Game Changer. Pouring a concrete pad and using the Mudmixer for the first time. MCG Video

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Please use this link to learn more about the Mudmixer: www.mudmixer.com/mcg I receive no commission or payment, but this lets @mudmixer know that I sent you. Thank you!

[@MrAdamNTProtester]

You should put 6" X 6" metal re-inforcement wire in the unit & pull it up to 1/2 thickness as you pour to allow the slab to develop tension... also prior to leveling off 3" of 3/4 stone & 3" sand should have been tamped down to provide the proper foundation substrates for the slab before install frame, wire mesh & concrete!

[@davfree9732]

A shame this isn't available in the UK.

[@carolleenkelmann3829]

Well, you sure raised a few sardonic responses to your video. You've got broad shoulders so I expect, listening to you, that you realize going public is an invitation to others to do that also. C'est la Vie. 😊😊

[@yadda333]

I have a $12 barrel that you can throw $3,300 in and burn next time--lot easier and minimal clean up.

[@bobbygene8274]

Raise the bucket on the loader to prevent the bending over to pick up the concrete. Save your back!

[@shrimpinpat]

little tips

[@scttbull]

That's what I came here to say! I let my tractor do as much of the work as possible!!

[@PeeWeeHenson]

I WAS THINKING THE SAME THING🤔

[@jerkyturkey007]

I’m an old concrete guy with many decades of experience and I’m here to tell ya it wasn’t painful at all, lol Your prep and technique were solid as can be.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

That’s very kind. I really appreciate it!

[@mackeyjewell9166]

prep flawless now that finish is rough lol

[@MyClutteredGarage]

@@mackeyjewell9166 I’m learning 😄

[@mackeyjewell9166]

@@MyClutteredGarage if you do it again try and keep your mag more flat like you’re trying to be gentle unless you let the concrete harden a little more on a small job like that i advise letting it tighten a little more it’s much easier for a beginner to get a decent finish where as with wet Crete you gotta be grabbing crème off the top of the Crete and filling in while you’re edging and your mag will float easier on the stiffer Crete that was kinda wet to be finishing already on in the edge you want to make sure you don’t just dig the cutting edge next to form your wanting an even edge so it doesn’t roll

[@ianbelletti6241]

The pile of dust out the back is a sign that the seal around the auger shaft isn't right.

[@kylenagel2494]

Nice video! Thank you for demonstrating the mixer. One thought that might help with the initial start up. Try wetting down the chute and turning the auger/water on before you add the first bag. It will definitely help the mud come out the chute easier and may help solve the initial consistency problem.

[@DarthPoyner]

Also, if that isn't enough, reverse it a few times to get that initial batch truly wet.

[@jessederks8458]

Having done concrete work for a couple years, not bad. A couple of minor points: 1) You need to secure the form stakes. Failure to do this will result in the form moving out of square due to the weight of the concrete. Probably not much here, but any bigger and it get's crazy fast. 2) Put the form in and secure it square, then finish the gravel base, don't forget to put release (or diesel oil) on the forms! That will help ensure easy removal of the form. 3) Always use clean gravel for a base, anything else can cause inconsistencies drying which can increase cracking. Also an inconsistent material can lead to the slab shifting in the cold. 4) When putting in the gravel base check that it is "level" as well to make sure you've got a consistent thickness so the slab doesn't shift as easily. Roughly even weight. 5) You need to get the consistency right before pouring it into the form. Having different consistencies of concrete can cause cracking issues. 6) Always pour a *little* wet so you don't get voids. 7) Lighter hand on the trowel will fix your issue of pushing too much around. Like you said, practice. With the edger always tip up of the direction you're going. When you finish floating / edging you should have a defined edge away from the form. 8) You have to float it a few times, and should probably finish it with a brush. You usually don't want perfectly smooth concrete, especially outside. Unless you're doing a poly finish or similar you usually don't want it smooth. 9) GOOD JOB! No, seriously, if that's your first attempt that's a good result. I'm a bit hesitant on the machine. Maybe with a bit of practice it would be plausible to get it mixing consistently. A consistent mix / pour is extremely important for concrete.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Thank you for your thoughtful comments. I think practice is key, since this was my first use. I look forward to more projects. Cheers!

[@MyGoogleYoutube]

Question for you.... if you're pouring a slab after a pergola has been installed into concrete footers.... Do you want to isolate the slab from the footers?

[@jessederks8458]

@@MyGoogleKZbin Assuming pergola isn't attached to the house (most aren't) we would cut it off and move it out of the way. Even if it is attached to the house we would suggest temporary removal. Then we would be able to pour the concrete flat, getting a much stronger / longer lasting slab. We would then place a Simpson CPT44Z Concealed Post Tie mount in the concrete. That's for 4x4's, you can also get one for other size posts. Once you attach the posts to the ties, the pergola should be as strong as it was before it was moved for the slab. That also separates the wood from the concrete, or the earth, and will greatly slow rot of the post.

[@MyGoogleYoutube]

@@jessederks8458 Ah, interesting so it is better to mount a pergola to slab than concrete footers? It's going to be 12 x16 with a sloped roof for solar panels.

