бұрын

Three sand, two stone, one+ cement. Recipe for concrete. Don't the Redi-Mix companies near you have the 1-2yd carts that they will fill, and then you tow it and dump it? Seems like a lot of work for that little mixer.

@pxods Жыл бұрын

Thanks 🎉

@NightWrencher Жыл бұрын

👍 no problem

@jacklabloom635 2 жыл бұрын

Good review after actually using it for a fairly large scale project for one person.

@NightWrencher 2 жыл бұрын

I just used it last weekend. 30 bags of ready mix concrete. Mixed 2 bags at a time, no issues and it was a breeze 👍

@rivernet62 2 жыл бұрын

I had to cut one more slot in the tilt lock to get 2 80 lb bags to mix without sloshing out (or 3 60 lb bags). It’s not pretty but it works.

@NightWrencher 2 жыл бұрын

You gotta do what you gotta do!

@SuperDogfacegremlin 2 жыл бұрын

No rebar needed for the slab? I have a 12 x 10 space in my backyard and I want to put concrete base down for a shed

@NightWrencher 2 жыл бұрын

I would use wire mesh. I believe its 6"x6" but I'm not sure. I have that in my slab that I drive my truck over and have had no issues in over a year

@treefellonya 2 жыл бұрын

How many bags could you mix at one time and how much concrete in the bag? Kudos for the weld and getting back on track!

@NightWrencher 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks man, of the 60# bags it could do 2 really easy, it can do 3 but it spills so maybe 2 and a half

@darrellsmith4463 10 ай бұрын

A+ job

@user-gi3xj8nz3s 3 жыл бұрын

Hey good job 👍 I have been wanting to do a slab for a shed that’s 8’x10’. And been meaning to buy this cement mixer at harbor freight when it’s on sale. How much cement mix do you think I would need ? Yards ? I think it would have to be at least 2-3” deep if That’s the recommend thickness for shed. I need to buy everything and I would like to do this myself. I don’t mind the work .

@NightWrencher 3 жыл бұрын

That would be a little less than a yard. Theres a lot of concrete calculator online that you can use. A yard takes like 6 bags of regular concrete so that should be enought for you, good luck!

@leonardogojcaj4475 3 жыл бұрын

You need 45 80lb bags to make a yard…. Not 6

@NightWrencher 3 жыл бұрын

What? Have you ever used a concrete calculator? We're not talking about that ready mix stuff. We're talking about pure portland cement that you have to mix yourself.

@derpherpp 3 жыл бұрын

@@NightWrencher so u still have to mix with with sand and gravels? i still don’t see how u get 6 bags, concrete calculator never mention about mixing sand , gravels or anything they usually say 60 bags or 60lbs or 90lbs

@NightWrencher 3 жыл бұрын

@@derpherpp yes, you still have to mix with sand and gravel. The concrete calculator you are talking about uses premix bags where you just add water. The cement we use you have to mix yourself and buy everything seperately. Its much more cost effective.

@hawkesworth1712 Жыл бұрын

I haven't had a look down the comments and I'm probably not the first person to tell you but it's a portable mixer so for a job like this move the mixer and the ingredients to where you're pouring instead of using a wheelbarrow. Cutting out the barrow saves a lot of lifting, so it's easier on your back. I would also think about fitting some better wheels to it because the Chinese have a tendency to cut corners when it comes to wheels on things like this. I have a 2HP workshop dust extractor that moved really well when the bag was empty but when the bag was half full it was impossible to move.

@mrmotofy Жыл бұрын

Get 4 concrete blocks. Set 1 under each wheel so they sit in the hole. The other one the foot sits on. The 4th one can be suspended from the mixer with rope to help anchor it and keep it from tipping over. That's why they can't be very tall.

@clinteast7476 2 жыл бұрын

Do you know how much you saved by mixing it yourself? thinking of doing this, thanks

@NightWrencher 2 жыл бұрын

You'll be surprised, but not much. There were savings, but not as much to offset the cost of the machine but if you do enough concrete, you will see a good return on the investment.

@adrianugalde5633 2 жыл бұрын

Also I would have done fiber or wire to keep it from cracking

@OwassoYankeyGardenRailway 2 жыл бұрын

I’m horrible at finishing concrete. I did a small section of concrete big enough to hold my two big trash and yard waste bins a couple of years ago. The pads function, but are not pretty.

@NightWrencher Жыл бұрын

it just needs to function, we arn't professionals right?

@franklucas2340 2 жыл бұрын

Great, I think I will get one of those soon, faster than bucket or wheel barrel mixer, cheaper than truck mixer....

@NightWrencher 2 жыл бұрын

Its got its purpose for sure. I don't use it too often but its a life saver

@ExtraFungus 2 жыл бұрын

The best way to describe your repair is, "it was ugly and fast but outlasted their welds".

@NightWrencher 2 жыл бұрын

exactly right

@Baileys.small.engine.repair 2 жыл бұрын

I have a gas-powered concrete mixer. It leaks gas what are the possible causes?

