Why Buy a Used Mixer Truck?
New concrete mixer trucks cost $200,000–$350,000 fully configured. A quality used truck — properly inspected and maintained — performs at the same level for a fraction of the price, freeing capital for crew, materials, and operations.
Fleet trucks from well-managed operations often have hundreds of thousands of usable miles still ahead. The key is knowing where to look and what to look for.
Lower Upfront Cost
Used trucks typically run 40–70% less than new, freeing capital for crew, materials, and growth.
Faster Availability
New trucks carry 6–18 month lead times. A quality used truck can be deployed in days or weeks.
Proven Performance
Fleet trucks come with real-world service histories — actual performance data, not just spec sheets.
Lower Depreciation
The steepest depreciation happens in years 1–5. Buying used means someone else absorbed that hit.
Types of Mixer Trucks
Front Discharge Mixers
The driver controls the discharge chute from the cab — no rear attendant needed. Ideal for tight job sites, elevated pours, and single-operator efficiency. Front discharge models like the Oshkosh S-Series are the premium standard and hold the highest resale value in any mixer segment.
Rear Discharge Mixers
The most common configuration. A worker at the rear controls the chute. Widely available, lower cost, excellent parts availability. Well-suited for standard pours with a two-person crew where site access is not restricted.
Volumetric Mixers
Carry raw components and mix on-demand at the job site. Zero waste, multiple mix designs from one truck. Ideal for decorative concrete, specialty work, or multi-stop routes with varying pour volumes.
For single-operator efficiency on tight sites, a front discharge tri-axle Oshkosh is the gold standard. If budget is the driver, a tri-axle rear discharge Oshkosh or Terex (2007+) delivers nearly the same operational capacity at a significantly lower price point.
Key Specifications to Evaluate
Drum Capacity
Standard capacities run 7–11 cubic yards. Most commercial operations want 10–11 yd drums for maximum load efficiency. Smaller drums suit residential or weight-restricted routes.
Engine Type & Horsepower
Most heavy mixers run Cummins or Detroit Diesel engines at 350–500+ HP. Look for documented service intervals and rebuilt or replaced long blocks on higher-mileage trucks. Some Oshkosh units carry new 2024 Cummins ISX12 long blocks — effectively a fresh engine clock on a proven chassis.
Axle Configuration
Tri-axle trucks provide greater load capacity and meet bridge law requirements in most states. Tandem-axle trucks are lighter and better for weight-restricted routes or smaller pour volumes. Always confirm compliance with your state's bridge laws for your typical load.
Transmission
Allison automatics are the industry standard — reliable, familiar to all CDL operators, and preferred by experienced drivers. Manual transmissions are uncommon in modern mixers and can limit your driver pool.
Hydraulic System
Powers the drum, water system, and chute. Check for leaks at the pump and motor, inspect hoses for dry-rot, and verify the drum spins smoothly in both directions at varying speeds.
Section 04Top Brands: Oshkosh vs. Terex
| Feature | Oshkosh | Terex |
|---|---|---|
| Market Reputation | Premium — industry gold standard | Strong — used by major ready-mix fleets |
| Front Discharge Available | Yes — S-Series is the market favorite | Limited availability |
| Parts Availability | Excellent — dealers & aftermarket | Good — Terex dealer network |
| Driver Acceptance | Very high — preferred by veterans | High — familiar to most CDL operators |
| Resale Value | Highest in class | Strong, especially post-2010 |
| Typical Used Range | $60,000–$130,000+ | $45,000–$100,000+ |
Pricing Benchmarks
| Year Range | Configuration | Approx. Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 2007–2010 | Rear discharge, tri-axle | $35,000–$65,000 |
| 2011–2015 | Rear discharge, tri-axle | $55,000–$85,000 |
| 2015+ | Front discharge, tri-axle (Oshkosh) | $90,000–$140,000 |
| 2015+ w/ new engine | Front discharge, tri-axle (Oshkosh) | $100,000–$150,000+ |
| 2018+ | Rear or front, low mileage | $100,000–$160,000 |
Trucks with documented engine replacements are priced higher than comparable year-models — and rightly so. A fresh long block installation adds years of operational life and should factor into your total cost of ownership calculation.
Section 06What to Inspect Before You Buy
Reputable dealers welcome scrutiny. Here's what matters most:
- Frame and chassis — Inspect for cracks, welds, and structural rust. The frame is the backbone — any compromise is a deal-breaker.
- Engine — Cold-start video, blow-by check, oil color, coolant condition. Always request maintenance records.
- Drum — Look inside for fin wear (flights). Check for cracks and confirm the drum rotates smoothly in both directions.
- Hydraulics — Check hoses, pump, and motor for leaks. Verify drum speed is consistent under load.
- Cab & controls — All gauges, lights, HVAC, wipers, and brakes should be fully functional.
- Tires & brakes — Check tread depth, sidewall condition, air system pressure, and even brake response.
Cement Trucks Inc. provides detailed video walkthroughs of every truck — cold-start recordings, blow-by checks, clear stack tests, drum rotation, and full frame walkarounds. Evaluate remotely before you travel.
Arranging Transport
Cement Trucks Inc. can coordinate transport logistics directly, nationwide. When planning:
- Mixer trucks need a lowboy or step-deck trailer — typically 48–53 feet in length.
- Confirm the carrier is licensed, bonded, and insured for heavy equipment.
- Most US transport runs $1.50–$4.00 per loaded mile depending on route and fuel surcharges.
- Get a written quote before finalizing your total acquisition cost.
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