[@jessederks8458]

@@MyGoogleKZbin You should check your engineering to make sure the beams will hold the structure properly. You might need braces, but I'm not an engineer.

[@randrowe9660]

That mud mixer is cool. At $3,000 it is above my price range. I have a junker Harbor Freight concrete mixer that cost less than two hundred 20 years ago that still works. Thanks for your video. Interesting.

[@twm4259]

A local rental company has it for $75/day. Pretty cheap for occasional users.

[@DIYDaveT]

@@twm4259 Why, so you don't have to mix the water yourself? That's no advantage...

[@ericbstudios9807]

3 grand? Probably costs 300 to make Geez

[@markallen200]

Yeah for that much they could have thrown in a solenoid to cut the water off when the auger stops and runs reverse. Might be good for DIY foundations once you get the mix dialed in and just let it run. To much water on the top after screding.

[@JeronimoStilton14]

@@DIYDaveTspeed, convenience? Go watch a diy pour where they’re mixing one or two bags at a time and then wheelbarrowing it. By the end of two of these 4x4s you’re getting pretty close to the limit of a Sunday task

[@outlet6989]

As a long-time DIYer, my best tool is called a Back Brace.

[@bannedtwice7767]

As a weightlifter proper lifting technique is way more important. A brace only makes you think you can lift it safely.

[@amossnowdaharleyman9179]

I was seriously considering buying one. Now not so much. Thanks for the great video.

[@Grunttamer]

Yeah it seemed like a great idea until I realized how much of a struggle it would be to get the consistency right

[@JeronimoStilton14]

@@Grunttamer tbf it does not seem to be a problem. He had it pretty dry, another youtuber got it dialed in in like a minute. I’d be more concerned with the lack of bushing causing all that dry mix coming out through the motor shaft. That’s shoddy work.

[@kairu.kun.z]

Naw this guy has zero clue how to use this properly. Watch some pros using it and you’ll see how nice it is. Much easier than a mixer.

[@ianshand6094]

Nicely explained and you did a good job for someone who's never laid concrete before. It's hard to get excited about the machine you were using, particularly when it cost you circa US$3K, has about the same footprint as a much less expensive portable concrete mixer, produced an inconsistent mix and, from what I could see, was relatively slow. You can get away with inconsistency when the pad is only going to be used for a composter, but the art and science of concreting is getting the right ratio of aggregate, sand, cement, and water. Too much water will weaken your concrete. When I was young, I helped my Dad lay a reasonably long concrete driveway, which was 6" thick and wire mesh reinforced. He made it that way to withstand the occasional heavy truck on the driveway. My Dad bought the cement bags, aggregate and sand separately. We used a portable concrete mixer to mix onsite before pouring the concrete into a wheel barrow and then into the forms. We did it over a number of weekends, essentially laying large slabs one after the other, with relief cuts designed into the pour. For a pad that small, I personally would've used either a concrete mixer, if I had one or could hire one reasonably cheaply, or a wheelbarrow. For a bigger pour, I'd use a portable concrete mixer, and for a really big pour I'd get it delivered premixed. From a viewer in New Zealand.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Thank you for your kind comments!

[@paulrosebush9137]

Now I know how I got so many stone chips on my hood and windshield, I was following you and your trailer of crushed concrete.

[@TheOriginalMr_Earle]

Thanks for the video. You have a nice way about you. Easy to listen to and learn from. Keep the videos coming

[@MyClutteredGarage]

I appreciate that! Thank you. -Ed

[@bobwiese6128]

Indeed. I can tell you're a decent man. Thank you.

[@fillg]

You didn't need all 12 bags because a 2x4 board is actually only 3.5 inches wide so you didn't get the full 4 inches thick you put into the calculator. I just saw the mudmixer for the first time today and was curious to see someone actually using one. Thanks for sharing your experience. Whenever I do any concrete work I use the leftover mix to make stepping stones. I just pour it right on the dirt and tool it along with everything else into a flat blob about 2 inches thick and once it sets up you can put it anywhere you want to step on a solid object instead of the ground

[@design8studio]

I started to post the same comment, but decided to check first to see if someone else already said it! You beat me to it!

[@kimchee94112]

For concrete it's better to have more than less just like pulling electrical wires.

[@ericbstudios9807]

You missed at 8:45 (before he dumps the stones) he grabs four 1/2" thick pebbles from the tractor bucket. He then places a pebble under each corner of the form to raise it up one half inch

[@smo-guiver8315]

I had to take some cores out of a huge 4" thick silage slab that a contractor had poured for a dairy farmer. All of the cores came out significantly less than 4" long. The contractor's response was that "everybody knows a 4" thick slab is really only 3-and-half inches thick."

[@TBizzell68]

In the spring I poured a 30”x48” pad for my coal forge, in my barn. I probably went a little overboard with it. It’s got a 6”x6” grid of #3 rebar, and is 5/6” thick with beams around the perimeter, 😂. I like the idea of that Mudmixer, it seems a little fiddley, I’m sure there’s a learning curve. Cool video, thanks.

[@barrelbum1016]

Come on man. At least put a tarp down and secure the load on your trailer. I wonder how many windshields were taken out by the rocks that surely fell off.

