Top Tips for Resin Bound Mixers

A Resin Bound installation can't be completed without a forced action mixer. As a rule, concrete mixers should be avoided at all costs as they fail to produce the consistent mixture needed for resin bound surfaces. At Derbyshire Specialist Aggregates, we recommend the use of the Rhinovator mixer. The new industry leader when it comes to forced action mixers, the Rhinovator is specifically designed for the resin bound market, offering features that boosts both efficiency and safety.​

As we explore below, the Rhinovator's unique patent-pending, bond-resistant polypropylene drum prevents resin from permanently bonding before it’s laid, significantly reducing cleaning time and effort. This design also allows installers to focus more on the job and less on maintenance. Additionally, the Rhinovator is proudly made in Britain, supporting local craftsmanship and ensuring high-quality manufacturing standards. ​

However, whether you're a seasoned professional installer or new to resin bound installations, it's crucial to understand the best practices for setting up, transporting, and maintaining your forced action mixer. To help get you up to speed, below are a number of short guidance videos demonstrating how to set up and maintain the Rhinovator mixer to ensure optimal performance.​

We've divided this topic into different important subtopics to address and troubleshoot common issues installers may encounter. By following these steps, you can ensure your mixer performs at its optimal level, prolong its lifespan, and deliver consistently great results.

So, what are you waiting for? Check out our top resin bound mixing tips below. And remember - our expert team is always on hand to answer any questions you have!

What is the Rhinovator forced action mixer​?

Before we outline best practices, it's important to understand what sets the Rhinovator mixer apart from the various other forced action mixers on the market.

Unlike standard concrete and cement mixers, it has been designed solely with resin in mind. This is to say, the Rhinovator ensures that aggregates and resin are evenly mixed, providing a smooth, durable surface every time. Its innovative bond-resistant drum design also minimises resin build-up, making cleaning easier and faster.

Beyond its bond-resistant drum technology, the Rhinovator has been engineered by installers, for installers. This means it includes a range of industry-specific features for efficiency and ease of use, including:

• A quick-release drum for fast, tool-free changes
• A reinforced steel spine for superior durability
• Larger loading wheels for smooth transportation across job sites
• A unique wear indicator to track usage and maintenance needs
• A convenient cable holder for hassle-free operation.

With a 120L capacity and four drive shaft spindle protector covers, the Rhinovator is built for projects of all sizes, providing efficiency without compromising on performance. Known for its reliability and user-friendly features, this mixer is fast becoming the most popular choice for resin bound projects in the UK for a reason - installers love using it! And that’s why it’s our preferred choice here at Derbyshire Aggregates. ​

Rhinovator forced action mixer set-up and operation tips

Before starting any resin bound project, setting up your Rhinovator forced action mixer correctly is essential. A proper setup ensures the resin and aggregates are mixed evenly, which is key to the quality and longevity of the final surface. As described in the official Rhinovator tutorial video below, your Rhinovator forced action mixer can be set-up in 9 simple steps:

Step 1: Plug your Rhinovator forced action mixer into a 5.0kVA intermittent transformer, or equivalent generator. For optimal performance, the transformer should be connected to the mains and a 32 amp lead should run for the transformer to the mixer itself.

Step 2: Place the driveshaft cover on, attach your mixer arm, and ensure the trap door on the mixer is fully closed.

Step 3: Close the mixer lid and make sure the safety lock is engaged.

Step 4: Press the green start button. At this point, the mixer arms should start rotating automatically, ready for your first mix of materials to be deposited.

Important: Always turn the machine on before loading. Do not load the mixer with materials if the mixer arms are not turning. This could damage the mixer's motor and the driveshaft.

Step 5: When your mix has reached your desired consistency, open the mixer’s trap door and allow the machine to disperse its content into a waiting wheelbarrow.

Step 6: Turn the machine off using the red button, release the safety lock, open the lid, and remove any remaining mix from the inside of the drum. At this point, also twist the driveshaft cover around slightly to prevent it from sticking to the driveshaft itself. Prior to starting, a small amount of vaseline can be applied to the driveshaft to further protect against this.

Step 7: Close the mixer's lid and prepare for your next mix, repeating the instructions above.

Step 8: After every 10 mixes , or at the end of the job - whichever comes first - wipe out your mixer using the Rhino drum cleaner.

