Cement mixer rental price typically ranges from $40 to $200 per day, depending mainly on drum capacity, power type, and whether delivery is needed. A small electric mixer suits repair work, while larger gas or towable models cost more but handle bigger pours with fewer batches.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small electric mixer | $40/day | $55/day | $75/day | About 3-3.5 cu. ft. |
| Mid-size gas mixer | $60/day | $85/day | $110/day | About 6 cu. ft. |
| Towable mixer | $100/day | $145/day | $200/day | About 9-12 cu. ft. |
| Delivery and pickup | $50 | $100 | $200+ | Round trip; distance and access affect price |
Daily cement mixer prices by drum capacity
Rental companies commonly price mixers by day, with lower rates for multi-day or weekly rentals. A 3-3.5-cubic-foot electric unit generally costs $40-$75 per day and works for small patios, fence posts, and repair batches. A 6-cubic-foot gas mixer often runs $60-$110 daily. Towable models with 9-12-cubic-foot drums usually cost $100-$200 per day.
For a typical one-day rental, budget about $75-$100 before delivery, tax, and damage protection. Weekly rates may run roughly $150-$450 for small and mid-size units, or $350-$800 for towable models, depending on the rental shop and local availability. Assumptions: standard equipment, ordinary access, and U.S. rental-market rates; local quotes vary.
What mixer rental quotes include beyond the machine
The advertised daily rate may not cover transportation, cleaning, fuel, or optional protection. Ask whether the quoted period is 24 hours or a calendar day, and confirm the return deadline. Deposits are often refundable but can tie up $50-$250 until the equipment is returned and inspected.
| Quote item | Typical price | What changes the charge | Budget note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment rental | $40-$200/day | Capacity and power type | Weekly rates can reduce the daily equivalent |
| Delivery and pickup | $50-$200+ | Distance, load, and site access | Some yards charge each way |
| Fuel or cleaning | $10-$50 | Fuel level and concrete residue | Return it clean and as fueled |
| Damage waiver | $10-$30/day | Rental value and provider policy | Check exclusions and deductible |
| Late return | $15-$75+ | Hourly or extra-day policy | Confirm cutoff time in writing |
Delivery, cleaning, and late fees can add more than the difference between two mixer sizes. If a helper is needed to load or move the mixer, labor may add $25-$50 per hour per worker, separate from the rental bill.
How batch size, power, and access shift the quote
Drum capacity is not the same as usable mixing capacity: a 6-cubic-foot drum generally holds a smaller working batch, often around 3-4 cubic feet. For a pour requiring repeated batches, choosing too small a unit can extend rental time and labor. A 9-12-cubic-foot towable mixer is more expensive, but may make sense when the job needs a larger continuous supply.
Power type also matters. Electric mixers are usually cheaper and need a suitable outlet and extension cord; gas models cost more but avoid dependence on nearby power. Delivery becomes more valuable when the mixer is heavy, the truck or trailer is unavailable, or the site has stairs, narrow gates, or soft ground. Check the rental shop’s load rating and towing requirements before booking.
When should the mixer arrive, and how far can it travel?
Rental rates differ by local supply and demand. In many urban markets, equipment rental and delivery can be 10%-25% above comparable suburban pricing because of higher operating costs and traffic. Rural delivery may cost 10%-30% more when the rental yard is far away, although the daily machine rate can be similar or lower.
Warm-weather weekends and peak building seasons can limit availability; booking ahead may help secure the needed capacity, though it does not guarantee a lower rate. Get a written total that lists mileage or delivery, rental duration, tax, and any pickup fees. Ask whether the clock starts at pickup, delivery, or the next business day.
Three common rental budgets for concrete jobs
A small repair using a 3.5-cubic-foot electric mixer for one day might cost $55 for rental, $75 for delivery, and $15 for protection, for a total near $145 before tax. A 6-cubic-foot gas mixer rented for two days at $85 per day, plus $100 round-trip delivery and $25 in fuel or cleaning charges, comes to about $295 before tax.
A larger pour using a 10-cubic-foot towable mixer for one day could cost $150 for the rental, $150 for delivery, and $20 for protection, totaling about $320 before tax. These examples assume ordinary access and no late-return or repair charges. The final quote may differ by region, rental terms, and equipment availability.
Renting a mixer versus buying a basic model
A basic homeowner electric mixer may cost about $250-$600 to buy, while heavier-duty gas or towable equipment can cost $1,000-$4,000 or more. Buying can be economical for repeated projects, but ownership also brings storage, maintenance, transport, and resale considerations.
At $55 per day, four one-day rentals total $220 before add-ons; delivery can quickly change that comparison. For a single project, renting often avoids storage and upkeep, while frequent use makes a purchase price comparison worthwhile. Renting also provides access to a larger mixer without paying the full equipment cost.
Ways to trim delivery and extra-day charges
Estimate the batch volume and schedule before reserving equipment. Have cement, water, tools, and a clear work area ready so the mixer is used efficiently within the rental window. If the job spans multiple days, compare the weekly rate with separate daily charges rather than assuming an extra day is cheaper.
Picking up the machine can avoid delivery fees if a suitable vehicle, trailer, and safe loading plan are available. Return the mixer on time and remove concrete residue according to the rental company’s instructions. Compare at least two complete quotes, including delivery, cleaning rules, deposits, and protection, rather than comparing daily rates alone. Avoid paying for oversized equipment unless the batch schedule or labor savings justify the higher rate.