Buying a BX23S and need advice on an Auger mounted cement mixer

[RKN]

I ordered the Danuser EP6 Auger Unit (#10180) and offset skid steer mount (#20652) for a Kubota BX23S subcompact tractor that i have on order. If the tractor is providing hydraulic flow at the lower end of the unit's GPM range at 6.2 GPM, do you think the auger unit will be able to operate a 47-gallon (up to a 3 cement bag capacity) auger-mounted cement mixer bowl attachment? Based on the guidance that Danuser provides on its website, the 6GPM flow produces 36 RPMs. I was looking at the "Arrow" and "Premiere" auger-mounted cement bowl mixers with cradle amount.

From what i've read on cement mixing, rpms of the Danuser unit seem sufficient for concrete mixing. The loader weight capacity may be an issue if i go beyond a couples bags of concrete. Any advice or insight would be much appreciated.

 

[boz1989]

Are you aware that the 6.2 is the pump flow, then the power steering takes its portion. My guess is you are looking at 4gpm at best. I could be wrong, more knowledgeable minds should be along soon.

Sent from my LGMP260 using Tapatalk

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Ok, I've got lots of questions...
1st cost. Buying and building a 'cement mixer' seems expensive.You've got a LOT of building to do,need proper sized hoses, couplers,3rd function valving

2nd did you look at PTO driven units? Up here I can get one for 1K, mixes 5 cuft. I don't know volume of a 2 bag mix though....

3rd loader is good for about 500#,so eight of the 'bits and pieces ' WILL be an issue,and I don't know weight of 3 bag mix.

4th moving it. it won't be 'fun' driving the tractor/mixer loaded !

why the mixer ? doing a LOT of post holes ?? ONE job or many ?? can you just rent a mixer for the day ??

I know it's nice to have 'toys' but unless you're going to use it enough to pay for the materials and your time, it's better to buy a premade unit or rent.
I built a SSQA snowblower...2 months labour, still on bench..not enough snow, sigh.

 

[NHSleddog]

I won't question why you want to do tractor work with your tractor. Good on you.

I have been looking at building the same type setup for my B2650

For everyone wondering why, if you already have the auger (to dig the holes) using the same auger to spin the mixer just makes sense. It is far more maneuverable as well allowing the operator to do a complete dump/fill alone from the seat.

To the OP

WELCOME to the forums!

Take a look at AugerTorque
https://www.augertorqueusa.com/product-range/cement-mixer-bowls.html

I think I am going to end up using one of their auger models as well,
https://www.augertorqueusa.com/product-range/earth-drills/mini-excavators-1t-to-3t.html The 900-9 unit.

My main concern with a hydraulic auger was RPM for digging the hole.

See this thread,
https://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44438

The model you are looking at is going to turn very slowly.

Take pictures and video if you get it setup.

 

[SidecarFlip]

I'd go with a 3PH mounted one. I have one in the barn, don't use it often, but when I do it's the cat's meow and you can empty it by raising the hitch. Mine is a 4 bagger.

I don't believe you have enough flow to run one at a satisfactory rpm.

 

[RKN]

Are you aware that the 6.2 is the pump flow, then the power steering takes its portion. My guess is you are looking at 4gpm at best. I could be wrong, more knowledgeable minds should be along soon.

Sent from my LGMP260 using Tapatalk

Thanks for the reply. I was planning on having the tractor stationary while mixing concrete.

 

[PaulL]

I think the BX uses one pump for loader and power steering. The power steering only takes flow when you're actually turning the wheels. So in theory the full flow is available. However, I'd be surprised if you're getting that much flow at a 3rd function valve. How does the auger go drilling holes? I'd have thought a BX was pretty limited for a FEL mounted auger.

 

[RKN]

Ok, I've got lots of questions...
1st cost. Buying and building a 'cement mixer' seems expensive.You've got a LOT of building to do,need proper sized hoses, couplers,3rd function valving

2nd did you look at PTO driven units? Up here I can get one for 1K, mixes 5 cuft. I don't know volume of a 2 bag mix though....

3rd loader is good for about 500#,so eight of the 'bits and pieces ' WILL be an issue,and I don't know weight of 3 bag mix.

