Inside a concrete track. Part II.
Construction tips.
The drum on the back of the truck is designed to rotate at specific torque specs, powered by the diesel engine. Inside the drum, spiral blades mix the concrete as the drum turns. This design ensures that every cubic yard of concrete stays consistent and doesn’t settle into layers.
The drum however, is not just spinning randomly; the direction and speed of the spin matter. During transport, the drum rotates one way to keep the mix fresh. When it’s time to pour, the rotation reverses to discharge the concrete mix.
The rear axle of the truck supports the weight of the spinning barrel, while limited-slip differentials help manage rear wheel spin, especially on uneven or muddy job sites.
Concrete truck drivers play a critical role here, using hand-eye coordination to manage speed, balance, and drum rotation on the go.