Concrete Mixer Rental: The Complete Guide for 2026
Renting a concrete mixer is often the smartest choice for small-to-medium concrete projects. A rental lets you mix concrete on-site at your own pace without the $300–$3,000+ investment of buying one. This guide covers rental costs by mixer size, where to rent, how to choose the right size, and when renting beats buying or ordering ready-mix delivery.
💰 Mixer Rental Cost Quick Reference
| Mixer Size | 4-Hour Rental | Daily Rental | Weekly Rental | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 cu ft (electric) | $30–$45 | $45–$65 | $150–$250 | Small repairs, fence posts |
| 3.5 cu ft (electric) | $40–$55 | $55–$80 | $180–$280 | Fence posts, small pads |
| 6 cu ft (gas) | $55–$75 | $75–$110 | $250–$400 | Sidewalks, small slabs |
| 9 cu ft (gas) | $65–$95 | $95–$140 | $350–$500 | Driveways, patios, footings |
| 12 cu ft (gas) | $80–$120 | $120–$175 | $400–$600 | Large pours, commercial |
| Towable (1 yd) | $120–$180 | $175–$275 | $600–$900 | Large projects, continuous |
*Prices vary by location and rental company. Fuel costs not included for gas models.
Types of Concrete Mixers Available for Rent
Portable Electric Mixers (2–3.5 cu ft)
Small electric drum mixers are the most commonly rented mixers. They plug into a standard 120V outlet, are lightweight enough for one person to move, and can mix 1–2 bags of concrete per batch (about 0.5–1 cubic foot of mixed concrete per load).
- Capacity: 1–2 bags (60–80 lb) per batch
- Mix time: 3–5 minutes per batch
- Output: About 0.5–1 cubic foot per batch
- Power: 120V standard outlet
- Weight: 100–150 lbs
- Best for: Fence posts, small repairs, countertops, stepping stones, mailbox posts
Wheelbarrow/Barrel Mixers (6–9 cu ft)
Gas-powered barrel mixers are the workhorses for medium-sized projects. They typically have Honda or similar small engines and can handle 2–4 bags per batch. These are what most contractors rent for sidewalks, small slabs, and footings.
- Capacity: 2–4 bags (80 lb) per batch
- Mix time: 3–5 minutes per batch
- Output: 2–4 cubic feet per batch
- Power: Gas engine (fuel not included in rental)
- Weight: 200–400 lbs
- Best for: Sidewalks, small slabs, steps, footings, retaining walls
Towable Mixers (9–12+ cu ft)
Large towable mixers sit on a trailer frame and are towed to the job site with a truck or SUV. They can handle 4–6 bags per batch and are the largest mixers available at most rental companies.
- Capacity: 4–8 bags (80 lb) per batch
- Mix time: 3–5 minutes per batch
- Output: 4–6 cubic feet per batch (about 1/5 to 1/4 of a cubic yard)
- Power: Gas engine
- Weight: 500–1,200 lbs
- Best for: Driveways, large patios, foundation work, continuous pouring needs
Where to Rent a Concrete Mixer
| Rental Company | Sizes Available | Daily Rate Range | Delivery? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Depot | 3.5, 6, 9 cu ft | $55–$140 | Yes ($79+) | Most convenient, 1,200+ locations |
| Sunbelt Rentals | 6, 9, 12 cu ft, towable | $75–$275 | Yes | Better selection, contractor-focused |
| United Rentals | 6, 9, 12 cu ft, towable | $80–$275 | Yes | Largest rental company, wide network |
| Lowe's | 3.5, 6 cu ft | $50–$110 | Limited | Fewer locations offer rentals |
| Local equipment rental | Varies | $50–$200 | Usually | Often best prices, personalized service |
| Herc Rentals | 6, 9, 12 cu ft, towable | $75–$250 | Yes | Commercial/contractor focused |
Home Depot Concrete Mixer Rental
Home Depot is the most popular choice for DIYers and small contractors because of convenience — there are over 2,000 locations across the US, and most have a tool rental center. They typically stock 3.5 cu ft and 6 cu ft electric and gas mixers.