4th moving it. it won't be 'fun' driving the tractor/mixer loaded !

why the mixer ? doing a LOT of post holes ?? ONE job or many ?? can you just rent a mixer for the day ??

I know it's nice to have 'toys' but unless you're going to use it enough to pay for the materials and your time, it's better to buy a premade unit or rent.
I built a SSQA snowblower...2 months labour, still on bench..not enough snow, sigh.

Thanks for the reply and questions.

I have several acres that I will need to fence off. It's a big project, but I can take my time. I want to make the most use of my tractor and do it myself and not have to pay someone to do it. On a net cost basis, this route is actually cheaper for me.

For context, I was originally looking to use the auger unit solely for post hole digging which i think it can do, albeit slowly, given the low hydraulic flow capacity from my tractor. Having the ability to mix the concrete for the footings with the same auger unit would be convenient and help me avoid buying a dedicated cement mixer with another motor that I would need to maintain.

I definitely could rent, just a little bit of a hassle especially when i decide to do something last minute.

There are a couple attachments for sale out there that I referenced in my original post that im hoping would eliminate the need to build anything.

As for a PTO option, I may ultimately end up going there due to the limits I have on hydraulic flow. There is one that I'm looking at that I would pick up if I determine that the auger mounted option will not work. I think the auger mounted option is just an little bit more convenient for me.

I thought about the loader limits. I wouldn't be moving around at all while mixing. The mixer attachments I'm looking at are cradles that allow for the weight of the load to rest on the ground. With the cradle, It looks like the loader tilts the bucket forward to dump while weight is still largely supported by the ground. I would need to move from hole to hole so there would be some transportation of the load.

Lastly, I really do like toys, but my main motivation is that I want to get out there and do projects on my land, on my own, and on my own time. The more useful toys I have conveniently available, the more inclined I will be to get stuff done when I come up on periods where I have available time,

 

[RKN]

I think the BX uses one pump for loader and power steering. The power steering only takes flow when you're actually turning the wheels. So in theory the full flow is available. However, I'd be surprised if you're getting that much flow at a 3rd function valve. How does the auger go drilling holes? I'd have thought a BX was pretty limited for a FEL mounted auger.

Thanks for the response.

I dont have the auger yet. But I'm anticipating that for digging, it will be slow. I'm relying on some conversations I've had with Messicks and posts I've read from Danuser prior to making the purchase. I decided to take the risk on the purchase because as a plan B, I do have access to a skid steer which I could use the auger on as well if the BX23S just cant do it.

 

[RKN]

I'd go with a 3PH mounted one. I have one in the barn, don't use it often, but when I do it's the cat's meow and you can empty it by raising the hitch. Mine is a 4 bagger.

I don't believe you have enough flow to run one at a satisfactory rpm.

Thanks for the response and guidance. I was also looking at the NorTrac 3 point hitch cement mixer as an option.

 

[SidecarFlip]

Thanks for the response and guidance. I was also looking at the NorTrac 3 point hitch cement mixer as an option.

Not familiar with it. ASC (Agri Supply) has one too. You might want to compare prices. Mine works flawlessly when I need it and to dump, you just raise the 3 point and it tilts back and empties. Lower the 3 point and it sets down on it's feet, ready to get loaded.

I don't believe you'll be happy with a hydraulic unit as you don't have that much fluid flow.

 

[PaulL]

Thanks for the response.

I dont have the auger yet. But I'm anticipating that for digging, it will be slow. I'm relying on some conversations I've had with Messicks and posts I've read from Danuser prior to making the purchase. I decided to take the risk on the purchase because as a plan B, I do have access to a skid steer which I could use the auger on as well if the BX23S just cant do it.

Did you consider a 3ph auger? I know they exist for a BX, admittedly limited capacity and height, but you can mess around with blocks under your rear wheels, and using FEL to lift front wheels to generate a bit more angle I think. Certainly 3ph gives a lot more power, so worth investigating.

If you had the auger already and it worked OK for drilling holes, I'd say it'd probably mix concrete. But if you haven't already got it, I'd consider other ways to use same tractor to get your outcome.

 

[RKN]

I won't question why you want to do tractor work with your tractor. Good on you.

