There are 2 main types of concrete batching plants, wet or dry. Dry batching plants work by digitally weighing ingredients, then sending them down a discharge chute to the truck. Water is then poured into the truck, where the concrete is then mixed.
For wet concrete batching plants, the ingredients and water are mixed in a central mixer before being poured into the truck. The concrete is then agitated so it doesn't settle while it is transported to the right location.
If you're after the most consistent production possible, then wet concrete batching plants are probably the best choice. Due to the centralised mixing point, there is less variation load to load compared to dry batching plants. This is because everything is mixed in one location, while dry mixers can vary depending on travel, speed and the condition of the truck it gets mixed in.
Once you know whether you'll want a dry or wet concrete batching plant, you'll also need to choose the style of machine. For big projects and job sites, a larger, more robust batching plant may be a good solution, as they output larger volumes of concrete at a quicker rate. But, if you're only working on a small project, or you've got limited space to work in, then a smaller, mobile concrete batching plant may be the solution.
Mobile batching plants have become popular as they are fairly simple to put up and pull down. Often a mobile plant can be dismantled and reassembled within a few days time, making them ideal for short projects.
Some of the smallest batching plants are attached to the back of a truck or trailer and can be driven around the work site. These concrete batching plants are ideal for road construction, airports and other projects where a semi-permanent construction could be a hindrance.
Picking the right concrete batching plant will depend on your project, weather and the environment. As well as your budget of course. Get a good idea of what your needs are before hiring or buying and ensure you get everything you need before you start your project.