Find the right size, understand rental costs, and get your project done without buying equipment you'll only use once.
Renting a concrete mixer is one of the smartest moves a homeowner or contractor can make for a short-term project. Whether you're pouring a new patio, setting fence posts, building a retaining wall, or filling in a foundation repair, a concrete mixer rental gives you the control and capacity to work at your own pace, without the cost and storage burden of owning the equipment. This guide covers everything from mixer sizes and types to rental costs, deposit expectations, and how to choose the right machine for your job.
Common Questions About Renting a Concrete Mixer
- How much does it cost to rent a concrete mixer per day?
- Concrete mixer rental rates typically run between $45 and $120 per day depending on the drum size and whether the unit is electric or gas-powered. Small electric mixers in the 2 to 3 cubic foot range tend to land at the lower end, while larger towable gas mixers (6 to 9 cubic feet) cost more per day. Weekly rates usually offer a discount compared to booking multiple single days.
- Do I need a deposit to rent a concrete mixer?
- Most rental providers require a refundable deposit, often between $50 and $200, held on a credit card. The deposit is returned when the mixer comes back clean and undamaged. Some providers require you to return the drum clean of hardened concrete, so plan to wash it out with water before you return it.
- Can I pick up a rented concrete mixer, or does it need to be delivered?
- Many compact electric and portable drum mixers are trailer-friendly or fit in a pickup truck bed, making them easy to pick up yourself. Larger towable concrete mixers are towed behind a vehicle with a standard 2-inch hitch ball and can also be delivered by the provider for an additional fee. Check with your local provider on rntr.com for pickup and delivery options in your area.
- What drum size do I need for my project?
- A 2 to 3 cubic foot electric mixer handles small jobs like fence post footings, stair repairs, or garden borders. A 6 cubic foot mixer works well for mid-size pours like a small slab or walkway. If you're tackling a larger patio, driveway section, or foundation work, consider a 9 cubic foot towable gas mixer. As a rough guide, each batch in a 6 cubic foot drum produces roughly two to three 80-pound bags of mixed concrete.
- How long can I keep a rented concrete mixer?
- Most rental providers offer hourly, daily, and weekly rental terms. Day rentals are the most common for homeowner projects. If your pour requires multiple days or your schedule is uncertain, booking a weekly rate often saves money. Check your agreement for late return fees, as they can add up quickly.
- Is there anything I need to do before returning the mixer?
- Yes. You must clean the drum thoroughly before returning it. Add water and a few shovelfuls of gravel to the rotating drum for a few minutes to break up residue, then rinse it out completely. Returning a mixer with hardened concrete inside can result in damage fees since removing cured concrete is labor-intensive for the rental provider.
- What's the difference between a portable concrete mixer and a towable concrete mixer?
- Portable mixers are compact, often electric units designed to sit on a stand or frame and be moved by hand. They're ideal for backyard or indoor projects with limited space. Towable concrete mixers are gas-powered, larger-capacity units mounted on a wheeled frame with a hitch, designed to be towed to the job site. They can handle bigger pours and are better suited for professional or semi-professional projects.
Types of Concrete Mixers Available to Rent
Small Electric Drum Mixers (2 to 3 cu ft)
These compact units run on standard 120V outlets and are designed for light-duty residential work. They're easy to transport in a car trunk or small truck, and they're the most affordable mixer rental option. Projects like setting anchor bolts, filling post holes, or patching concrete steps are ideal candidates. Rental providers in cities like Johnson City, TN and Aurora, CO carry electric models in this size range.
Mid-Size Gas Mixers (5 to 7 cu ft)
A 5 to 7 cubic foot gas-powered mixer is the most versatile category for homeowners tackling a weekend project. These units don't require an electrical hookup, which makes them practical on job sites, driveways, or yards without easy outlet access. They can handle a full 80-pound bag of dry concrete mix per batch comfortably. Rental listings for this size are widely available, including a 6 cu ft towable gas mixer available in Mount Airy, NC.
Large Towable Gas Mixers (9 cu ft)
For bigger pours like driveways, larger slabs, footings, or commercial patch work, a 9 cubic foot towable concrete mixer delivers the volume you need to keep up with a steady workflow. These units tow behind a pickup or SUV with a standard ball hitch. The 9 cu ft gas concrete mixer available in Johnson City, TN is a good example of what to expect from a larger rental unit.
Portable Mud Mixers
Mud mixers, also called paddle mixers or mortar mixers, are drill-style or standalone units used for mixing mortar, stucco, grout, or thin-set rather than concrete aggregate. They don't tumble the material in a drum; instead, they use a rotating paddle to blend material in a bucket or tub. If you're working with tile adhesive, masonry mortar, or similar materials, a mud mixer is the right tool. A portable concrete mud mixer rental is a lighter, more affordable option than a full drum mixer for these applications.