Pricing (typical):
- 3.5 cu ft electric: $55/day, $180/week
- 6 cu ft gas: $85/day, $300/week
- 9 cu ft gas: $120/day, $420/week
Pro tip: Home Depot often has 4-hour rental rates that are 60–70% of the daily rate. If your project is small, a half-day rental saves significantly. Also, buying bags of concrete from the same Home Depot and renting the mixer gives you the convenience of one trip.
Sunbelt Rentals & United Rentals
For larger mixers (9–12 cu ft) and towable units, Sunbelt and United Rentals are your best bet. They focus on contractor-grade equipment and typically stock more sizes and higher-capacity mixers than big-box stores.
These companies also offer delivery service, which is essential for towable mixers that you can't transport in a pickup truck. Delivery fees typically run $75–$150 each way depending on distance.
What Size Mixer Do You Need?
Choosing the right mixer size depends on your project volume and time constraints. Here's a practical guide:
| Project | Concrete Needed | Recommended Mixer | Batches Needed | Mixing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 fence posts | 2–4 bags | 3.5 cu ft electric | 2–4 | 15–20 min |
| 10 fence posts | 10–15 bags | 6 cu ft gas | 5–8 | 30–45 min |
| Small slab (4×4') | 8–10 bags | 6 cu ft gas | 4–5 | 25–35 min |
| Sidewalk (4×20') | 25–30 bags | 9 cu ft gas | 8–10 | 45–60 min |
| Patio (10×12') | 45–50 bags | 9 cu ft gas | 12–15 | 1–1.5 hours |
| Driveway (10×20') | 2.5 yards | Towable or ready-mix | 20+ bags | 2+ hours |
Use our concrete slab calculator to figure out exactly how many bags or yards you need for your project. Then use the table above to pick the right mixer size.
Rent vs. Buy vs. Ready-Mix: The Decision Framework
The three main options for getting mixed concrete are: renting a mixer (and buying bags), buying a mixer outright, or ordering ready-mix delivery from a batch plant. Here's when each option makes sense:
Rent a Mixer When:
- You need less than 1 cubic yard of concrete
- You have a one-time or infrequent project
- You don't have storage space for a mixer
- You need to mix at your own pace (multiple pours over the day)
- The job site is hard to access for a ready-mix truck
- You want to control mix consistency batch by batch
Buy a Mixer When:
- You're a contractor who does small pours regularly (weekly or more)
- Rental costs would exceed purchase price within 5–10 uses
- You need a mixer on every job for patching, grouting, or small pours
- You have a shop or trailer to store/transport it
Break-Even Analysis: Rent vs. Buy
| Mixer Size | Purchase Price | Daily Rental | Break-Even (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 cu ft electric | $250–$400 | $55–$80 | 4–6 rental days |
| 6 cu ft gas | $500–$900 | $75–$110 | 6–9 rental days |
| 9 cu ft gas | $800–$1,500 | $95–$140 | 7–12 rental days |
| 12 cu ft gas | $1,500–$3,000 | $120–$175 | 10–18 rental days |
If you'll use it more than the break-even number of days per year, buying makes sense.
Order Ready-Mix When:
- You need more than 1 cubic yard of concrete
- Time is critical — ready-mix arrives pre-mixed and ready to pour
- You need specific mix designs (high-strength, fiber-reinforced, colored)
- The job site is accessible to a concrete truck
- You're doing a continuous pour (driveways, foundations, slabs over 100 SF)
The 1-yard rule of thumb: If your project needs less than 1 cubic yard, rent a mixer and buy bags. If it needs more than 1 yard, order ready-mix delivery. The crossover point where ready-mix becomes cheaper is usually around 1–1.5 cubic yards, because bagged concrete costs $5.50–$7.00 per 80-lb bag (about $150–$190 per cubic yard in materials alone), while ready-mix delivery costs $125–$175 per cubic yard including delivery for typical residential orders.
Check our ready-mix concrete guide and delivery cost guide for detailed ready-mix pricing.
How to Use a Rented Concrete Mixer
Before You Start
- Position the mixer on flat, stable ground close to your work area.
- For gas mixers, check oil level and fill the fuel tank.
- Have your bags of concrete, water supply, and tools ready before starting.
- Wear safety gear: gloves, safety glasses, dust mask, and boots.
Mixing Process
- Add water first: Pour about 2/3 of the recommended water into the spinning drum.
- Add dry mix: Pour one bag at a time into the spinning drum. Don't overload — stay within the mixer's rated capacity.
