How Many Yards of Concrete Can a Concrete Truck Hold? A Comprehensive Guide for Construction Professionals

This article provides a deep dive into the world of concrete trucks, explaining how much concrete they can hold, the different types available, and why this knowledge is crucial for anyone in the construction industry. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, this guide will equip you with the essential information you need to make informed decisions for your next concrete project.

1. What are the Different Types of Concrete Trucks?

In the concrete world, there are primarily two types of trucks used for concrete delivery: the standard concrete truck, also known as a ready-mix truck or in-transit mixer, and the volumetric concrete truck, also called a mobile mixer. As a leading cement truck manufacturing plant, we specialize in producing both. Each type of truck serves a different purpose and has unique capabilities. The standard concrete truck hauls ready-mix concrete from a batch plant to the construction site. These trucks have large rotating drums, also called mixing drums, that continuously mix the concrete to keep it from hardening during transport. Volumetric trucks, on the other hand, carry the raw materials—cement, water, and aggregate—separately and mix concrete on-site.

Understanding these differences is crucial for concrete companies and construction professionals. Choosing the right one can significantly impact project efficiency and cost. This is where our expertise as a concrete truck manufacturer comes in. For example, a volumetric concrete mixer is ideal for projects requiring different types of concrete mixes or remote job sites, far from concrete suppliers. Our Furika Refueling Truck 8.5m³ Fuel Tank, 170HP Engine is popular with many small ready-mix concrete companies.

2. How Much Concrete Can a Standard Concrete Truck Hold?

A standard concrete truck can typically hold around 10 cubic yards of concrete, that’s about 270 cubic feet. However, the amount of concrete a mixer truck can hold may vary quite a bit depending on its size and design. Some standard concrete trucks can carry up to 12 cubic yards, while smaller trucks may hold as little as 3 cubic yards. It’s important to note that weight restrictions often limit the capacity of the truck, which means that even if a truck could physically hold more, it might not be able to carry a full load legally. Here is an example from our product range: Chengli D9 Water Tank Truck 12.37m³ tank. For instance, a concrete truck that physically holds 10 cubic yards may only be allowed to carry 8 cubic to stay within legal weight limits, preventing damage to roads. Some concrete suppliers may charge a surcharge if you don’t order the maximum allowed volume for the truck.

Here’s a simple table to illustrate this:

It’s also important to remember that 1 cubic yard of concrete is equivalent to approximately 81 standard 5-gallon buckets, or about 40 wheelbarrow loads. When you’re wondering how many yards of concrete are in a truck, knowing these conversions can be handy!

3. What is a Volumetric Mixer and How Does it Differ from a Ready-Mix Truck?

A volumetric mixer, also known as a mobile concrete mixer, is a specialized concrete truck that carries the individual ingredients of concrete – cement, sand, aggregate, and water – in separate compartments. Unlike a ready-mix truck that delivers pre-mixed concrete from a batch plant, a volumetric mixer mixes the concrete on-site, allowing for fresh concrete to be produced as needed. This means you only pay for the volume of concrete you use. This feature makes volumetric concrete ideal for projects where the exact amount of concrete needed is uncertain or when different mix designs are required during the concrete project.

Here’s a comparison table:

Volumetric trucks offer greater flexibility, especially for smaller projects or remote locations. They also allow for better quality control since the concrete mix can be adjusted on the spot. For instance, you can adjust the compressive strength as needed. Here is an image to demonstrate a volumetric mixer at work:

4. How Do Weight Restrictions Affect Concrete Delivery?

Weight restrictions play a crucial role in concrete delivery. Even if a concrete truck has a large cubic yard capacity, it might not be able to carry a full load due to legal weight limits on roads. These restrictions are in place to prevent damage to roads and infrastructure. As a supplier, we understand that this can be frustrating for our clients, especially for those managing a large project. It’s important to note that the actual amount of concrete a truck can legally carry depends on various factors, including the truck’s axle configuration, the weight of the concrete mix, and local regulations. A concrete truck loaded with 10 cubic yards of concrete can weigh around 40,000 pounds.

Exceeding these limits can result in hefty fines and pose safety risks. Therefore, it’s essential to coordinate with your concrete supplier to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. They can advise you on the maximum legal load for their trucks in your area. For example, some regions might have different weight restrictions during certain seasons.