I have been looking at building the same type setup for my B2650

For everyone wondering why, if you already have the auger (to dig the holes) using the same auger to spin the mixer just makes sense. It is far more maneuverable as well allowing the operator to do a complete dump/fill alone from the seat.

To the OP

WELCOME to the forums!

Take a look at AugerTorque
https://www.augertorqueusa.com/product-range/cement-mixer-bowls.html

I think I am going to end up using one of their auger models as well,
https://www.augertorqueusa.com/product-range/earth-drills/mini-excavators-1t-to-3t.html The 900-9 unit.

My main concern with a hydraulic auger was RPM for digging the hole.

See this thread,
https://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44438

The model you are looking at is going to turn very slowly.

Take pictures and video if you get it setup.

Thanks for all the links and information. Looks like we are trying to do the same thing. The AugerTorque units seem like good options for the post hole digging and cement mixing applications. If i didnt already pull the trigger on the Danuser I may have went with one of the Auger Torque units. Please let me know how it turns out once you get it going. I will post pics and videos if i successfully execute.

 

[RKN]

Did you consider a 3ph auger? I know they exist for a BX, admittedly limited capacity and height, but you can mess around with blocks under your rear wheels, and using FEL to lift front wheels to generate a bit more angle I think. Certainly 3ph gives a lot more power, so worth investigating.

If you had the auger already and it worked OK for drilling holes, I'd say it'd probably mix concrete. But if you haven't already got it, I'd consider other ways to use same tractor to get your outcome.

Thanks for the recommendations. I did consider a 3 point hitch version at one point. I liked the Land Shark Subcompact Tractor PH Digger the best. However, after watching a few YouTube videos, it seemed that PTO PH diggers generally seemed to take a little bit of a beating out on some of those subcompact tractors and they looked like more of a pain to handle. Additionally, with the Hydraulic units I liked the idea of being able to press down with the loader and also have it offset mount to one side of the loader which I thought would help me navigate the boarder of my property a little more efficiently and allow me to see the work from my seat easier that with a PTO unit in the rear.

 

[RKN]

Not familiar with it. ASC (Agri Supply) has one too. You might want to compare prices. Mine works flawlessly when I need it and to dump, you just raise the 3 point and it tilts back and empties. Lower the 3 point and it sets down on it's feet, ready to get loaded.

I don't believe you'll be happy with a hydraulic unit as you don't have that much fluid flow.

Thanks. I was looking at that Cosmo brand one too that ASC has on their website.

 

[PaulL]

Thanks for the recommendations. I did consider a 3 point hitch version at one point. I liked the Land Shark Subcompact Tractor PH Digger the best. However, after watching a few YouTube videos, it seemed that PTO PH diggers generally seemed to take a little bit of a beating out on some of those subcompact tractors and they looked like more of a pain to handle. Additionally, with the Hydraulic units I liked the idea of being able to press down with the loader and also have it offset mount to one side of the loader which I thought would help me navigate the boarder of my property a little more efficiently and allow me to see the work from my seat easier that with a PTO unit in the rear.

Makes sense. Then it's down to time, and to how fast you want to work. With cement, obviously you also have to take smaller bites too, or you get to a point where it just won't turn.

 

[SidecarFlip]

Had that issue myself, I have a 3 point PHD I use quite a bit for fencing. What I did with mine was I built a 'ballast box' that fits on the backside of the PHD that I put steel plate weights in to add down force. Worked out real good with 300 pounds of 'down force' on it and I have clay soil.

 

[SidecarFlip]

Thanks. I was looking at that Cosmo brand one too that ASC has on their website.

I buy a lot of stuff from them. I don't have any stores close by but their shipping is reasonable and prices very good.

 

[RKN]

I buy a lot of stuff from them. I don't have any stores close by but their shipping is reasonable and prices very good.

Thanks again. After thinking through this decision more and considering everyone's comments, I decided to pull the trigger on a 3 point hitch cement mixer. I got warm to the idea of having the combination of the loader-mounted hydraulic post hole digger and the 3PH cement mixer.

 

[shiraz627]

Why are you making a job bigger than it has to be! When I hired a fence contractor they came in dug the holes by hand. Set the post, added bag of concrete then poured in some water. No cement mixer!