Ready Mix Truck Maintenance – Volume Concrete

Ready Mix Truck Maintenance

Ensuring Your Concrete Mixers Operate Safely and Efficiently

The DOT Pre-Trip Inspection: Your First Line of Defense

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) mandates thorough pre-trip inspections for all commercial motor vehicles. For ready-mix trucks, this is critical for safety, compliance, and preventing costly breakdowns. Always refer to your company’s specific Driver’s Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) form for a detailed checklist.

Mandatory Daily Pre-Check (Before Each Trip):

Visual Vehicle Inspection: Walk around the entire truck.
Tires and Wheels: Check for proper inflation (check tire pressures), cuts, bulges, and that lug nuts are secure.
Brakes: Inspect brake systems for damage, leaks, proper function, and wear. Check brake drums for cracks.
Lights and Reflectors: Verify all lights (headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights) and reflectors are working and clean.
Mirrors and Windows: Ensure windows are clean for visibility and that all mirrors are clean, properly adjusted, and securely mounted. Clear mirrors are key to a bright future in concrete delivery!
Steering and Suspension: Check for obvious damage or looseness.
Chassis and Frame: Look for any signs of damage, cracks, or rust.
Fluid Levels: Check engine oil, coolant, power steering fluid, and hydraulics. Address any signs of leaks or fluid loss immediately.
Air System: Inspect air hoses and lines for damage.
Engine and Drivetrain: Listen for any excessive noises (knocking, grinding, squealing) and check for visible leaks.
Concrete Mixer Barrel: Inspect the barrel for obvious damage, secure mounting, and check the chute for integrity. (See Barrel Maintenance below).
Exhaust System: Check for leaks or damage.
Horn and Wipers: Ensure they are functional.
Fuel Tank: Check for leaks and ensure cap is secure.

Important: Any defects found during the pre-trip inspection must be reported to your supervisor and repaired before operating the vehicle. Do NOT operate a vehicle with critical safety defects.

Daily Maintenance: Keeping You on the Road

Daily Checks (In addition to Pre-Check):

Drain Air Tanks: This is crucial! Drain the air tanks daily to remove moisture. Air compressors push moisture into the tanks, and in wet/humid climates, this can cause rust, freeze-ups in winter, and damage to your air system components. Look for the drain valves at the bottom of the tanks.
Check Hydraulic Oil Levels: Ensure proper levels for mixer operation.
Inspect Mixer Barrel Chutes: Ensure they are free of build-up and securely latched.

Barrel Maintenance: The Heart of the Mixer

Keeping the Barrel Clean & Preventing Build-up

A clean barrel is essential for efficient mixing, accurate load volume, and longevity of the equipment. The most notorious issue is concrete build-up, particularly the formation of hard, fin-like chips inside the barrel where the mixing fins are located. These are often called “fin chips” or “build-up.”

Best Practice: Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning procedure. Typically, this involves:

Thoroughly rinsing the barrel with water immediately after emptying the load.
Using a high-pressure washer for stubborn residue.
For significant build-up, specialized barrel cleaning agents may be required, but always follow safety data sheets (SDS) and manufacturer guidelines. NEVER use a hammer or sharp objects inside the barrel as this can damage the fins and internal surfaces.

Immediate Post-Load Rinse: As soon as the last of the concrete is discharged, rinse the barrel thoroughly with water.
Power Washing: For residual concrete, use a high-pressure washer. Aim the spray into the barrel openings and rotating fins.
Specific Cleaners: For hardened build-up, use approved concrete removers as per manufacturer instructions.
Check Fins: Visually inspect mixing fins for damage or excessive build-up.

Weekly Maintenance: Deeper Checks

Weekly Checks (In addition to Daily):

Check All Fluid Levels: Engine oil, coolant, hydraulic fluid, DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid), power steering. Top off as needed.
Inspect Belts and Hoses: Look for wear, cracks, fraying, or looseness.
Check Wiper Blades: Ensure they are clean and making good contact with the windshield.
Test Lights and Signals: A more thorough check than daily.
Inspect Fifth Wheel / Kingpin (if applicable): Check for lubrication and wear.
Clean Battery Terminals: Ensure they are free of corrosion.
Check for Any New Leaks: Look under the truck for fresh spots of oil, coolant, or hydraulic fluid.

Monthly Maintenance: Proactive Care

Monthly Checks (In addition to Weekly):

Lubrication: Grease chassis points, suspension, kingpins, fifth wheel (if applicable), and mixer components as per the service manual.
Inspect Air Brake System: Check air lines, valves, and slack adjusters for leaks or damage.
Check Suspension Components: Look for worn bushings or damaged springs.
Inspect Drivetrain: Check driveshaft U-joints, differential, and axle seals.
Check Fuel and Air Filters: Inspect for dirt and debris. Follow manufacturer recommendations for replacement intervals.
Check Exhaust System: Look for leaks, rust, or loose components.
Inspect Mixer Drive System: Check hydraulic pumps, motors, and drive shafts.
Tire Tread Depth: Measure tread depth and check for uneven wear. Rotate tires if necessary per manufacturer recommendations.

Tip: For novice employees, it’s highly recommended to have an experienced mechanic or supervisor review your work or walk you through the monthly checks initially.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is it so important to drain the air tanks every day?

A: Air compressors are designed to compress air, and this process naturally creates moisture. Over time, this moisture collects in the air tanks. If not drained, it can freeze in cold weather, causing air system malfunctions, or it can lead to corrosion and damage to air brake components, which are critical for safety. This is especially true in humid climates where more moisture is drawn in.

Q: What are “fin chips” and why are they bad?

A: “Fin chips” refer to hardened concrete build-up that forms inside the mixer barrel, often clinging to the mixing fins. They are bad because they reduce mixing efficiency, can throw off load volume calculations, and the weight of the build-up can stress the barrel and fins, potentially leading to premature wear or damage. They also make cleaning much harder.

Q: My truck seems to be making a new “whining” noise. What could it be?

A: A new whining noise could indicate several things, all requiring immediate attention: low hydraulic fluid, a failing hydraulic pump, a worn power steering pump, or an issue with the engine’s accessory drive belts or bearings. Report the noise and its location to your supervisor or maintenance team immediately.

Q: How often should I have the air filters and fuel filters checked or replaced?

A: This varies by manufacturer and operating conditions. Always consult your truck’s owner’s manual for the recommended intervals. However, in dusty environments, filters may need checking and cleaning/replacement more frequently than the manual suggests.

Q: What does “10-4 on the spec” mean regarding concrete quality?

A: In a trucking/dispatch context, “10-4” means “understood” or “affirmative.” “On spec” means the concrete mix met all the specified requirements for strength, slump (consistency), aggregate size, and other properties as ordered by the customer. So, “10-4 on the spec” means “Understood, the concrete mix was exactly as required.”

Resource Links for Ready Mix Truck Maintenance

Learn how to talk like a trucker

Hydraulic Fitting Identification

Maintenance How2’s and Tutorials