An Armcon Cementech customer since 2003, found itself proving the accuracy of its mobile volumetric concrete mixers in a highly unusual application. The Exeter-based contractor were summoned to a job on Exmouth docks – delivering concrete into the hold of a recently refurbished boat, straight off the dock side.

The intention was not, however, to sink the M.V. Flourish. Following its refit, Paul Weeks’ beam trawler needed replacement ballast and Jet Set’s Cementech mixers made them the ideal choice for the task. “We had to draw up to the end of the dock, put the chutes out and deliver just over 2m³ of concrete straight into the hold,” explains contractor, Cliff Lock. “We had to stop the second the boat’s owner told us to: otherwise, the trawler would have gone in over its Plimsoll line and we would have had to dig the excess concrete out by hand. It called for complete accuracy, so we sent our best driver – but the job simply wouldn’t have been possible with a less precise machine, certainly not with a rotary drum type.”

The initial choice of Cementech was made for reasons of reliability. “Cementech is the leading brand,” Cliff believes, “and we had confidence in dealing with Armcon. Reliability is very important, and we wanted the backup they can offer as the number one manufacturer.”

The mixer used for the contract was an MCD 6M130, equipped with a 150-type auger and mounted to a Scania P114 CB, 6x4, 340bhp chassis. The contractor has been a customer since 2003 and operates two Cementech units. “They’re top class machines,” says Cliff, ”and we’re very pleased with them. They let you offer the customer good service – exactly what they want, not what you’re stuck with giving them.”