Concrete Mixer Rental Options Compared
Use this comparison to match your project scope with the right rental equipment. Sizes, pricing, and availability vary by provider and location.
| Mixer Type | Drum Capacity | Power Source | Best For | Typical Daily Rate | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Electric Drum Mixer | 2 to 3 cu ft | Electric (120V) | Post holes, patches, small repairs | $45 to $65/day | Truck bed or trailer |
| Mid-Size Gas Drum Mixer | 5 to 7 cu ft | Gas | Walkways, small slabs, footings | $70 to $100/day | Tow or truck bed |
| Large Towable Gas Mixer | 9 cu ft | Gas | Driveways, larger slabs, commercial patches | $95 to $130/day | Tow-behind hitch |
| Portable Mud Mixer | Bucket or tub | Electric | Mortar, grout, stucco, thin-set | $35 to $60/day | Hand carry or truck bed |
Concrete Mixer Rental Cost: What to Expect
Daily Rates
Small electric drum mixers usually rent for $45 to $65 per day. Mid-size gas models in the 5 to 7 cubic foot range fall between $70 and $100 per day. Large 9 cubic foot towable units run $95 to $130 per day at most local rental providers.
Weekly Rates
If your project spans several days, a weekly rental usually works out cheaper than paying daily rates for four or five days. Weekly rates for a mid-size mixer typically range from $200 to $350, depending on the provider and region.
Deposits
Expect a refundable deposit of $50 to $200. This is held on your credit card and returned once the equipment comes back in good condition and clean of concrete residue.
Fuel Costs
Gas-powered mixers are returned full or you pay a fueling fee. Factor in a gallon or two of gas for a full day of use.
Delivery Fees
Pickup is free when you transport the equipment yourself. Delivery from the rental provider adds to the total, often $25 to $75 depending on distance, but it can be worth it for large towable units that require a hitch-equipped vehicle.
For a broader look at what to budget across a construction project, the guide to construction site rental equipment covers additional tools and cost considerations.
How Many Bags Can You Mix at Once, and Is It Worth It?
How many 80-pound bags fit in a mixer?
A standard drum mixer only fills to about 60 percent of its rated capacity during actual use. A 6 cubic foot drum holds roughly 1.5 to 2 full 80-pound bags per batch. A 9 cubic foot drum can handle 2 to 3 bags per batch. Overfilling causes poor mixing and puts strain on the motor or engine. Plan your bag count and number of batches accordingly before you start.
Is renting a concrete mixer worth it versus buying bagged concrete?
For projects requiring more than 10 to 15 bags of concrete, renting a mixer is almost always the better move. Mixing by hand in a wheelbarrow is physically exhausting and produces inconsistent results, especially as batches pile up. A mixer gives you a consistent blend, reduces labor strain, and lets you control your pace.
Is it cheaper to mix your own concrete or buy ready-mix?
For smaller jobs under a cubic yard (about 45 to 50 80-pound bags), mixing your own with bagged product and a rented mixer is almost always cheaper than ordering a ready-mix truck. Ready-mix has a minimum delivery charge, often $150 to $300, plus per-yard pricing. If your pour is small enough to manage in batches, a day rental and some bags from the hardware store is the most cost-effective route. For large pours over a yard and a half, the math shifts and ready-mix starts to make more sense.
If your project also involves digging for footings or laying utility lines, you might be looking at a trencher alongside your mixer. The guide to renting a trencher is a useful companion resource.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Concrete Mixer Rental
Calculate your concrete volume before you rent. Use a simple length x width x depth calculation (in feet) divided by 27 to get cubic yards. This determines how many bags you need and whether a small or large mixer makes sense.
Have everything staged before you start. Water source, dry bags, wheelbarrow, forms, and screeding tools should all be in place before you fire up the mixer. Concrete doesn't wait.
Check the drum direction before adding material. Most rental mixers rotate in one direction for mixing and reverse for pouring. Understand the controls before loading the drum.
Add water gradually. Start with about 80 percent of the recommended water amount, then add more as needed. Over-watered concrete is weaker and slower to cure. Under-watered mix is hard to work but structurally sound.
Clean the drum immediately after your last batch. Once concrete starts to set inside the drum, it becomes very difficult to remove. Add water and coarse gravel to the spinning drum and let it run for a few minutes, then rinse it completely. Returning it dirty risks losing your deposit.
Inspect the equipment at pickup. Before you load the mixer, check that the drum rotates freely, the motor or engine starts correctly, and there are no existing cracks or damage. Note any pre-existing wear with the provider so you're not held responsible for it at return.