- Add remaining water: Slowly add the rest of the water until you reach the desired consistency. The mix should be wet enough to pour but stiff enough to hold its shape when mounded.
- Mix for 3–5 minutes: Let the drum spin until the mix is uniform with no dry pockets.
- Pour: Tilt the drum to pour concrete into a wheelbarrow or directly into your forms.
- Repeat: Start the next batch immediately — don't let the drum sit empty with concrete residue drying inside.
After You're Done
- Clean immediately: Add water and gravel to the drum and let it spin for 5 minutes. Dump the wash water (not down a drain — it's alkaline). Repeat until the drum is clean.
- Clean the exterior: Rinse off any concrete splatter on the frame and drum exterior.
- Return on time: Most rental companies charge for extra hours or days if you return late.
Critical: Never return a mixer with hardened concrete in the drum. Rental companies will charge you $50–$200+ in cleaning fees, and you may forfeit your deposit.
Cost Comparison: Mixer Rental + Bags vs. Ready-Mix Delivery
💰 Total Project Cost Comparison
| Project Size | Bags + Rental | Ready-Mix Delivery | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 bags (0.25 yd) | $110–$140 | $275–$375* | Bags + Rental |
| 30 bags (0.75 yd) | $260–$330 | $275–$375* | Close — depends on area |
| 45 bags (1.1 yd) | $370–$460 | $275–$375 | Ready-Mix |
| 60 bags (1.5 yd) | $470–$580 | $300–$400 | Ready-Mix |
| 2 cubic yards | $600–$750 | $350–$475 | Ready-Mix |
*Ready-mix minimum orders often include short-load fees for under 3-5 yards, increasing cost for small orders.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Rental
- Pre-stage everything: Have all your bags, water, forms, tools, and wheelbarrows ready before you pick up the mixer. Every minute counts with a timed rental.
- Rent the right size: Renting a 6 cu ft mixer for a 45-bag project means 15+ batches and 2+ hours of mixing. A 9 cu ft mixer cuts that to 10 batches and saves significant time.
- Consider the 4-hour rate: If your project is small enough to complete in 3–4 hours, the half-day rate saves 30–40% over the daily rate.
- Rent on weekdays: Some rental companies charge premium rates on weekends when demand is highest.
- Check the weekly rate: If your project spans 2–3 days, the weekly rate is often cheaper than 2–3 daily rentals.
- Bring a helper: One person feeding bags while the other manages the mixer and pours doubles your output speed.
- Buy extra bags: Running out of concrete mid-pour is a disaster. Buy 10% more than calculated and return unused bags.
📋 Plan Your Mix and Estimate Your Job
Calculate exactly how many bags you need, estimate labor hours, and create professional quotes. Our free tools do the math so you can focus on the pour.
Safety Considerations
- Never reach into a spinning drum. The rotating drum can catch fingers, gloves, or tools and cause serious injury.
- Wear PPE: Concrete is caustic (pH 12–13). Wear gloves, safety glasses, long sleeves, and boots. Wash any skin contact immediately.
- Secure the mixer: Gas-powered mixers vibrate during operation. Place on level ground and ensure it won't tip or walk during mixing.
- Ventilation: Gas mixers produce carbon monoxide. Never operate in enclosed spaces like garages or basements.
- Lifting: An 80-lb bag of concrete is heavy. Use proper lifting technique — bend at the knees, not the waist. Consider a bag splitter tool if you're handling many bags.
- Dust: Pouring dry concrete mix creates silica dust. Wear a dust mask or respirator, especially in windy conditions.
🔧 Calculate Your Concrete Needs
Before renting a mixer, know exactly how much concrete you need. Our calculators tell you the number of bags or yards required for any project.
Bottom Line
Renting a concrete mixer makes sense for projects under 1 cubic yard where you need to control the pace of your pour. For DIYers, it's almost always the way to go — pick up a mixer and bags from Home Depot, mix on-site, and return the mixer the same day. For contractors, keep a small mixer on your truck for patching and small pours, and order ready-mix for anything over a yard.
The key to a smooth rental experience: know your project volume before you rent (use our calculators), choose the right mixer size, pre-stage everything before the rental clock starts, and clean the mixer thoroughly before returning it. A well-planned mixer rental day can save you hundreds compared to ordering ready-mix delivery for small projects.