[@nativemiami77]

Don't call him Shirley!

[@diesel09]

I hate seeing ppl that don’t! Or ppl that don’t sweep the deck after a haul…

[@jmckittrick1]

Any reason why those rocks couldn't have gone into the pickup truck?

[@M2020-s5x]

Flip the edger so only the downward flange is contacting the concrete to form the initial groove along the frame. Then you won’t have resistance as you finish the edging

[@YungHeffner41]

You can buy a nice truck and trailer but you can’t buy common sense lmao

[@BigHeinen]

A very nice feature of the MudMixer is the ability to rotate the mixer head on the wheeled base. This allows the user to pull the MudMixer a couple of feet every so often as needed alongside a walkway or foundation forms even while mixing the concrete. At 30:45 you can easily see the large bolt in the center of the base just behind the axle. That bolt is the swivel center. Then you can see the handle at the rear of the base that releases the mixer head to swivel up to 90 degrees in either direction from straight ahead.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Good point. Thanks!

[@robertmeshew1935]

For one project the mud mixer is pricey, but for foundation pour, small pads, small garage pads, it is a back saver, gives you time to fine tune the concrete, seems most effective for two old timers as a part time job, this would make a great side job for part timers!

[@kenchilton]

Thanks for the demo of the Mud Mixer. It looks like a nice way to keep a flow of concrete coming with one guy dropping bags into it and the other spreading the mix. Generally, I do four steps on the finishing. The first is screeding, which you did with the 2x4. The second is floating, where you use a steel or wood float to go over the top and push down the aggregate away from the surface. If that aggregate is too close to the top, it won’t finish well. The third step is troweling and edging it, where we try to get it close to finished. The fourth is either brushing it (which we do on outdoor walkways) or finish troweling for that mirror finish.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Thanks for your comments!

[@Gerald-ge3or]

The mag is an excellent tool for hand floating, where you knock the heavier aggregate down a bit, to have a surface "cream" to be able to create your finish texture. The Smooth trowels are helpful when attempting to get a smooth surface and eliminate floating and trowel lines. If you still have lines after trowelling, then your technique could use a bit more 'polishing' 😉. I think you did an excellent job as a beginner. Good job having the courage to do your pour on YT! You can learn more quickly that way for sure, as many people can be downright rude with their feedback. Haha I would agree with some comments that covering your load will minimize loss, and reduce the risk of damage claims. One commenter suggested laying a larger tarp on the trailer bed, cascade onto the ground, dump the aggregate into it, then food the tarp over the top. You can unload easier too, if you place the tarp on the top of a log chain and old tire. Then use your tractor to pull the log chain/tire and tarp of aggregate off the trailer. The only caveat is the lightweight truck might not withstand the pulling force of a heavy load, and may slide. Cute truck tho! Good choice to park on the driveway to reclaim the excess aggregate! What to use some good common sense! I like that cement machine! I think I'll get one of those too do all my projects this summer!

[@TheFlatlander440]

First time visiting here and I'm impressed with that Mudmixer. I do understand these machines have some quirks that need to be hacked but as with just about any mechanical device, the more you use it, the easier it becomes. I was thinking the designers could make one with a trailer hitch so you could pull it around with a ATV or UTV. Thanks for the vid and nice work on the pad. Cheers from Vermont.

[@Chris_at_Home]

I could have used something like that 20 years ago when I put a 140’ of 4’ H ICF foundation under a house. I used a mixer and scaffolding. I loaded the mixer with buckets. I still have the mixer and one more project for it in my lifetime.

[@andrewallason4530]

I reckon a larger unit designed to fit on a medium sized truck, with three hoppers (one each for sand, aggregate and cement) with separate dials to control each ratio. Have each hopper able to hold the contents of t one and a half of the 1 cubic metre / yard bags, and a hiab crane to reload each hopper.

[@uoobwatcher]

I love that statement, “If you are an experienced concrete person, this is probably painful to watch. Right?”

[@crassbusinessman3122]

Haha I've got quite a bit of concrete experience. This was perfectly fine. Obviously there's ways to do things a little easier, but he put a good base down, compacted it, set the forms fair, screeded, and troweled it. For a tiny little sample pad, critiquing it would just be ridiculous. Great work!

[@larrybe2900]

Mud is concrete with a specific function. This machine is for mixing mortar with only sand. He would have been better off with a rotating style for far cheaper.

[@Private290]

@@larrybe2900it’s a concrete mixer

[@larrybe2900]

@@Private290If you prefer but distinguishing the features seemed to better describe what I had in mind. After all they are doing the same thing out the end of the chute.

[@crawford323]

My word. A regular Roman.

[@GeorgeGeorge-yb2sz]

Everyone is ahead of me so I won't say much except it was an excellent video and when someone without a lot of experience does it they have the same questions as I would have had regarding the marks and someone answered that below. I learned a lot from the video and I will watch your channel more often. I was going to mention the 3 1/2 inch forms were the reason you had too much concrete mix. I recently poured a pad from a truck and I raised my forms up a half inch. Raising the pallet to the same level as the mixer saves a lot of back pain.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Thank you!

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks, I’ll have to do some concrete work here in the future for the outdoor wood boiler we installed this year.