5. How Do I Choose the Right Concrete Truck for My Project?

Choosing the right concrete truck depends on several factors, including the size of your project, the type of concrete needed, site accessibility, and budget. For large-scale construction companies involved in large projects, a fleet of standard concrete trucks might be the most efficient option. These trucks are ideal when a large volume of ready-mix concrete is needed quickly.

For smaller projects or construction sites with limited access, a volumetric mixer could be more suitable. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

• Project Size: Large projects often benefit from ready-mix trucks for their large cubic yard capacity, while smaller projects might find volumetric trucks more economical.
• Concrete Type: If your project requires different types of concrete mixes, volumetric trucks offer greater flexibility.
• Site Accessibility: Tight spaces or remote locations might be better served by volumetric trucks.
• Budget: Consider the potential for waste with ready-mix trucks versus the precise amount provided by volumetric trucks.

For specialty contractors, the ability to customize the mix on-site with a volumetric concrete mixer can be a significant advantage. Small and medium-sized construction companies might need to weigh the pros and cons based on each project’s specific requirements.

6. What Should I Consider When Ordering Concrete for My Project?

When ordering concrete, it’s crucial to accurately estimate how much concrete you’ll need to avoid shortages or overages. This is where understanding how much concrete can a truck hold becomes essential. Over-ordering can lead to unnecessary expenses and waste, while under-ordering can cause delays and additional delivery fees. Many companies will charge you extra if you order less than a full truckload. It’s also important to consider lead times. While ready-mix concrete is often readily available, certain specialty mixes or large orders may require more advance notice.

Here’s a checklist to consider:

• Calculate the volume of concrete needed.
• Factor in potential spillage or waste (typically 5-10%).
• Determine the type of concrete required (e.g., standard, high-strength).
• Consider the delivery schedule and lead times.
• Communicate any special requirements to your concrete supplier.
• Ask about minimum order quantities and potential surcharges.

Remember, concrete suppliers are a valuable resource. Don’t hesitate to ask them for guidance on estimating quantities and choosing the right mix for your project. They can also provide insights into local regulations and best practices.

7. How Does a Concrete Truck Mix the Concrete?

Standard concrete trucks, or transit mixer trucks, have a large rotating drum that continuously mixes the concrete during transport. This prevents the concrete from segregating or hardening before it reaches the job site. The mixing drums have internal blades that lift and tumble the concrete, ensuring a consistent mix. These blades are designed to mix thoroughly without over-mixing, which can affect the concrete’s strength. In contrast, volumetric concrete trucks mix the components—cement, water, aggregate—on-site, using a series of augers and conveyors. This method ensures that the concrete is freshly mixed just before it is poured, providing optimal workability and strength.

The mixing process in both types of trucks is designed to achieve homogeneity and the desired consistency. In ready-mix trucks, the mixing starts at the batch plant and continues during transit. The driver can adjust the drum’s rotation speed to maintain the concrete mix‘s quality. In volumetric trucks, the operator controls the mixing process at the construction site, adjusting the proportions of each ingredient as needed.

8. What are the Advantages of Using a Volumetric Concrete Truck?

Volumetric concrete trucks offer several advantages, particularly for specific types of projects. They eliminate the risk of “hot loads” or concrete that has begun to set before reaching the job site. This is a common issue in hot weather or when there are delays in transport.

Here are some key benefits:

• Fresh Concrete: Concrete is mixed on-site, ensuring optimal freshness and workability.
• Customizable Mixes: Operators can adjust the mix design on the spot to meet changing project needs.
• Reduced Waste: You only pay for the precise amount of concrete used, minimizing waste and saving costs.
• Flexibility: Ideal for projects requiring multiple mix designs or intermittent pours.
• Remote Accessibility: Can access remote or challenging sites where ready-mix delivery might be difficult.
• No Hot Loads: Eliminates the risk of concrete setting prematurely.

Volumetric trucks are particularly well-suited for projects like residential foundations, sidewalks, and repair work. Small ready-mix concrete companies often find them invaluable. They’re also gaining popularity in larger commercial projects where precise control over the concrete mix is crucial.

