Concrete Mixer Truck Drum Sizes, Mass, and Major Chinese Brands

The mixer drum is the core component of a concrete mixer truck. Its size (volume) and mass directly determine the vehicle's payload capacity, operational efficiency, and compliance with road weight regulations. Chinese manufacturers dominate the global market, offering a wide range of models. This guide details common drum specifications and lists 10 leading Chinese brands.

1. Standard Drum Sizes and Approximate Mass

Drum capacity is measured in cubic meters (m³) of mixed concrete. The empty mass of the drum varies with size, material (steel), and design.

• Small Capacity (6-8 m³):
  • Drum Mass: Approx. 3,500 - 4,500 kg
  • Application: Urban construction, small residential projects, narrow roads.
• Medium Capacity (9-12 m³):
  • Drum Mass: Approx. 4,800 - 6,500 kg
  • Application: The most common size for general commercial and housing construction.
• Large Capacity (13-16 m³):
  • Drum Mass: Approx. 6,800 - 9,000 kg
  • Application: Large-scale infrastructure projects (bridges, dams, highways).
• Extra-Large Capacity (16+ m³):
  • Drum Mass: 9,000 kg+
  • Application: Mega projects, often requiring special permits and powerful chassis.

2. Key Factors Affecting Drum Mass and Performance

Beyond size, other design elements influence the drum.

• Material & Thickness: High-strength wear-resistant steel (HG785) is standard. Thicker plates increase durability and mass.
• Blade (Agitator) Design: Logarithmic spiral blades ensure efficient mixing and discharge. The number, angle, and thickness of blades affect weight and performance.
• Manufacturing Process: Robotic welding and shot blasting improve strength, reduce weight variance, and enhance fatigue resistance.
• Coating: Internal and external anti-corrosion coatings add minimal weight but significantly extend service life.

3. Top 10 Chinese Concrete Mixer Truck Brands

These manufacturers lead in production volume, technology, and market share both domestically and internationally.

• SANY (三一重工): The global leader. Known for innovative, efficient, and intelligent mixers (e.g., the "Victory" series). Offers a full size range with advanced drum technology.
• Zoomlion (中联重科): A major global competitor. Features high-performance mixers with patented "spiral composite" blades for better mixing and lower energy consumption.
• XCMG (徐工集团): A top construction machinery manufacturer. Produces durable and reliable mixer trucks widely used in heavy-duty infrastructure projects.
• Foton (Auman) (福田雷萨): A leading commercial vehicle maker. Produces complete vehicles by mounting mixer drums on its own Auman chassis, ensuring good integration.
• LiuGong (柳工): While famous for loaders, it offers a solid range of mixer trucks known for robustness and value.
• Shantui (山推建友): Originally a bulldozer specialist, its construction machinery division produces dependable mixer trucks.
• CIMC (中集车辆): The world's largest semi-trailer manufacturer. Also produces high-quality concrete mixer semi-trailers (bulkers) and rigid mixer trucks.
• DAYU (辽宁大宇): A professional manufacturer specializing in concrete machinery, including a variety of mixer trucks.
• Linquan Hongri (临泉宏日): A significant player in the specialized vehicle market, producing a large volume of mixer trucks.
• Heli (合力): Primarily a forklift manufacturer, but also has a presence in the concrete transport vehicle sector.

Chinese Mixer Truck Brand & Drum Specification Reference

Conclusion: The choice of mixer drum size (from 6m³ to 16m³+) is dictated by project scale and road regulations, with mass increasing proportionally. China's manufacturing might is reflected in brands like SANY, Zoomlion, and XCMG, which lead the world in production volume and technological advancement, offering drums with high-strength materials, efficient blade designs, and increasing levels of digital control. Brands like Foton provide integrated vehicle solutions, while others like CIMC bring expertise in transport geometry. This competitive landscape ensures a wide selection of reliable and efficient mixer trucks for the global construction industry.