[@davidyancey179]

Great video had no idea this mixer was available. Thank you.

[@ThomasSongerIII]

Great job Ed. Thanks for the honest “handyman” review. Most of us wouldn’t spend that kind of money as weekend warriors but I love the technology. For semi-pro contractors that might be doing this several times per week for shed foundations or similar pads, this could be a nice piece of equipment. Like you I’m curious about the cement powder on the frame that you experienced. This will mean less cement in the mix and possibly a weaker mix (not to mention waste). I’d also like to know of the long-term reliability and service history. Any machine like this takes a lot of abuse so it’d be interesting to know how many yards of concrete you can put through it before it needs a new auger, motor or other maintenance. Keep up the great work.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Thanks very much! Yeah it’s not an “every day” tool for average DIYers but if you have a use for it, I think it’s well worth it.

[@williamallen7836]

That was my thoughts exactly. That leakage of the fines in the back will through the ratios off. I wouldn't be surprised if something isn't installed / adjusted correctly. It shouldn't be a normal part of operation. But that's the modern manufacturing process for you. It doesn't matter how much you pay for it, sone adjustments are left to you inorder reduce manufacturing cost. But be darn sure the company won't pass those savings on to you. Lol 😂

[@rankpa]

After reading about the Allen-Jac ‘wheelbarrow style’ mixer (all metal) in the “Whole Earth Catalog”, I bought one after moving into my house in 1975. Over the course of 45 years I mixed and placed around 50 cubic yards of concrete for many different projects - including an entire 90-foot driveway. It was, by far, the best tool I ever had. Kept me in shape too, and saved cost of gym membership. If I were young again I’d go right out and try to buy another one….

[@ICopiedJohnOswald]

Wow thats so cool. I collect Whole Earth Catalogs but I am too young to have ever ordered from one.

[@ralfie8801]

The base material you brought home is probably what’s left in the concrete trucks when they return to their yard. They wash the trucks out in a pond or a catch basin, then as that fills up, they make another basin and let the water evaporate from the one they’ve been using. Once it’s dry enough, they dig that mud out with their loader and pile it up to dry further. Once it’s really dry, they can load it out in dump trucks or on trailers to be hauled away. They call it wash out in my area and they’ll load in your trailer for free. I got around 250 yards of it not too long ago and used it for road base to build about a 400’ one lane road into a neighbor’s property.

[@johnwax9759]

Letting it bounce off the trailer seems a bit irresponsible.

[@ralfie8801]

@@johnwax9759 I fail to see where there was anything said about letting the stuff fall off a trailer, did I write something I can’t see now or was that just a figment of your imagination? There are other kinds of trailers besides flatbeds. .

[@johnwax9759]

@@ralfie8801 Sorry, I should have directed my comment to the original poster.

[@seansysig]

When you’re doing a pour build a couple 12”x12” 2x4 forms to pour excess concrete pads.

[@Moonracey1]

That's a good idea

[@coldspring624]

Cannot tell you how glad I am to see how that mixer works.

[@ArcanusLibero]

Always have some little block forms made for your extra concrete. you can make path blocks or shed foundation blocks whatever future projects need.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Good point!

[@smo-guiver8315]

Small issue, but put a bucket or pan under the chute when you are washing out the machine so you don't end up with a hardened pile of aggregate in your yard. A handyman once washed out his equipment in my sister's flowerbed next to the front door where the hose bib was located and made one heck of a mess! Plus the wash water is alkaline and could kill plants.

[@808pathfinder]

Nice setup, it would be good with building fences, tower base, basement patch, making steps and I can go on. I would make a few different size molds to use the left over cement

[@la5150hi-lophoto]

GREAT video...I had to laugh when you ultimately had to use a shovel despite having a much desired earth mover:). Thanks!

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you!

[@backupviber6285]

Ahhhhh how wonderful place and yard you are living !

[@stalwart56k]

Nice Mantis compost tumbler! I gave one to my parents and one to my sister's family. It works well if you turn it everyday.

[@anthonymartin9672]

I've heard about these machines and really like the idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Thanks for watching. It’s a cool machine.

[@tholeetruck]

Nice work. Love the cement mixer. I wonder if it could do a big job like a garage driveway.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Thanks. You could do it in sections, but a job like that would probably not better and more cost effective to order a premix truck.

[@seimitsucook]

Thanks for the demonstration… very nice use.

[@joannhamilton4008]

So nice to see it doing an actual job! Want to place on my wish list for sure!!

[@davidmartin7660]

Nice job Ed. I usually tap the form while concrete is wet to settle the concrete and to look for air pockets.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Yes I thought of that… later. 🤣

[@JNHEscapes]

I want to buy a mud mixer. I wonder if wetting the shoot first would help? Might slick it up some to help with clogging initially. I would have stopped and washed out the clogged extra as well just so it wouldn’t harden while I worked. Good job.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Thank you. Yes it has been suggested to pre-wet the chute. The mix is a little tricky to dial in, but it really works out.

