Mixer Worksheet

Customer Name*

Customer name may differ from Contact

Is the individual customer the contact as well?

If you select Yes the Customer name will populate the Contact field.

Contact Name

Who should I contact when questions arise

Contact Phone Number*

Contact Email Address*

Enter address of contact

Company Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

CARGO/FREIGHT/MATERIAL

What is the size of the drum?

Concrete is measured in cubic yards. Each yard weighs an average of 4000 lbs/yard. Calculate the weight of the load for use in Weight Distribution and Bridge Law Formulas. Considerations: Axles, Suspension, Frame Strength

Sliders with calculated result

Will the body be a volumetric (or mobile batch) style?

These units are very unique and do not include a rotating drum. The body includes a variety of compartments and concrete is mixed, often using vibration, on site.

INSTALLED EQUIPMENT

Will this be a standard (3-axle) configuration?

For this application there are typically no lift axles, since the barrel is smaller with a lower volume. The industry refers to this style as a Standard Mixer.

Bridge Formula (4 or more total axle including flying tag axle) configuration?

Industry term for large capacity rear discharge mixer barrels need multiple lift axles to spread out the load over the vehicle length. This style includes a flying tag axle. Note that flying tag axles are installed by the body builder, not at the factory.

Is there a preferred mixer manufacturer? Document below.

Work closely with the body company to understand the vehicle needs and frame requirements. Try to eliminate the need for rework by the body company,which can drive prices up and increase the time it takes to put vehicle into service. Considerations:Communication, Scheduling

Is a level installation of the body required?

Level frame keeps mix in barrel traveling up hill while loaded in-transit, which is desirable. Some OEs will automatically adjust frame height at axles using spacers to ensure that frame in within a 1% difference. No effort is required to achieve this. Communicate the need to avoid engineering best practices overriding your design criteria.

Is the chute height at the batch plant a concern?

Document any requirements in the comments field. You may need to calculate the overall height of the vehicle and body combination. Contact Engineering and coordinate with body manufacturer. If rear must be lowered to clear chute work w/ Engineering.

.... comments field

Record any specific data about specific batch plant challenges or requirements.

Are remote connections required for the customer's application?

Required for drivers on control equipment of move vehicle from outside the cab. There are very specific safety feature when used with an automatic transmission.

VEHICLE OPERATION

What Bridge Law consideration applies?

Federal Bridge Law does not permit axle loading in excess of 20K per axle w/o special permits or in states w/ grandfathered state/local regulations. State Bridge laws can be more/less stringent & are enforced based upon what roads you operate on. Check Internet. Considerations: Creep rating of axles and suspension.

.... comments field

Record any specific data about axle spacing, number of axles, and desired GCWR/GVWR.

Any overall length, width, height or weight restrictions?

Dimensional restrictions are traditionally the same across the nation, but many states enforce tighter regulations for loads than the federal legal limits. Overall width/length/height/weight may dictate the need for special permits. Considerations: Body size, Body type, Frame fit, Frame strength

.... comments field

Record any specific data about dimensions unique to the customer's operating area, or second life accommodations they have in mind.

Is this an existing mixer truck fleet?

Try to question what works and what doesn't.

.... comments field

Record any comments about potential areas to improve, special requests to retain, or areas of concern regarding trucks in service, or trucks capability they would like to gain.

What is the haul distance?

Enter details about typical operation as well as occasional hauls. Considerations: Fuel, Annual mileage, Warranty

Capture typical travel speeds when operating empty versus loaded?

Many vehicles in this application will have multiple speed considerations. Weight and road profile may limit the loaded speed. If 50% of the vehicle use is while unloaded, two road speed profiles may need to be analyzed for proper gearing. Considerations: Proper gearing, Driver satisfaction, Travel time

What percentage of mileage is on highway/interstate/2-lane roads?

Enter detail in Comments about percentage of time the vehicle will operate on paved road surfaces with grades of 6% or less. This will aid in rear axle ratio selection, which most likely will be a blend on fuel economy and performance. Considerations: Tires, Gearing

What are the operating and surface conditions at site?

If the vehicle will always be operating with the same site conditions note that. If the site conditions vary dramatically indicate what is expected. Considerations: Tires, Gearing

Will the vehicle operate in a paver configuration?

For vehicles that must move at a very slow speed while in service proper gearing is needed. The deep reduction gears required to support this are available in transmissions such as the Fuller manual -9ALL or Allison automatic 4700RDS. Considerations: Gearing

DRIVETRAIN

Which engine PTO style is required?

Rear discharge mixers are most common with Rear Engine PTOs. Front Discharge mixers typically use Front Engine PTOs. Some companies are having success with transmission mounted PTOs.

Which transmission PTO style is required?

At a minimum controls should be coded to ensure requirements are met. Keep air tanks clear of transmission. With a thru-shaft PTO exhaust cannot be routed behind transmission. Considerations: Control style, Clear frame LH/RH/Top/Bottom etc.

Lift axle requirement?

Try to get as much wiring, connectivity, and programming done at the factory as possible. Factory installations are far superior to aftermarket installations, when offered.

Lift axle requirement

1 steerable pusher (axle ahead of drive/s, trailing)2 steerable pushers (axles ahead of drive/s, trailing)3 steerable pushers (axles ahead of drive/s, trailing)1 non-steerable pusher (axle ahead of drive/s, fixed wheel tracking)1 steerable tag (axle behind drive/s, trailing)1 non-steerable tag (axle behind drive/s, fixed wheel tracking)Other

Suspension style? Typically customer preference of application specific.

Air bag (not for high CG loads and booms)Rubber block (consider double rebound straps if outriggers will be used)Beam/SpringOther

Most OEs require Engineering approval for air suspensions used in a mixer application.

Does customer use Central Tire Inflation (CTIS)?

Used to deflate/inflate tires when operating on/off soft ground such as in Florida or Minnesota. Installed in the aftermarket. Increases compressor requirement. Common suppliers: Eaton CTIS and Tire Boss (Canada).

Central Tire Inflation System will, in most cases, increase air dryer and air compressor sizes.

CHASSIS

How much fuel is required? 8 hrs, 12 hrs of operation?

How long will the vehicle operate? Where is the vehicle filled? Calculate to determine how much fuel should be on the vehicle. Considerations: Fuel consumption, Tanks and DEF use.

Use to estimate fuel use (for tank sizing only)

What exhaust style is preferred, RH under door after-treatment or in-series?

Pipes can be back of cab, if rack or boom will not interfere. Side of cab tailpipe is more common for trying to maintain a clear back of cab to give body builders most flexibility.

Preferred locations for batteries, fuel and DEF tanks?

Fuel requirements dictate tank sizes. Exhaust typically blocks position RH under cab. Internal design criteria may impact customer expectations. Many body installations require clear frame behind the cab, especially when multiple lift axles are installed. Finding a location for Fuel/DEF/Exhaust/Batteries and a Hydraulic tank can be challenging. Do not over spec fuel or DEF capacity. If outriggers are going to be added by body builder, consider clear space prior to placing tanks.

Space for water and hydraulic tanks?

125 gallons is the typical water tank capacity. LH mounted on Standard Mixers and across the rails on Bridge Formula Mixers. Some configurations mount to body. Use Comments to state locations and sizes.

Observations about customer's application...

Add information you glean from conversation with customer, driver, technician, or accounting.

My email address

example@example.com