9. How Can a Cement Truck Manufacturing Plant Help My Business?

As a leading concrete truck manufacturing plant, we understand the diverse needs of our target customers, from large-scale construction companies to start-up companies. We offer a wide range of cement trucks, including both ready-mix trucks and volumetric mixers, designed to meet various project requirements and budgets. We can help businesses that need to expand their fleet size and even companies with limited budgets. For example, our Aluminum Alloy Oil Truck 25.5m³ is a very popular model. Our expertise extends beyond manufacturing. We provide comprehensive support, including:

• Customization: We can tailor our trucks to meet your specific needs, whether you need a specific cubic yard capacity or specialized mixing equipment.
• Maintenance and Repair: We offer maintenance and repair services to keep your fleet running smoothly. We even work with companies that need to repair their existing concrete mixer trucks.
• Parts Supply: We stock a wide range of parts for concrete mixer trucks, ensuring quick and easy replacements when needed. We work closely with companies that need to purchase parts for concrete mixer trucks.
• Financing Options: We understand that purchasing a concrete truck is a significant investment. That’s why we offer flexible financing options to suit different budgets.
• Training: We provide training programs for operators and maintenance personnel to ensure safe and efficient operation of our trucks.

We serve both domestic customers and international customers. By partnering with us, you gain access to high-quality concrete trucks, expert advice, and ongoing support. This can help you optimize your operations, reduce costs, and enhance your competitiveness in the market.

10. What are Some Common Misconceptions about Concrete Trucks?

There are several misconceptions about concrete trucks that can lead to poor decision-making. One common myth is that all concrete trucks are the same. As we’ve discussed, ready-mix trucks and volumetric mixers have distinct differences and are suited for different applications. Another misconception is that bigger is always better. While a larger truck can carry more yards of concrete, it might not be the most cost-effective option if you don’t need that much concrete delivered. In fact, ordering a larger truck than needed can result in significant waste, especially with ready-mix concrete.

Here are some other misconceptions:

• Concrete Trucks Only Deliver Concrete: Volumetric trucks can also deliver other materials like mortar and grout.
• Concrete is Always Ready to Pour Upon Arrival: The concrete mix might need adjustments at the site, especially with ready-mix trucks in hot weather.
• Concrete Trucks Can Go Anywhere: Weight restrictions and site accessibility can limit where trucks can go.
• All Concrete is the Same: Concrete comes in various strengths and compositions, depending on the project’s requirements.

Understanding these misconceptions can help you make better-informed decisions when choosing a concrete truck and ordering concrete for your projects. It is important to avoid these misconceptions for heavy equipment rental companies and transportation departments.

FAQs

Conclusion

Here’s a summary of the most important things to remember:

• Concrete trucks come in two main types: ready-mix trucks and volumetric mixers.
• A standard concrete truck typically holds around 10 cubic yards of concrete, but weight restrictions often limit the actual load.
• Volumetric mixers mix concrete on-site, offering flexibility, customizable mixes, and reduced waste.
• Weight restrictions significantly impact concrete delivery and must be considered when ordering concrete.
• Choosing the right concrete truck depends on project size, concrete type, site accessibility, and budget.
• Accurately estimating the amount of concrete needed is crucial to avoid shortages or overages.
• Partnering with a reputable concrete truck manufacturing plant like ours can provide access to high-quality trucks, expert advice, and ongoing support.
• Understanding common misconceptions about concrete trucks can help you make better-informed decisions.
• Specialty contractors involved in unique concrete projects can benefit from the customized mixing capabilities of volumetric concrete trucks.
• For companies that need to replace old vehicles, investing in modern, efficient concrete trucks can lead to long-term cost savings and improved productivity.
• Even companies with limited budgets can find affordable solutions by exploring various financing options and considering the long-term benefits of owning a reliable concrete truck.
• Our Chengliwei Compressed Garbage Truck is very popular with public works departments across the country.
• Chengli Brand – Blasting Equipment Transport Vehicle is another model many of our customers have found very helpful.

By understanding the nuances of concrete trucks and their capabilities, you can make informed decisions that optimize your construction projects, whether it is a simple wheelbarrow job or a construction project involving cubic meters of concrete and a concrete pump. Contact us today to learn more about how our concrete trucks can meet your specific needs and help your business thrive. We are committed to providing everything you need to know about concrete trucks.