Step 9: Remove the driveshaft cover, mixing arms, and the mixer’s trap door, remembering to clean these thoroughly as you do.

For visual guidance on deal set-up and operation, watch the Rhinovator tutorial video below.

Cleaning the drum

One of the biggest advantages of the Rhinovator is its bond-resistant polypropylene drum, which reduces resin build-up by up to 90% - making cleaning quicker and easier. This means the cleaning process can be done in 6 steps:

Step 1: Open the mixer lid by pulling back on the spring plunger.

Step 2: Remove the mixing arms by pulling them upwards. Be sure to give the arms a good pull, as the mixing arms can become a little stuck following a mix.

Step 3: Revoke the driveshaft spindle and either clean it or dispose of it.

Step 4: Clean the drum itself. To do this, spray the non-hazardous Rhino Drum Cleaner throughout the inside of the drum and leave it for a few minutes to soak in. After this time, you should be able to use a rag to wipe out all remaining mixture with ease.

If the resin has cured onto the inside of the drum, you’ll need to use a scraper to remove any stuck aggregates prior to using the Rhino Drum Cleaner.

Step 5: Remove the trap door and use the same cleaning method described above to remove all resin and aggregate debris.

Step 6: Clean the mixer arms using the method described above. You may also want to use a wire brush - as discussed in the video below - to clean the bolts that secure the mixing shovels to stop resin building up on these over time.

For a step-by-step visual guide on cleaning your Rhinovator drum, watch the tutorial video below.

How to replace the drum on a forced action mixer

The Rhinovator’s lightweight, quick-release drum (5.5kg) makes removal and replacement effortless. Indeed, no tools are even required. Simply follow the simple X step instructions below:

(H3) Step 1: Open the mixer lid by pulling back on the spring plunger.

(H3) Step 2: Unscrew the six quick-release thumbwheels - located underneath the drum - by hand. Make sure you keep these thumbwheels and their accompanying bolts safe, as you’ll need them again in a moment’s time.

Step 3: Remove the driveshaft protector

Step 4: Carefully lift the lightweight drum up and off the driveshaft.

Step 5: Grease up the driveshaft opening on your new drum using vaseline, and then simply slot the new drum over the driveshaft, ensuring that it sits flush and is fully aligned with the mixer frame.

Step 6: Drop the six bolts into the base of the new drum and secure it in place by replacing the six thumbwheels you removed earlier.

For detailed visual instructions on replacing your Rhinovator drum, watch the tutorial video below.

Transporting the Mixer

Transporting your Rhinovator safely is key to preventing damage and extending its lifespan. The Rhinovator is designed with larger, repositioned loading wheels with inflatable tyres, making it easier to load onto vehicles, including pick-ups. Additionally, its reinforced steel spine provides greater stability and protection during transport.

Winter Maintenance for your Resin Bound Mixer

Winter conditions can be tough on forced action mixers, but the Rhinovator is built to withstand the elements. Designed by actual installers, it features the world’s first bond-resistant polypropylene drum, chute, and drive shaft protector, reducing resin build-up by up to 90% and making winter cleaning faster and easier.

To keep your Rhinovator in great condition during the winter months, follow our top tips below:

• Clean after every job - The quick-release, lightweight drum of the Rhinovator allows for tool-free removal, making cleaning effortless, even in cold weather.
• Protect moving parts - Check and lubricate the adjustable mixer shovels and four-arm mixer head to maintain smooth operation.
• Monitor wear - The unique wear indicator helps track drum condition, preventing unexpected failures.
• Store properly - Keep your mixer dry and sheltered to protect the 2kW geared motor and shielded main switch from moisture.
• Transport safely – As discussed above, use the built-in cable holder to prevent damage, and take advantage of the reinforced steel spine and inflatable tyres for easier handling on-site when transporting.

More Information

Derbyshire Specialist Aggregates is the manufacturer of DALTEX, the UK’s No.1 brand in Resin Bound, with over 2 million square metres of DALTEX dried aggregates and resin laid in 2021.

We are proud to offer the Rhinovator forced action mixer, providing cutting-edge features designed to improve productivity, efficiency, and safety for resin bound installers.

Our technical support team is always available to help with any questions regarding the Rhinovator Forced Action Mixer or resin bound installations. Call us today at 01629 636 500 to find out more.