Renting a Concrete Mixer vs Truck Delivery

Concrete Mixer vs Truck Delivery: Making the Right Choice

For small projects, you have three options: hand mixing bags, renting a mixer, or ordering a truck. Each has its place, but choosing wrong means wasted money, time, or back-breaking labor. This guide helps you choose the right method for your project size.

The General Rule

Less than 1 cubic yard: Rent a mixer or use bags

More than 1 cubic yard: Order a truck

Never: Hand mix more than 10-15 bags

Option 1: Hand Mixing Bags

Mixing concrete by hand in a wheelbarrow or mixing tub.

When It Makes Sense:

• Very small projects (less than 5-10 bags)
• Repairs and patches
• No access for trucks or mixers
• You have plenty of time

Reality Check:

Hand mixing is extremely labor-intensive. Each 80-pound bag requires:

• 5-10 minutes of vigorous mixing
• Significant physical effort
• Consistent technique to ensure proper mix

50 bags by hand? That's 4-8 hours of back-breaking work. Don't do it. Rent a mixer or order a truck.

Option 2: Renting a Concrete Mixer

Electric or gas-powered mixers that do the work for you.

When It Makes Sense:

• Projects requiring 0.5-1.5 cubic yards
• Sidewalk patches and repairs
• Small slabs and pads
• Multiple small pours over time
• Difficult access (trucks can't reach)

Cost:

Mixer rental typically costs approximately $50-$150+ per day depending on size and location. Actual costs vary.

Advantages:

• Much easier than hand mixing
• Consistent mix quality
• Faster than hand mixing
• Can work at your own pace
• Good for projects too small for trucks

Disadvantages:

• Still requires mixing multiple batches
• Rental cost adds to project
• Slower than truck delivery
• Requires setup and cleanup

Option 3: Truck Delivery (Ready-Mix)

Concrete delivered ready to pour from a concrete truck.

When It Makes Sense:

• Projects requiring 1+ cubic yards
• Driveways, patios, large slabs
• When you need it done quickly
• When consistent quality is critical
• Any project where time matters

Cost:

Ready-mix concrete costs approximately $200-$240+ per cubic yard (typically around $235) depending on PSI and admixtures. Plus delivery fee (typically $50-$150+). Actual costs vary.

Advantages:

• Fastest method (poured in minutes)
• Consistent, professional-quality mix
• No mixing labor
• Can handle large volumes
• Typically most cost-effective for 1+ yards

Disadvantages:

• Minimum order requirements (typically 2-3 yards)
• Requires truck access
• Must be ready to pour when truck arrives
• Can't work at your own pace

Cost Comparison (Example Only)

Disclaimer: These are example scenarios. Actual costs vary based on location, materials, and project specifics.

For a 1.5 cubic yard project (approximately 54 square feet at 4 inches thick):

Hand mixing (45 bags @ approximately $6/bag):

• Materials: approximately $270+
• Labor: Your time (4-8 hours of hard work)
• Example total: approximately $270+ plus your labor

Mixer rental (1.5 yards):

• Materials: approximately $270+
• Rental: approximately $75-$150+ per day
• Labor: Your time (2-3 hours)
• Example total: approximately $345-$420+ plus your labor

Truck delivery (1.5 yards):

• Concrete: approximately $350-$400+ (1.5 yards @ approximately $235/yard)
• Delivery: approximately $50-$150+
• Labor: Minimal (just placement)
• Example total: approximately $400-$550+

For this size project, truck delivery is typically the best value when you factor in time and labor.

Decision Guide

Less than 0.5 yards (18 bags or less): Hand mix or rent small mixer

0.5-1 yard (18-36 bags): Rent mixer (hand mixing is too much work)

1-2 yards: Either mixer or truck (truck is typically better value)

2+ yards: Always order truck (mixer becomes impractical)

The Bottom Line

For small patches (less than 0.5 yards), hand mixing or a small mixer works. For anything 1 yard or more, order a truck. Hand mixing 50+ bags is brutal, unnecessary work—rent a mixer or order a truck instead.

The cost difference between methods is often less than you think when you factor in your time and labor. For most projects over 1 yard, truck delivery provides the best value: professional quality, fast delivery, and minimal labor on your part.

Need help deciding? Contact Local Concrete Contractor. We can help you determine the best method for your project size and provide ready-mix delivery when a truck makes sense.