[@GardenTractorBoy]

I have not seen one of those mud mixers in action before. It looks like a handy tool. It is always good to have a job for anything left over. The concrete pad turned out good

[@hardyl425]

When I was working in the trade, we called it log Cabin framing taking all the same length boards to make a square

[@budhicks101]

I make up 12"x12" forms ahead of time for any extra concrete. I always find a use for these blocks.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Great idea 👍

[@lykaojalao2733]

I hope that Home Depot and Co rent this mixer as there is no need to spend lots of money to buy it for a weekend project here and there. Surely will rent one if I can find one to tackle a small project maybe bigger size of yours. Thanks

[@MyClutteredGarage]

You can find them at some rental centers. Not sure about Home Depot.

[@albubbles9232]

Are you on well water? The varying water pressure (between 40 -60 psi) will alter the flow rate making it difficult to get a consistent mix.

[@gunningopher]

Use a trowel a little bit later to get rid of the marks. Looked like you were using a mag float. Good to use that float and you can stop there, but to get rid of the marks, use a trowel when it is dryer. Probably a half hour to hour later. If you trowel it, don't forget to broom it so that it has some anti-skid. That being said. For what you were making it was perfect. No need to finish it smooth and broom, as long as it had enough slope to drain rough.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Thank you!

[@vancebeazer458]

Also run that edger as soon as you screed it flat with the 2x4,while it is still wet,then float right over that and you can come back later and those rocks (aggregate) will be laid down out of the way and it will be easy to edge. The float (wood or mag) does the same thing on the slab as it pushes the rocks down but doesn’t draw the water up to the top of the slab. If you use the steel finish trowel instead of a float for the first one or 2 passes (maybe 20-30 min apart) the water will puddle on top I. A big wet mess that dilutes the cement on top. The lines disappear as the concrete hardens while troweling . The more passes,the smoother it gets.

[@davidh7636]

Great video. I learned so much. Main lesson is buy some blocks, surround it with rocks. Less cost, and it can drain.

[@miapapa1955]

Great Video, Save your back by using the tractor to lift the bags of cement to the height of the mixer. Be safe.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Indeed! Thank you.

[@jamesstott5988]

Yea bring that thing over to my house I need side walks a curb for my driveway. Lol,good video you'll get the hang of it.Ive proud a bunch of concrete by hand your right a lot of work.if you'll let your concrete dry more it will trowel much easier. GOD BLESS

[@fireyourrocketts]

Great video and very well done for never using it, we have all done concrete the traditional way, mason was my very first trade my parents allowed me to do with a neighborgh when I was 15 to learn the honest earn with hard work, I was his helper for a good year before moving to carpentry, I have never liked concrete work, still remember those concrete bucket I had to haul to fill forms and footages and I was also the one mixing it, he just would show me how and occasionally yell at me when I messed up. That is history, fast forward 40+ years and just got this Mudmixer now, because right now I do not need it al all🤣...the way that works is I will have it once and if I need it, I got a project for a back yard shed 12x16, I had a small home depot mixer but decided to get this one instead, last pouring in my back yard was a strip on the side of 7x28, a little over 3 yards, we ended up getting a short load and paid 1K came out not perfect out of level in one corner and the pad already cracked in 2 places as no line was cut on it, I was going to do it myself with the small mixer but that was like 3 pallets and half of cement and I do not have a good back, so with all that said, I invested on this thing now, because later on when needed the price would probably be higher, I did not get the accessories which right now they are another $500 or close but will be looking for offers and maybe sales if any; I saw videos of a you tuber building a shop/apartment in a rural area huge and he used this machine for all the concrete work and I was impressed by how much it can really do! the guy will also be building a house and I am sure he will use the mudmixer for the foundation and the slab. Mine is still in its box since I got it last week and if I happen to die before using it, I am sure it holds its value and can be sold and the cash recovered, it is just a good expensive investment which should not be let pass by if one has the $$ for it at some point.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

I hope you get the opportunity to use it! 😄👍

[@lorencolt]

Use a steel when about dry for a smooth finish, or use a broom just after magging for a nonslip finish.

[@mikebolton3816]

Heres a cool tip... When your done with your pour, I generally use the extra to pour into patio block forms and step stone forms. Also... It doesn't hurt to set a 4x4 in a homer bucket and fill for later use as a post somewhere.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Thanks!

[@vdpeer]

Some #5 rebar would have been a good idea, or at least some 6 x 6 WWM.

[@rickgrant9580]

That magnesium control you were using brings up the moisture of cream. You need a regular finishing troll looks good. First time.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Thanks for the tips!

[@benreber2277]

I wonder if you try to get the chute wet before you start your pour if it will make the first little bit of mix that comes out dry to be wet enough.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

I think that would be beneficial. Thanks for watching.

[@genethomas4293]

Good video Thx flip the rake over when shoving the mix around --much less chance of digging into the base.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Thank you!

[@jackchappell001]

Good video, I enjoyed watching and learning too. Not for me at the $3K price point but for someone that would use it often might be worth it.

[@vaper106]

Or not. 3k, that’s a lot of deliveries

[@richjackman9681]

Thanks for this video! I am going to check out the Mud-mixer!

