An efficient truck mixer is never a matter of luck: regular maintenance is essential to ensure high performance over time. The benefits are clear: fewer machine downtimes, reduced extraordinary costs, enhanced safety for operators and job sites, and consistently high-quality concrete.
CIFA has been designing robust and reliable truck mixers since 1950, always focusing on safety, durability, and ease of use. However, even the best CIFA truck mixer needs care: regular maintenance protects productivity, reduces failures, and strengthens your company's reputation.
Here are the three essential checks to ensure your CIFA truck mixer operates at maximum efficiency:
The daily cleaning of the drum, blades, hopper, and chutes is the first step that must not be neglected.
Why it's important: Hardened concrete residue reduces the drum's capacity, contaminates subsequent loads, and increases internal wear and tear.
How to clean correctly:
Consequences of poor cleaning: In addition to the aforementioned issues, poor cleaning can necessitate the manual removal of hardened concrete: a complex, lengthy, and costly procedure involving high safety risks for operators in confined spaces. The cleaning routine also offers an opportunity to carefully inspect the truck mixer and detect small cracks, unusual wear, or loosening early on.
The hydraulic system is the machine's heart: without it, the truck mixer stops.
What to check daily:
Warning signs: Unusual noises from the hydraulic pump, slow or jerky drum movements, overheating of the oil or components.
Consequences of a neglected hydraulic system: The truck mixer's performance gradually degrades, leading to costly and unexpected breakdowns, prolonged operational interruptions, and uncontrollable movements that jeopardize safety on the construction site.
Safety is paramount: devices must always be checked and functional.
To be checked daily:
CIFA truck mixers are designed in compliance with EN 12609, which sets requirements for underrun protection bars, lateral cyclist protection, and anti-shearing systems. During every check or maintenance procedure, the operator must wear the appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): gloves, goggles, safety footwear, helmet, high-visibility vest.
Consequences of malfunctions: Failure to comply with daily safety checks significantly increases the risk of serious accidents, permanent or fatal injuries, and entails severe legal penalties. Performing these checks is fundamental to promoting a solid safety culture.
The three daily checks are just the beginning; a comprehensive scheduled maintenance plan for the truck mixer ensures optimal performance in the long term.
Following the CIFA manual means protecting the warranty, the residual value, and the reliability of the vehicle. The engine, transmission, lubrication, electrical system, and water dosing system must be included in a broader routine of checks.
Specifically, the truck engine (and any auxiliary engine) requires periodic checks of oil and filters, and verification of the service belts. The transmission system also needs oil checks and inspection for leaks or abnormal noises. The general electrical system, including the battery and wiring, must be inspected regularly. The general lubrication of moving parts such as drum rollers, bearings, and chute joints is crucial and may require weekly attention. It's also important to inspect the chassis and sub-frame for corrosion or structural damage, check the drum rotation gearbox for oil, noise, and overheating, and periodically calibrate the water and additive dosing system to ensure concrete quality, as required by regulations.
Truck mixer maintenance is not an expense: it's an investment that leads to greater safety, continuous and reliable operation, significant extension of the vehicle's service life, guarantee of superior concrete quality, and a drastic reduction of unexpected and costly machine downtimes. Adopting a diligent approach to maintenance also promotes sustainability: a well-maintained machine lasts longer, operates efficiently by optimizing consumption, and reducing emissions. The goal is to ensure that every CIFA truck mixer operates at its maximum potential, ensuring safety, efficiency, and reliability, thus contributing to the success of your projects.
Make your CIFA truck mixer an indispensable partner.
With the right maintenance and our support, performance will always be at its peak. With CIFA's support and constant maintenance, you will always have efficiency, reliability, and value over time.
Contact our team: discover our CIFA assistance services and keep your truck mixer performing optimally.
Download our complete checklist to always have an essential reminder on hand and ensure your truck mixer is always at its best.
