Mixer maintenance, what you need to know
Mixer maintenance article by Mark Cowan – Specialist Advisor Transport, British Concrete Transport Association
A recent industry safety alert titled “Truckmixer found with drum that could have easily become detached while in transit due to maintenance failure” highlights yet another critical safety issue within the Ready-Mix (RMX) Concrete sector. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the necessity to adhere to additional maintenance requirements specified by mixer manufacturers.
The growing concern over mixer maintenance
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), safety alerts are issued when a specific hazard arises that, if left unaddressed, could result in severe or even fatal consequences.
One such incident in July 2023, involving a mixer drum detachment on the HS2 project, brought these maintenance failures into the public eye. It raised many unanswered questions regarding compliance and safety measures within the industry. While the latest safety alert did not result in an actual detachment, it once again underscored the failure to learn from past mistakes.
A troubling oversight
Upon closer inspection, the alert revealed that only 4 out of 12 bolts securing the drum mounting flange to the gearbox remained in place. The truck mixer had received a new drum just eight months prior, yet no formal maintenance inspections had been carried out in this critical area. Shockingly, over that period, three-quarters of the bolts had gone missing without being noticed by the driver or operator.
Although the driver was advised to inspect the mounting flange regularly, this recommendation suggests that such inspections are not standard knowledge within the industry. This raises serious concerns about training and competence—areas that should be covered in Independent Contract Haulier (IHC) agreements but are often overlooked in industry-preferred health and safety training courses.
Who bears responsibility?
The HS2 safety alert and the latest warning both highlight that the affected vehicles were owned and operated by Independent Contract Hauliers (IHC). This has allowed RMX suppliers to distance themselves from responsibility for haulier-related safety issues.
However, industry guidelines clearly state that:
“The Contractor will procure that any Driver holds a valid driving licence for the vehicle and has received proper information, instruction and training to collect and deliver the Materials and is competent with regard to health and safety, environmental and technical criteria.”
Additionally, hauliers are expected:
“At all times to maintain the Vehicle in good and roadworthy condition and keep it clean and smart, in accordance with Company issued guidelines notified to the Contractor.”
This raises further questions about whether the driver, operator, and RMX supplier failed in their duty to uphold safety and comply with the mixer manufacturer’s additional maintenance requirements.
Ignoring manufacturer guidance on mixer maintenance
The safety alert references maintenance activities and schedules recommended by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). However, it is the mixer bodybuilder (not the OEM) that provides these essential maintenance guidelines.
Manufacturers explicitly state:
“The supplier of the superstructure will, under all circumstances, remain fully responsible for the product supplied by them. In view of the safety of the user, they must deliver the product with clear information, instructions for use, and/or documentation with respect to the superstructure and any additional equipment.”
Most mixer manufacturers provide these safety instructions, yet the industry often disregards them, leading to repeated failures. If driver and operator competence is a priority, then those overseeing haulier contracts and fleet management must also be held to the same standards.
Mixer maintenance; A broken system
What does it say about an industry that relies on specialist vehicles yet routinely ignores manufacturer instructions and maintenance requirements? By doing so, it directly contradicts British and European safety standards, creating an environment where preventable incidents continue to occur.
Despite prioritizing safety in public messaging, the industry itself fosters risk through a combination of ignorance and complacency. As OEMs build vehicle chassis in accordance with statutory requirements, responsibility for the bodied vehicle falls squarely on the bodybuilder. However, ongoing failures suggest a gap in accountability across the entire supply chain.
Time for proactive change
Due to the unique dynamics of a truck mixer, factors such as load distribution, weld fatigue, corrosion, and operational conditions all contribute to ongoing structural failures. These issues will persist unless the end users, the concrete supply chain, and decision-makers commit to meaningful changes.
Instead of reacting to safety alerts after incidents occur, the industry must take a proactive stance on enforcing proper maintenance, training, and compliance. The most pressing question remains: Will change be embraced, or will the industry continue to gamble with safety, hoping that luck prevails?
Fleet savings for the industry
The British Concrete Transport Association has partnered with Fleetmaxx Solutions in Berwick to support members in cutting fuel and other fleet costs. Scarll Price, Business Development Manager, is available to provide no-obligation advice to members and RMX Transport Managers
“Working with the British Concrete Transport Association is a fantastic opportunity. Their commitment to supporting and advancing the concrete transport industry aligns with our goal of helping fleets operate more efficiently and affordably. We’re pleased to offer BCTA members preferential rates and a dedicated account manager to make fleet cost reduction as straightforward as possible.” Scarll Price, Business Development Manager at Fleetmaxx Solutions in Berwick.
Don’t delay, start saving today!
For more information or to enquire about services, BCTA members are invited to reach out to Fleetmaxx Solutions at 01289 770 001 or visit our web page. A dedicated team, including Scarll Price and the BCTA team, is ready to assist members in maximising savings and achieving their fleet management goals.
