Keep your ready-mix fleet rolling and compliant with our Transit Mixer Inspection Checklist. Designed for concrete delivery professionals, this guide covers essential safety checks—from drum guards and hydraulic systems to braking performance and visibility aids. Routine inspections prevent costly roadside breakdowns, ensure product quality, and protect your drivers and the public on the job site. Start your free fleet trial
Transit Mixer Inspection
Daily Safety & Maintenance Checklist
Inspection Purpose
Drum Safety
- The mixing drum is a heavy, rotating hazard. Verifying that all guards are in place and the drum is physically sound prevents catastrophic injuries and mechanical failures.
Site Compliance
- Construction sites have strict entry requirements. Ensuring your reversing alarms, lights, and tires are defect-free guarantees you won't be turned away at the gate.
Road Stability
- Carrying shifting liquid loads affects handling. Checking suspension, tires, and braking systems is critical to preventing rollovers and accidents during transit.
1. Exterior & Chassis
Inspect the physical condition and structural integrity of the mixer:
General Condition
Tires & Wheels
Guarding
2. Lights & Visibility
Ensure the operator can see and be seen:
Vision Aids
Front Lights
Rear Lights
3. Safety Gear & Operation
Verify safety equipment and mechanical controls:
Controls
Emergency Gear
Documentation
Standardize Ready-Mix Operations
Fleet Rabbit's Transit Mixer Benefits:
- ✓ Log drum rotation hours separately for predictive roller maintenance
- ✓ Proof of chute washout compliance to avoid environmental fines
- ✓ Instant tracking of "Water Added" at job sites for quality control
- ✓ Digital pre-trip logs that satisfy DOT and batch plant audits
- ✓ Prevent downtime by catching hydraulic leaks before they blow
Common Defects to Watch For
Drum Guarding
- Entanglement Risk: The rotating drum and rollers create pinch points. Missing guards are a major OSHA violation. Ensure all nip points on the drum rollers and mixer drive are legally shielded.
Chute Locks
- Road Hazard: A flopping extension chute can swing out into traffic or fall off, causing fatal accidents. Always verify the travel strap and chute lock mechanism are secure before leaving the plant.
Ladder Condition
- Fall Safety: Concrete residue buildup makes ladders slippery. Check that anti-slip rungs are clean and the mounting bolts are tight. Falls from mixer ladders are a leading cause of driver injury.
Essential Driver Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the "Reverse Horn" critical on sites?
Ready-mix trucks frequently reverse in congested, noisy construction zones with ground workers present. A functional reverse alarm is often the only warning a worker has that 30 tons of truck is backing towards them. If it fails, you may be removed from the site.
2. How much "slump water" can I add?
This depends on the specific mix design ticket. Always check the batch ticket before adding water. Excessive water weakens the concrete (lowers PSI) and can lead to rejected loads. Record all site-added water on your digital log.
3. What are the rules for the washout area?
Never wash out chutes onto bare ground unless designated. Concrete washout water has a high pH (caustic) and is an environmental hazard. Use designated washout pans or bags provided by the contractor to avoid EPA fines.
4. How often should I grease the drum rollers?
Drum rollers carry the entire weight of the loaded mixer (up to 40,000+ lbs). Grease them daily or weekly depending on usage and manufacturer specs. Dry rollers will develop flat spots, causing vibration that can crack the drum or chassis.
Standardize Transit Mixer Inspections
Ensure your ready-mix trucks are safe, compliant, and ready for entry on any construction site.
