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General
Does a new SoRoTo mixer come with a warranty?
Yes, all of our new SoRoTo mixers come with a 2-year return to base warranty.
What can be mixed in a SoRoTo mixer?
SoRoTo mixers are versatile machines that can mix a wide range of materials including resin bound gravel, concrete, cement, sand & cement, plaster, mortar, lime mortar, tile adhesive, epoxy resin, screed & paint.
Which Model Should I Use For Resin Bound Gravel?
Unlike many other manufacturers of mixers, the model number of a SoRoTo mixer is the actual mixing capacity of the pan. E.g. the SoRoTo 100L forced mixer has a mixing capacity of 100 litres. A typical 4-bag, 100kg mix of 1-5mm gravel and a 6.5-7.5kg bucket of resin will fit perfectly into a SoRoTo 100L mixer.
Can I Mix Wet Pour & Resin Bound In A Mixer?
Yes you can! We sell many mixers in the UK for the purpose of mixing resin bound aggregates and wet pour rubber and SoRoTo is one of the most prolific machines on the UK market for this purpose.
When mixing resin bound aggregates, it’s advisable to only use steel blades as the rubber blades are not resilient enough to endure the cleaning regime required to keep the mixer in its best condition. Often the only way to remove cured resin is by chemical or intense heat which can be critically damaging to the rubber paddles.
What safety features are included on a SoRoTo mixer?
All SoRoTo mixers have a number of features such as: automatic safety cut off if the lid is opened during mixing, thermal circuit breaker, top safety grille and rubber grille lock.
How Do I Find My Serial Number?
The serial number on a SoRoTo mixer is on the side of the main on/off switch on a silver, metallic plate. This will list the model of the machine, the voltage, year of manufacture and its serial number. By providing us with this number, it can help us to ascertain the components which were used in the build of your mixer and is also used for warranty registration.
Can a SoRoTo mixer be plugged straight into mains?
Our mixers cannot be plugged directly into the mains as they require either an extension cable or transformer dependent on the machines voltage.
Which Transformer do I need for the 110v variant of the 40L SoRoTo mixer?
For continuous use, you will require a 3kVa 110v Transformers.
Which Size Mixer Do I Have?
You have a few options here to determine the size of your mixer.
- You can look at the front of your mixer where there should be a large sticker which details the model, e.g. 100L-30. 100L means that the machine has a mixing capacity of 100 litres and the mixing arms rotate at 30rpm (which is the same on all models).
- The serial number of your mixer should be a 7 digit number on a metal plate near the on/off switch. The first three numbers indicate the size e.g. 040xxxx = 40L
- You can measure the size of the drum and contact us with the measurements where we will be able to ascertain the model of your machine.
How Do I Unpack My Mixer?
Occasionally, our mixers are sent straight from manufacturers in Denmark to our customers in their original and protective wrapping meaning they have to unpack the machine and attach parts to the mixer before use.
Read our guide to find our exactly how to unpack your mixer.
How Do I Fit A Dust Controller?
The optional dust controller attachment helps to limit the amount of hazardous or nuisance dust which can be emitted from the machine during filling or mixing operation. It can be fitted very easily by mounting it inside the top safety grille, where the pipe from the dust controller will fit through the pre-drilled hole at the top. It can then be connected to an industrial vacuum in order to take the dust away from the site in a controlled manner.
What Is The Maximum Chute Height?
The adjustable legs on a SoRoTo 100L mixer means that the height of the chute from the floor can vary. The maximum chute height on the SoRoTo 100L is 60cm.
Should I Use Rubber Or Steel Blades?
When making your purchase of a SoRoTo mixer, it will ship with steel blades as standard. These steel blades are the most common option in the UK and are durable and solid, designed for hard and intensive use. If you are mixing material containing aggregate 8mm or larger, we highly recommend using rubber paddles to help reduce strain on the motor and avoid jamming aggregate between the pan and the paddle.
By using rubber blades, they will offer an amount of flexibility, meaning the load on the gearbox is reduced and aggregate will not become stuck between the blades and the pan. We recommend that you consider this when placing your order and purchase a rubber set of blades/arms if you are likely to work with larger material.
When mixing resin bound aggregate or wet pour rubber, it is ONLY advisable to use steel paddles due to the intense cleaning regime required to remove the cured resin.
Why should I use rubber paddles?
Rubber paddles are most effective for mixes containing large pieces of aggregate which could possibly get caught under metal paddles.
Maintenance
How Do I Clean My Mixer?
We recommend cleaning your mixer after every use. How you should clean your mixer depends on the material you are mixing with.
For sediment based and non-glue materials such as concrete, you can pressure wash the residue away but be sure to only wash the INSIDE of the pan and keep water away from all electrical parts of the mixer.
For glue-based materials such as resin, you can burn the blades to remove the residue or use very hot water but again be sure to keep your cleaning to the INSIDE of the pan and keep water away from all electrical parts of the mixer. It would be of benefit to remove the mixing head entirely from the machine to allow for easier and safer cleaning.
Please be aware that applying intense heat to certain areas of the mixer pan for prolonged periods of time can have a detrimental effect on the plastic and rubber parts which are nearby or attached. Do not set a large fire in the pan as this is likely to cause damage and will invalidate your warranty.
Read our guide on the daily maintenance of your mixer which includes oiling & lubrication.
How Do I Change The Mixing Blades?
On certain machines, the steel blades at the end of the mixing arms are removable, and rubber blades are removable on all models. These can simply be bolted off of the end of the mixing arms and replaced using the correct parts for your machine.