[@LawrenceWeber-z5o]

good concept and I've been looking for something like that but......would need to be much larger to be of any real use such as a small version of what they use at the 1 yard haul away places

[@blastco2]

Using your loader to scoop gravel will be easier if you put the rear axle of your pickup on 8-10" ramps. Brings the rear of the trailer much lower and helps keep the gravel from sliding away from the loader bucket.

[@c1rca23]

I love how the guy spent like $3600 on a commercial cement mixer with the add-ons to do a $50 home project.

[@JeronimoStilton14]

I suppose the idea is he makes it back as he does other projects, and the time savings and savings on his old body. Valid points but probably never really hits ROI. His kids can have it if it’s a solid machine.

[@MyRallyChannel]

Its Slower than a $200 normal mixer

[@v71-v9n]

I was thinking I would just mix it on the tractor bucket with a hoe. Then dump it in the form. Wouldn’t take a few minutes and probably easier to wash out the bucket

[@Doomzdayxx]

It's definitely a gimmicky tool for rich boomers.

[@c1rca23]

@@JeronimoStilton14 yeah that’s a great idea and all, but rarely every pans out. Every few years there’s a new, better, more affordable product available in everything made ever, that is always easier and more worthy. It’s like if grandpa and grandma saved their Atari 2700 to give their kids because it was “expensive”. Just get the $200 mixer with the 2 year replacement plan for $20 and throw it away when it breaks. You can buy like 16 of them before buying one of these stupid ass things.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Watched it all! Very enjoyable and helpful. Prior commenter complained about $3000 and inconsistent output. Based on what I saw, I would disagree with that opinion. Regarding consistency, it only outputs a small amount at a time. Seems easy enough to adjust as necessary before too much is shot out incorrectly. No big deal. Mixing is painful work! This removes that aspect of the job. Of course job is still not easy, but if one is over 55, removing the mixing task is major! Cleanup seemed easy enough. Can you pause to take a break, or must you keep the mud mixer running? Would stop/start hinder consistency? Comment…don’t forget you have a tractor! I woulda lifted those forks up right beside the hopper so that I didn’t need to bend over to pick up the mix. …now if we could automate the rest of the process! Thanks for the video!

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Thanks for your thoughtful comments, Tim! Yes, you can simply turn the machine off and the process pauses until you’re ready to start again. Later, I thought that I should have picked the pallet up with the forks, so that I didn’t have to bend over! And since I’m in that over 55 bracket, I’m happy to eliminate the mixing work!

[@jim4utube]

Doesn't seem like you can pause for long before the concrete hardens in the exit chute.

[@shawng8432]

It looked like it was pushing the mix uphill. Should it be perfectly level or even pushing the wet mix at a downward slope?

[@MyClutteredGarage]

You make a good point. I don’t know but it seems logical that the angle of the discharge chute would affect consistency. Thank you.

[@ohiofarmer5918]

I lucked out and bought a two wheel wheel barrow that the tub was actually a cement mixer. It slso has a 100 foot extrnsion cord. A hardware store did not want it anymore and 75 dollars took it. It weighs nothing empty and super easy to add the bags right where they are dumped

[@ddjgirl3619]

Should you use rebar to give concrete strength? Respirator from the concrete dust when loading bags?

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Wire might help, but probably not needed in this small pad. Respirator is always a good idea.

[@jeffeverde1]

From both a labor and quality of output standpoint, I'm not sure that's an improvement on a 3.5cf HF mixer at 1/10th the price. The product website has a video of using it to pour a long 1' wide slab, but for a typical slab I think I'd rather being pouring several cubic feet at a time, rather than the continuous dribble of the mud mixer.

[@PappyNet01]

Whoa, $3,395.00 for the Mud-mixer! I don't do enough concrete projects to substantiate the purchase of this mini-workhorse, but I still want one and I never poured concrete.

[@prestonthomas9406]

I’m thinking some wire mesh to help negate cracking and a small shovel footing around the perimeter for resistance to pad sliding… to each his own

[@kerrytodd3753]

Tip….use the FEL to lift the pallet so you can pull off into the mixer and YOU don’t have to fight gravity……you can thank me later.

[@nicholasgranat2999]

You land and a tractor,looks like paradise!

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Thank you!

[@zando8591]

I'm just here to see the equipment. May be useful for my business.

[@MichaelJohn-j4b]

Really enjoyed this, thanks😊

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@likeatoad]

What a great little machine. I want one!

[@upholsteredhero5216]

Been looking at one of these and I think you need to be aware of water pressure, on city water supply you should have a fairly consistent pressure level but on a well supply that pressure can vary by 20psi as the pump is set to turn on and off. I bet if you used an inline booster pump to maintain water pressure you can solve many issues.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Thanks. I’m actually going to try an in-line hose mounted pressure regulator next time - which should offer consistent water pressure. 👍

[@MrTks1959]

Thanks for the video. I just bought a Mudmixer and I'm on a well, so I've been thinking about how I'm going to get consistent results; my plan is to run my water into a 30 gallon poly tank and then run the outflow thru a boost pump and pressure regulator. Probably overkill, but now that I'm retired I seem to have a lot of excess time on my hands to think this stuff up.

