Is the Concrete Tube Connection on Mixer Attachments Standard

[MikePhua]

Rise of Skid Steer Mixer Attachments
Concrete mixer attachments for skid steers have become increasingly popular among small contractors, farmers, and DIY builders. These attachments allow users to mix and pour concrete directly from the loader, eliminating the need for separate mixing stations and manual transport. The concept gained traction in the early 2000s, with American manufacturers like Eterra and Danuser leading the charge. By 2020, global sales of skid steer mixer attachments had surpassed 50,000 units annually, with a growing share coming from rebranded imports manufactured in China and distributed through auction platforms.
These imported units often mimic the design of established brands but may lack standardized fittings or documentation. One recurring issue is the bottom discharge port, which is designed to accept a flexible concrete tube or hose for controlled pouring. However, many users find that the attachment arrives without the discharge tube, leaving them to source or fabricate a compatible solution.
Terminology Annotation

• Skid Steer: A compact, maneuverable loader with lift arms that can accept a wide range of attachments.
  
• Mixer Attachment: A hydraulic or PTO-driven drum mounted to a skid steer, used for mixing and dispensing concrete.
  
• Discharge Tube: A flexible hose or rigid pipe connected to the bottom of the mixer drum, used to direct the flow of mixed concrete.
  
• LDH (Large Diameter Hose): A term commonly used in firefighting for hoses with diameters of 4 inches or more, often repurposed in construction.
  

Compatibility Challenges with Discharge Tubes
The discharge port on many mixer attachments is designed to accommodate a tube, but the dimensions and coupling method vary widely. American-made units often use standardized quick-connect fittings or flanged outlets, while imported models may feature welded steel spouts with no clear specification.
In one case, a user acquired a Chinese-manufactured mixer attachment through an auction and discovered that the discharge port lacked any accompanying hose or documentation. Upon inspection, the port appeared to be roughly 4 inches in diameter, similar to those found on domestic models. However, without a matching coupler or clamp system, connecting a tube proved difficult.
Practical Solutions and Workarounds
Several field-tested solutions have emerged for this issue:

• Repurposing used LDH from fire departments. These hoses are pressure-rated, durable, and often discarded due to end damage. A 4–5 foot section can be salvaged and re-coupled.
  
• Welding a reducer or adapter flange to the bottom of the mixer drum. This allows users to fit commonly available hoses or PVC tubes.
  
• Using camlock fittings, which offer quick-connect capability and are widely available in agricultural supply stores.
  
• Fabricating a custom steel chute with a hinged gate for controlled discharge, bypassing the need for flexible tubing altogether.
  

A Story from the Field
In 2021, a small farm in West Texas purchased a mixer attachment for light-duty concrete work—pouring fence post footings and patching barn floors. The unit arrived without a discharge tube, and local suppliers had no fittings that matched the port. The owner contacted a retired firefighter who donated a section of LDH hose. After trimming and clamping it with a custom bracket, the farm was able to complete its concrete work efficiently. The solution became a local reference, and other farmers began adopting similar methods.
Industry Trends and News
The rise of modular attachments has prompted manufacturers to consider more universal designs. In 2024, a consortium of equipment makers proposed a standardized discharge port specification for mixer attachments, aiming to reduce compatibility issues. While adoption is still limited, newer models from American brands now include labeled discharge dimensions and recommended hose types.
Meanwhile, supply chain disruptions in 2022 and 2023 led to delays in receiving replacement connectors and hoses, especially for imported units. This has driven a surge in DIY fabrication and retrofitting, with users welding adapters or sourcing parts from unrelated industries.
Recommendations for Buyers
Before purchasing a mixer attachment, especially from auctions or overseas sources, consider the following:

• Measure the discharge port diameter and inspect the coupling method
  
• Confirm whether the unit includes a hose or requires separate purchase
  
• Check for compatibility with local hose suppliers or agricultural fittings
  
• Consider investing in camlock or flange adapters for future flexibility
  
• Keep spare clamps, reducers, and sealant on hand for field repairs
  

Conclusion
While concrete mixer attachments offer tremendous convenience, the lack of standardization in discharge tube fittings can pose challenges. With a bit of ingenuity and cross-industry sourcing—such as repurposing firefighting hoses or fabricating custom adapters—users can overcome these hurdles and unlock the full potential of their equipment. As the market matures, greater standardization and clearer documentation will likely follow, making these attachments even more accessible to small-scale builders and farmers.