CAT CLASS: HQ-10082

5-9 cu ft Portable Concrete Mixer

The 5-9 cu ft portable concrete mixer is the workhorse of small-scale concrete work, sized for jobs poured a wheelbarrow at a time. With drum capacities of 5.0–6.0 cubic feet, this class sits in the middle of the portable mixer ladder, above hobbyist and light-duty units and below high-volume contractor models. Brands including Kushlan, Multiquip, and Imer dominate this segment.

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Models

Brands

Cat classes

Pick a size class — capacity and reach differ across the range.

Key specifications

Specification	Typical range	What it means
Drum Capacity	5.0–6.0 cu ft	The volume of unmixed material the drum holds; yields approximately 3.5–4.0 cu ft of finished concrete per batch.
Batch Output	~1 wheelbarrow per batch	Each mix fills a standard contractor wheelbarrow, matching the pace of one-person pour-and-finish operations.
Mix Cycle Time	3–5 minutes	Time required to achieve uniform concrete consistency; includes charging, mixing, and discharge.

How to choose

Choose the 5-9 cu ft class for jobs requiring multiple batches but manageable by a single operator—footings, small slabs, steps, and pads where a wheelbarrow-at-a-time workflow is practical. When the project demands only one or two batches total (fence posts, mailbox pads), the Up to 5 cu ft Portable Concrete Mixer offers easier handling and lower weight. For continuous pours, larger foundation work, or projects exceeding a cubic yard, the 9+ cu ft Portable Concrete Mixer reduces batch count and speeds placement.

What this size handles

Residential walkways and patios up to 100–150 sq ft
Shed and deck footings requiring 4–8 piers
Concrete steps and small landings
Repair patches and floor leveling in sections
Small retaining walls and garden borders
Fence-line curbs and equipment pads

Safety & operation

Rotating drum and exposed paddle assembly present entanglement hazards during operation; maintain clear hands and tools
Wet concrete is caustic; gloves and eye protection are standard practice during charging and discharge
Stable footing is essential on uneven ground; many operators chock wheels or stake the frame before mixing
Gasoline models require ventilation; never operate indoors or in enclosed spaces

Transport & logistics

Light enough for pickup truck bed loading or small utility trailer (typically under 200 lbs empty)
Most units feature handles or wheel kits for maneuvering around job sites
Compact footprint allows transport in enclosed vans or alongside other tools

Power & supply

Electric models operate on standard 120V / 15A household circuits; common on sites with temporary power or generator access
Gasoline-powered variants use small 4-stroke engines (3–5 HP) for off-grid locations and remote pours

Frequently asked

How many 80 lb bags of concrete does a 6 cu ft mixer handle per batch?

Typically 2–3 bags, depending on water content and desired slump. Overloading reduces mixing efficiency and strains the motor or engine.

What distinguishes this size class from smaller hobby mixers?

The 5-9 cu ft class uses heavier-duty drums, larger motors or engines, and reinforced frames designed for repeated daily batches, whereas smaller units are built for occasional light use.

Can this mixer handle mortar and stucco as well as concrete?

Yes; the drum and paddle design accommodate mortar, stucco, and grout. Cleaning between material types prevents contamination and set-time issues.