[@upholsteredhero5216]

@@MrTks1959 I don't own one of these machines yet but in my opinion there are 3 key issues that users should be proactive about to maximize their purchase, 1: Normal operation will immediately scratch the paint on the shoot so you must oil or repaint after use. 2: water pressure needs to be very consistent or your mix will suffer. 3: It is probably worth screening the cement mix prior to dumping it in the hopper. Some sort of classifying tool.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

@@MrTks1959 I would try an in-line hose regulator used for RV’s first. Here’s an affiliate link if you’re interested. amzn.to/3xLKXna

[@jamesstuder5045]

Shortly after you finish pouring the concrete run the edger around to push down the large gravels. Then come back like you did and the edger glides along the edges.

[@videogenie1236]

A nice job, some of the mix was inconsistent My suggestion is to catch the initial mix in a bucket. I am sure your technique will improve with more use.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Thank you!

[@royevetts4900]

interesting to watch, the mag float is really for clearing the stone from the top 1/4 layer....you need a steel float with a curved end to make a decent flat surface without lines. Always edge as soon as it is hard enough, that is a test and see, before using the mag float. The mag float will bring up the slurry you can use on the edges to round off.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Thanks!

[@timslawnmaintenance]

So many people crying what the man did wrong. But none of them with the balls to try what the mans doing. Stfu and move on. Good video my guy dont worry about all the keyboard contractors.

[@Sea-Doopilot]

I was going to say the same thing! Somebody Karen's in this world. And most of them are sitting on their couch!

[@tractorworkandmore411]

You make a great video. I wish I took the time to film my videos like yours. Keep it up! I have a lot of mud mixer videos as well but no quality content like yours.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Thank you. I looked at your channel. You do some really big projects with the mudmixer!

[@TheFeist77]

I used a neighbors recently. At fist he said to us the forward and reverse to not have the dry and to help get consistency right.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Forward only with this one. Thanks!

[@atkgrl]

20:20 It’s the tube high enough to get a wheel barrow under? Can you shut off the flow and just let it keep turning? How many bags can you put in at one time and let it run? Does it drive automatically so I don’t stain getting it through the yard up and down the hills or pull able to get across town to my brothers? Are the hose connectors quick disconnect and double or did you add that piece? So jamming up is an issue and how did you resolve it stick a broom handle up the shoot or flush the top that says dry mix only… how did you clear the constant jamming, which can be an issue if you have a few bags sitting for a day or 2.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Yes, I think you can fit a wheel barrow under the chute. It does not drive automatically but rolls easily. Not quick connect. Jamming isn't really an issue, just happens sometimes - just hit reverse momentarily. Never put water in the top - only to clean it once it's empty. And don't leave any mix (even dry) in it. It could harden and ruin the machine. Use it, empty is, clean it, and put it away. Thanks for watching!

[@atkgrl]

@@MyClutteredGarage I pour a lot of home concrete and went from 80lb bags to 60 and now its just to much to hold on the side of the harbor freight mixer then to help t get going and then to dump it so I pulled up the machine right away. Unfortunately to much for my budget when it comes down in prices 400-600 ill buy 2

[@ArcanusLibero]

If you edge drag your pour immediately it will be easier to cut the edge later. Broom your concrete to eliminate lines and a Mag float is not for finishing it is for rolling the rocks down and get a cream on the surface.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Thanks!

[@RogerP-p8d]

Raise the loader up to the highest of the mixer don’t bend over and pick

[@robertfagga7921]

Great video. I am a concrete guy and you did fine. Now for a pad around that water hydrant. The mud mixer looks like a great tool.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Thank you! I was thinking that a pad around the hydrant would be pretty nice. Of course I’d have to break it up if I ever had to replace the hydrant. Do you see this done often?

[@robertfagga7921]

@@MyClutteredGarage no I don't. Just looked like a mud hole forming. Thinking about it now, maybe a gravel pad a foot or so deep to promote drainage and keep you out of the mud

[@King_TuTT]

Would this be ok for larger projects?

[@MyClutteredGarage]

It’s best for projects that are too large to mix by hand but too small to call in a truck. But you certainly can do as much as you like. You just would want to do it in sections.

[@ProjectsWithPaul]

My $300 mixer works great and very consistent. Great video Ed.

[@donaldstrishock3923]

Sounds like you "got it going on" with your 300$ unit. I'm with you "buddy".

[@professorg8383]

Yeah, the Mudmixer is $3000!! That is ridiculously high, even if it added the bags automatically and then cleaned itself!! I really don't like the way it adds water to the dry mix while the auger is moving it. I'd rather see it mix and feed as two separate steps. Seems like it is cheating on the mixing time. A standard tilt mixer is pretty easy to use and at a way cheaper price. the thing leaking dry mix seems pretty crappy too. Definitely not worth $3000 and you can't even make your own mix if you wanted to.

[@jamesstuder5045]

Also, I'd pre-wet the mixer before you start adding the dry mix to avoid the dry gravel-like consistence when you start.

[@leslieapplegate65]

My Hubby always had some little projects laid out just in case there was extra mix. That's how he wound up with stepping stones...lol

[@MyClutteredGarage]

That’s a good idea!

[@abelmendez8603]

Wire mesh or a square of rebar is a must so when that slab cracks, it will stay together.