How Do I Remove My Driveshaft?
There may come a time when you need to dismantle your driveshaft. Do not attempt this yourself as special tools need to be used by trained engineers.
This repair should only be carried out by SoRoTo engineers, and carrying out this action is done at your own risk. Carrying out this action improperly can damage your machine and attempts to do so will invalidate your warranty.
How Do I Connect My Capacitors?
If at any point the wires connecting each capacitor to the motor and the switch move out of place and become disconnected, you will need to reattach each wire in the correct place. Look at our guide to see how to connect your 110v capacitorand 230v capacitor.
How Do I Replace The Spring Pins On My Mixer?
Your spring pins can snap or bend if the material is allowed to build up around the top of the drive shaft. This means that the mixing head does not sit properly on the pins and leads to the damage.
Should this happen, read our guide on replacing your mixers spring pins.
How Do I Change The Rubber On My Blades?
Each rubber section of the rubber blades can be removed once worn beyond reasonable use by loosening the nut and bolt on the end of the mixing arm. The new replacement rubber blade can then be fitted and the nut and bolt retightened. Thanks to the way these are manufactured, as the rubber blade wears, it can be moved further down in its holder in order to maximise the lifespan of the parts.
Can A New Grid Lid Be Fitted On An Old Mixer?
If you have an older SoRoTo mixer with a flat top grille, it is possible to replace the lid with the new style, improved domed lid. The only thing to be aware of is that the size of the hinge has changed. If you have a lid with a 55cm hinge, it is still possible to replace the lid with the new, domed style however you will need to purchase additional Z-brackets in order to make the fit.
Troubleshooting
My Mixer Keeps Cutting Out
Your mixer cutting out whilst mixing can be caused by a few issues that you can solve yourself.
- Check your transformer while it is plugged in and by using the transformer with a different tool to see if the problem persists. A 110v SoRoTo transformer will require a transformer for use in the UK. This transformer will need to be appropriately rated for continuous use with sufficient voltage to power the machine. The general rule of thumb is that if you take the power of the motor and double it, this rating of the transformer should usually be sufficient for continuous use. For example, the 100L has a 1.1kW motor and a 3kVa transformer would normally be suitable for use (1.1×2= 2.2kW), and a mixer with a 2.2kW motor would normally require at least a 4.4kVa transformer.
- Look at the length of the trailing lead, the longer the wire the more power will be lost due to the distance it has to travel. Try using a shorter lead or plug the mixer straight into the power source.
- Over-loading, you may find that you have put too much material into your mixer and the motor is struggling to move around and mix such a large weight and begins cutting out. Reduce your load and see if the problem persists.
If after checking the above issues hasn’t solved your issue, your mixer may need to be returned to us for a diagnostics check and possible repair. Check if your mixer is under warranty otherwise the repair would have to be paid for.
My Mixer Won’t Start
There are a number of potential issues that you can fix yourself which may be causing your mixer to not start.
- Check all of your wires. Ensure they are not damaged, that they are plugged into the correct voltage and see if the wire in question works with another machine. The longer your wire the more electricity is lost, try plugging your mixer into the mains or to a smaller extension cable.
- Make sure that your mixer lid is fully closed and your safety switch is activated. Your mixer will not start without a closed grid lid or activated safety switch.
- Check your safety switch is not too tight or too loose. Read the following guide to adjusting your safety switch.
- Check the thermal circuit breaker on the mixer. It should be visible on the switch next to the start and stop buttons. Press it and wait 30 seconds before trying to turn your mixer on again.
- If you have tried all of these and your mixer will still not start, it could be a capacitor issue or a broken switch. The mixer may need to be returned to us for a repair, you can check if your mixer is still under warranty or the repair would have to be paid for.
My Concrete Mix Is Turning Out Lumpy
How to mix concrete in a mixer.
It is advised to not add all of the materials at once as this will more than likely lead to a lumpy mixture.
To start, always mix the dry components together to create a homogenous mass and then add water. Add around 50 to 70% of your water first, once the water is fully mixed in, add small amounts until you have the correct consistency you are wanting.
This method can be used for both a thin and thick result. In a 100L machine the mix should be ready within maximum of 5 minutes and be lump free.
My Mixer Gate Is Stuck Shut
Occasionally, if the mixer has been used to combining resinous glues, the gate (trap door) can become stuck and will not open to allow the materials to escape the mixing pan. This can usually be avoided by using a wire brush dipped in white spirit to clean the rails on which the mixer gate runs. If the trap door is seized closed, often the only way to free it is by very carefully and gently heating both the top and bottom of the mixer gate using a hot air gun or blowtorch. This should help the resin become tacky again and the excess and obvious debris can be removed with a metal wallpaper scraper.
While the resinous material is still hot, gradually apply firm pressure to the mixer gate handle in order to help it move along its runners. Do not use a hammer or other heavy item as this will likely cause damage to the machine. Once the mixer gate has opened, applying gentle heat again, remove any more traces of resinous material or debris with a metal scraper, wire brush and a cloth.
The Mixer Arms/Head Keeps Rising
The mixing head and arms may sometimes rise when the machine is in operation. Check that the base of the pan is clean and free from hardened debris as this can contact with the bottom of the blades, making the mixing head rise up and providing an inferior mix. It’s also wise to ensure you’re using the correct type of blades for the material you’re mixing (recommended use of rubber blades for aggregate over 8mm diameter) as smaller pieces of aggregate may be getting caught between the pan wall/base and forcing the mixing head upwards.
How do you clean a forced action mixer?
For a guide to cleaning your mixer, watch the video here.