@NightWrencher 2 жыл бұрын

There are only a few places it could leak from, a hole in the tank, a split in the line going to the carb and the carburetor itself could be leaking. I would power wash everything, let it dry and put some fuel in it after to see if you can find the cause of the leak. If you see it dripping, follow it as far up as you can and you'll find the culprit.

@Baileys.small.engine.repair 2 жыл бұрын

@@NightWrencher ok thank you so much for responding

@robertwright6539 3 жыл бұрын

The belt keeps slipping on mine I'm only putting about a half a bag of concrete in it and it it just stops spinning I have to end up mixing it with a shovel

@NightWrencher 3 жыл бұрын

You need to loosen the motor and pull the base plate down a bit and then tighten the motor back down so you can add more tension to the belt

@robertwright6539 3 жыл бұрын

@@NightWrencher thanks, it was actually the key way had sheared

@NightWrencher 3 жыл бұрын

Jeez man. How does that even happen??

@robertwright6539 3 жыл бұрын

@@NightWrencher The key way is a softer metal than the pulley shaft and is designed to shear in case of too much load to protect the motor and shaft from more severe damage. I only had about 20 lbs of cement in it and it sheared when I added one more shovel full, so I don't know why it failed so easily. Probably just a weak key mad from Chinese pot metal. I picked up a 12" length of key stock at Tractor Supply yesterday (5 bucks), I can make 180 key ways out of it.

@NightWrencher 3 жыл бұрын

Time to start breaking key ways 🤣

@hamzaboulahai4311 2 жыл бұрын

هل تستطيع نقله من طابق إلى طابق مثلا إلى الطابق الثالث عن طريق السلالم وشكرا لك اخي الكريم

@NightWrencher 2 жыл бұрын

Hmm... yes, yes

@buratching Жыл бұрын

🤣good job !

@michaelr.carter7324 2 жыл бұрын

Your right about the directions they suck the worst I’ve read I had to just look at the picture in order to put it together

@NightWrencher 2 жыл бұрын

At least it works 😂

@zjedinite 2 жыл бұрын

I bet around minute 4:50 you realized you should’ve picked up the industrial size one 😂 I had a towable Gas 9 cf that I sold when I got out of the business to become a stay home dad 🤦🏻‍♂️😍 Well I picked up this “toy” to do about 4 yards and it’s a no go for me. I’m actually gonna modify it to suit my needs. It’s great for the price! But for those who have used actual “cement mixers” is so SLOOOOWWWW to work with.

@NightWrencher 2 жыл бұрын

Tell me about it 🤣 I'm use to much bigger units but its cheap and it works. I do 1 yard at a time when I do use it or I use it to mix potting soil

@zjedinite 2 жыл бұрын

You got me beat, I only did 1/2 yard then was able to finish that area really nice. It was a perfect section to stop, right at my first expansion joint. So now replanning my approach after mods. The machine itself is VERY GOOD FOR THE PRICE. I did take the drum off to put thread locker by the sprocket. Used it on every bolt and lubed her up like if it was party time and the kids are at grandmas 😳😂🤣🤣

@gabakusa Жыл бұрын

mine i had to help the machine to turn by hand the engine is too weak

@NightWrencher Жыл бұрын

I have heard similar stories

@adrianugalde5633 2 жыл бұрын

Cut the slab to prevent cracks.

@DavidLeslie65 2 жыл бұрын

How big was your generator?

@NightWrencher 2 жыл бұрын

3500 watts but it didnt need to be that big

@estheracheampong8052 3 жыл бұрын

Please how can I get one of this machine

@NightWrencher 3 жыл бұрын

You can get it directly in person at Harbor Freight Tools or you can get it on amazon amzn.to/39pqEwN

@williamingle1684 2 жыл бұрын

Interesting! You get what you pay for!

@melgozakoki85 3 жыл бұрын

don't you need rebar or wire mesh? Or is that a special cement

@NightWrencher 3 жыл бұрын

I didnt show it in the video but I added 6 20ft bars worth of rebar. I didnt have any wire mesh available so I threw in the bars afterward so I wouldnt be stepping on them with the wheel barrow. Good catch! My other section I used wire mesh. Check out my instagram to see the other one I poures

@eli-kwfmjc-doctrine8313 2 жыл бұрын

How come you didn’t use rebar?

@NightWrencher 2 жыл бұрын

Because its only for foot traffic , no cars. Plus I made the mix a little rich for more strength

@eli-kwfmjc-doctrine8313 2 жыл бұрын

@@NightWrencher what was the mix ratio 50 rock 50 quick rete:50 sand?

@NightWrencher Жыл бұрын

Kind of late but I dont use quickcrete. I use regular portland cement. 7 bags per yard of concrete was the old measurement. half a bag of portland every 2 wheel barrows.

@eli-kwfmjc-doctrine8313 Жыл бұрын

@@NightWrencher can you make a video to explain this Ie kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ldh8qrdlm8u7qXU.html

@Entrepreneurusa 2 жыл бұрын

I noticed you didn’t use any Remesh or rebar ?

@NightWrencher 2 жыл бұрын

Its a low traffic area so it wasnt nessesary. If youre going to drive over it or its a high traffic area, I would use wire mesh.

