Concrete and mixing equipment rental in Europe
1 entry in Construction — Concrete and mixing equipment rental
Concrete and mixing equipment rental covers the machinery contractors and self-builders need to prepare, transport and place concrete and mortar on site without buying the kit outright. This spans small drum mixers suited to fence posts, paving and garden walls, through to towed and site mixers for larger pours, along with power screeds, poker vibrators, wheelbarrows and mixing platforms. Some suppliers also offer volumetric mixers or minibatch trucks that mix on demand at the kerb, which suits jobs where timing and consistency matter more than sheer bulk.
Hire generally works on a daily or weekly basis, with delivery and collection arranged around the job rather than the calendar week, since concrete work is weather and schedule dependent. Operators may be offered as part of the package for larger or towed units, while smaller mixers are typically self-drive and collected from a depot or delivered by van. Fuel type varies between petrol, diesel and electric, which affects noise, emissions and suitability for indoor or enclosed sites, so it is worth checking access restrictions before booking.
What is available and how it is priced varies by supplier and by region, with local depots in construction hubs such as Leicester often carrying a wider mix of towed and static equipment than smaller outlets. Before booking, check the maximum aggregate size the mixer can handle, the drum capacity against your pour volume, whether cleaning is included or charged separately, and what happens if concrete sets in the drum through late return. It is also sensible to confirm site access for larger machines, since kerbs, gates and soft ground can rule out towed units.
Frequently asked
- What size mixer do I need for a small job like a patio or shed base?
- A single-bag or small drum mixer with a modest capacity is usually enough for garden walls, post bases, shed footings or a small patio. For anything beyond a few cubic metres, a larger towed mixer or a delivered ready-mix load will be quicker and less physically demanding.
- Do I need to hire an operator with the equipment?
- Small handheld and drum mixers are almost always self-drive, so no operator is needed. Larger towed mixers, volumetric trucks or specialist screeding equipment are sometimes offered with an operator, particularly where the supplier wants to protect the machine or ensure the mix is correct.
- What happens if concrete sets inside the mixer drum before I return it?
- Most hire agreements make the hirer responsible for cleaning the drum immediately after use and will charge a cleaning or damage fee if concrete is left to set. It is worth washing out the drum on site before collection, even if a cleaning service is included, to avoid disputes.
- Can I get concrete delivered ready-mixed instead of hiring a mixer?
- Yes, for larger or time-sensitive pours a volumetric or ready-mix delivery is often more practical than hiring a mixer, since it avoids on-site mixing altogether. This suits jobs where consistency and volume matter more than flexibility over timing.
- What should I check about site access before booking larger equipment?
- Confirm the width of gates, driveways and any turning space, since towed mixers and delivery trucks need reasonable access and firm ground. Soft, sloped or restricted sites may rule out larger machines and push you towards smaller, more manoeuvrable equipment or a pumped delivery instead.
- Is fuel type something I need to think about?
- Yes, petrol and diesel mixers are common for outdoor use but produce fumes and noise that can be unsuitable indoors or in enclosed spaces. Electric mixers are quieter and cleaner but depend on a nearby power source, so check what is practical for your site before choosing.