United Rentals stocks several different types of concrete mixers and mortar mixer rentals for our customers to choose from. We have gas or electric mixers that you’ll find practical whether you are laying concrete, brick, grout or plaster. We also offer towable cement mixer rentals for heavy-duty jobs across large worksites for your convenience.

United Rentals offers small concrete mixer rentals for DIY jobs and large mixers for commercial uses. Our concrete mixers feature a drum, which rotates on a horizontal axis while the fins inside tumble the mix until the water, aggregate and concrete blend together.

Mortar mixers will efficiently mix mortar, grout, stucco or plaster. These mixers do not rotate. Instead, a mounted core with paddles turns inside, scraping the sides of the barrel and mixing the mortar.

FAQs About Mixers

How many bags of concrete can I mix in a mixer?

• It depends on the specifications of the mixer. Our concrete mixers can hold a range of concrete. The smallest concrete mixer can hold half a bag of concrete. A 6 cubic foot mixer can hold half to one bag, and our largest 9 cubic feet mixer can hold 1 1/2 to two bags. On the other hand, mortar mixers can hold a little more mix. Our 6 cubic feet mortar mixer can hold 1 1/2 to two bags, and our 9 cubic feet mortar mixer can hold 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 bags.

Can I mix concrete in a mortar mixer?

• Both mortar mixers and concrete mixes will use bags of cement. The difference is that mortar contains a smooth aggregate like sand and concrete mixes have larger aggregate like gravel. Mortar mixers are specifically designed for mixes that have smooth aggregate. Gravel aggregate used in concrete can damage most blades inside a mortar mixer. We offer concrete mixers that can handle this tougher aggregate to create a good concrete mix.

Can I mix mortar and concrete together?

• In short, yes, you can mix mortar and concrete. Mortar is composed of cement, fine sands and lime. Concrete is composed of cement, sand and larger aggregate such as gravel. Adding rough sand or other aggregates to the mortar mix will turn the mortar into concrete, similar to what happens when you mix mortar and concrete mixes together.

How do I mix concrete in a mixer?

• Calculate the amount of concrete bags you will need for your job. Some concrete bags are sold pre-mixed with aggregate, so all you need to do is add water. This may be the best route for beginners. Empty the bag of concrete into the concrete mixer and spray it down with a little water to keep down the dust. Turn on the mixer and slowly add water from a hose or bucket; as it is turning, slowly add more water until it is the correct consistency. The concrete should be wet enough that when you grab a handful it will stay together and not fall apart, but it should not be runny either. United Rentals offers training on all our equipment.