[@DrGaryGreen]

Dude, love your attitude.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Thank you!

[@watershedoverlook]

You may be a novice but the finished product was pretty impressive to me! I enjoyed the long form video. And for whatever it's worth, the shot looking down the 2x4 on the chop saw really jumped out at me. Very nice. Finally-and I apologize in advance for this, but this is the sort of minutia that I get drawn into-I think the reason you have 2 bags left over is that I'm thinking you likely entered 4' x 4' x 4" (=9216 Cu.In.) into the calculator, but since 2x4s are only 3.5" (=8064 Cu.In.) that makes the calculation about 12.5% over, or 1.5 bags. Yep, I'm apparently THAT guy. 🤦‍♂ Great video, Ed.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Haha thanks Chris. I didn’t go as far as you, but I did actually wonder how much that 1/2 inch affected the volume. 😄👍

[@Joe-og8um]

I always spread a tarp across my trailer when getting gravel or dirt. I get the gravel dumped onto the tarp and try to pull it over the top for transport. When unloading, I can just pull the tarp.

[@williamallen7836]

Pull a half ton on top of that tarp? Even if you do manage to get it moving, it'll be the last time thar tarp is used. It will get torn to shreds.

[@Joe-og8um]

Yes. I should mention I only use mine for small residential jobs around my house. Just weekend projects.

[@johnjacobjinglehimerschmid3555]

If I was younger and was more into DIY yard stuff I'd love to have that cement mixer. I've looked and the 4g price is a bit out of my league. However, if I developed this I'd want it to be able to have a seven ft reach ... That way you could sit at the end of a 8 ft section and get the concrete all the way across. That and I'd stick the pour spout at right angles to the direction of wheel travel so that way as you mix/ pour you just nudge it forward / backward to the next spot. Just an armchair diy'er. Whatta I know. LOL

[@texrifleman]

Build a form for a flagstone and use the extra concrete to make pavers for use around the yard. You'll get one or two each concrete project.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Thanks!

[@donaldstrishock3923]

Hey Ed, l am sure glad that "you didn't have a dime in it"( that muck-mixer). I've been "werken" my "second hand" 350.°°$ 15year old kushlin 8 cubic foot wheelburo style plastic drum electric cement mixer with an estimated 300 YARDS of production ( not 1/6 of a yard)[ that's 2 batches] Very Efficently & Near Flawlessly ; that l bought a second unit - "Brand-New" for 700°°$. The only trouble is that "Its STILL in the BOX" ... the "old-one" just Won't Quit ! My production level is 12 batches per yard in 48 miniutes ( that's 4048 POUNDS OF Product) !! What could be BETTER ?? Plus it can Move the "Concrete" ( not low-strength mud dribbling everywhere) from one place to another. Sure liked your "Enthusiasm" ,plus your choice of the "Marshalltown" hand-float& edger. That was a Very Good Presentation of the "jiffy-product" ....not a REAL "Cement-mixer" ,maybe a good "grout-mixer". Thank you Sir for the Excelent vidio and happy safe building. Best wishes with all your endeavours. .

[@rudychacon7175]

Can you make a video about your mixer? I can only find a 5 cubic foot kushlan.

[@donaldstrishock3923]

@@rudychacon7175 My "old rig" was 8cuft polyethylene drum With separate 3/4 electric-jackshaft driven; wheelburo style@ 4.5 cuft useable mix-a-lation. The "New-One" IS 6( SIX) Cuft polyethylene drum direct drive,wheelburo style with only 3.5 ( three & a half) CuFt.usable Capacity = ever so "slightly " in appearance smaller & not so ruggedly built... but still werks mighty fine... So far with only about 120 batches or 10 YARDS = 40,000 lbs. And I don't EVER USE the "baggy pea-gravel Scrap-crete"; because it's junk with almost ZERO TENSILE STRENGTH = equaling pure "Cracking & Crumbling " & barely good for "foot-traffic ". Just remember Almost nothing Beats the "Cement-Mixer TRUCK" pulling up to the job for 2 yards or More, because it's the "REAL THING".

[@teter129]

Great video, really appreciate it.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@jt5747]

Your inconsistency in the mix output is most likely caused by inconsistent water pressure if you're on a well system that operates within a wide range (40-60 psi).

[@rexmundi8154]

I’d like to have one of these, but that’s a tiny amount of concrete. On the farm we’d mix concrete with a masons hoe on a piece of plywood on the ground. You throw down your fixins, make a divot in the center for the water and start folding in the edges with the hoe and mixing it up. Repeat the process until you get it mixed the way to want it. You can throw the bags of cement right off the truck instead of lifting them up to a regular drum mixer.

[@ramblingman8992]

That's a really useful bit of kit. Shame there is nothing like it in the UK.

[@JP-bd4zl]

These attachments are good but they need a bigger scooping lip and a 50 -100 litre water tank with a little pressure hose to mix and wash concrete of machinery as you go

[@thowe7988]

Being able to rotate wheels 90° and do continuous pours from outside the forms ,would be nice.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

You can rotate the turret 90° and do exactly that 😄

[@kro9703]

The machine actually does rotate 90 on the wheels.