@Entrepreneurusa 2 жыл бұрын

@@NightWrencher Thanks for the tip , I am poring a concrete base in my backyard now to tile the whole yard and this saves me money

@NightWrencher 2 жыл бұрын

Good idea! Wire mesh is pretty cheap and I would use it for a patio. To prevent cracks. Floor cracks will translate to tile cracks so you gotta be carefull

@Entrepreneurusa 2 жыл бұрын

@@NightWrencher Yes very confusing informations out there , as I am trying to do this by my self to save thousands . I am in Florida and most keep saying you have to create a concrete base before you can tile a backyard. Most peoples here do pavers but we want to do something different . Overseas usually in southern Mediterranean regions we compact the ground and than use a cement mix directly to the ground to tile , no concrete base no tile adhesive necessary !! Looks great and last forever, here I don’t know why no one seems to know this method. Maybe it has to do with the type of soil in Florida or weather . Also they taking about joints etc .. Than it’s more issues to tile over joints .

@NightWrencher 2 жыл бұрын

I've use that method when installing slate floors. It does work but over time it does develop fractures. Tile over concrete slabs seems to be the most common thing to do. Tile floors are made to be laid smooth. When you pour concrete and lay tile on top at the same time, the floors dont end up straight and are a little wavy which most people dont want. Its really a matter of preference.

@danerickson1733 3 күн бұрын

Super wet, you'll get a bit of shrinkage cracking

@NightWrencher 3 күн бұрын

@@danerickson1733 hasnt cracked yet 👍

@janisgore8393 2 жыл бұрын

Great for making biscuit dough in a commercial environment!! Seriously!!!

@NightWrencher 2 жыл бұрын

😂

@chriskoch9829 3 жыл бұрын

12 bags for a 12 x7? Sounds like 30 bags short.

@NightWrencher 3 жыл бұрын

You're talking about the premix stuff. Look up how many bags of Portland in one Yard of concrete

@treystewart544 2 жыл бұрын

It’s like a bob the builder concrete mixer

@TheAefril Жыл бұрын

Look,,, you get what you pay for! If you make a ton of money, and can afford to pay for a 'trade grade' mixer then go for it! I personally don't make much money, so I cut corners where I can to be able to pay for food, electricity, rego, diesel, etc. Look, all I am saying, you just need to cut corners where you know you can manage the risk. Just to keep feeding the family.

@-CHaPPy- 2 жыл бұрын

Oh ok. So the guy saying he was doing the work just narrated when the other guy was actually doing the work 😂🤣😂

@NightWrencher 2 жыл бұрын

Theres only 1 guy 🤣

@-CHaPPy- 2 жыл бұрын

@@NightWrencher unless you have a voice changer or got sick... No way 😂🤣😂

@NightWrencher 2 жыл бұрын

🤣 I had to watch it myself to see what you meant. The narration was recorded on a sound record app and it distorted my voice quite a bit.

@-CHaPPy- 2 жыл бұрын

@@NightWrencher hahahaha 🤣😂🤣 I was thinking that is 2 different dudes for sure! Classic! And apologies

@NightWrencher 2 жыл бұрын

🤣

@aliali-dh4co 2 жыл бұрын

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👍🏻🇦🇪

@NightWrencher 2 жыл бұрын

👊👍

@DJDisalwaysright 11 ай бұрын

The instructions suck and the motor was bogging down and failing towards the end of pouring a 10x12 pad. Temperature was high 80s. Was mixing 2 bags of 50lb concrete. Not sure if motor is permanently shot.

@DrGaryGreen 18 күн бұрын

Chinese can turn out great quality. It's all about who is doing QC at the factory.

@jeepsblackpowderandlights4305 2 жыл бұрын

concrete looks way too wet... wet = less strength when it cures

@NightWrencher 2 жыл бұрын

Its a low traffic area, has been fine for over a year now

@MYOB990 3 жыл бұрын

So, it sucks. I'll have to look for an American made mixer

@NightWrencher 3 жыл бұрын

It works for basic things. We use it as a mixer for potting soil. I wouldnt depend on it if you needed to mix several yards of concrete

@uawsux 2 жыл бұрын

be very very careful with this cement mixer when you open the box reach for the panel that holds the motor assembly on one side you will see a switch flip the switch see if it click click click take the switch assembly and the motor plug it in turn the motor on and off harbor freight has a terrible problem with the switches on this cement mixer harbor freight has a terrible problem with motors burning up do not assemble this you will be sorry

@davidramossalsologoporexse2469 3 жыл бұрын

you need to put 1/4 sizes gravel on that mix thats what makes it strong. And that mixer is 3.5 cu ft if you don't know the right amount to mix you will kill it.. your mix needs to be sand gravel and cement..for slabs that is. Plus you need to use wire mesh Or rebar to reinforced. if not it will Crack..

@MatHelm 2 жыл бұрын

Looked like a sand gravel mix out of the dump truck (which is not something I would go for), but rebar doesn't help with cracking, all slabs crack. Mesh/rebar only keeps it from separating when it dose crack, not to mention puts a maximum 50 year lifespan on a concrete exposed to water/weather (metal rust and expands)... Unless it's the fiberglass kind.