What You Need to Know:

For construction professionals seeking efficiency, flexibility, and control over concrete production, a mobile batching plant presents a powerful solution. But what exactly is required to set one up? 

Whether you’re a civil contractor operating in remote environments or managing multiple active sites, understanding the technical, logistical, and operational considerations of a mobile batching plant is key.

In this article, we break down everything you need to know from start-up equipment and power requirements to commissioning, upgrades, and warranties based on insights from JA Plant, South Africa’s trusted mobile batching plant specialist.

 

What Equipment Is Needed to Produce Ready-Mix Concrete?

To get started with on-site concrete production using a mobile batching plant, you’ll need three core components:

• Concrete mobile batching plant – The heart of the system, where dry materials are measured and discharged

• Front-end loader or TLB – Used to load stone and sand into the aggregate hopper

• Concrete mixer truck – Loading aggregate mix and water while mix is completed in transit

JA Plant recommends these as essential for establishing a reliable and self-sufficient concrete batching setup.

 

What Size Mixer Truck Should You Use?

While JA Plant’s batching plants are designed for standard 6-cube concrete trucks, they can also accommodate 9-cube trucks by using extension plates on the aggregate hopper. The load cells on our batching systems are already calibrated to manage this increased load, making it easy to scale operations as needed.

 

Site Preparation and Utilities

Before installing a mobile batching plant, proper site preparation is essential. Here’s what your setup should include:

 

Key Site Requirements

• A concrete slab for plant installation (JA Plant supplies the floor plan) Essentially the plant must be installed level to ensure accurate readings.

• A ramp to allow aggregate loading via the front-end loader

• A reliable water source (such as a constant water tank supply)

• 380V power connection or a generator (minimum 30kVA recommended)

• On-site storage for materials (sand, stone, cement)

This infrastructure ensures safe, efficient operations and reduces downtime during concrete production.

 

Do You Need Cement Silos?

In most cases, you do not need silos to get started. JA Plant’s systems are designed to work with bagged cement, which feeds directly into a built-in bag splitter at the back of the plant. However, if your hourly output increases, silos can be added later to scale up production.

 

Power Requirements: What Generator Size Is Best?

Power is critical to operating the batching plant efficiently. JA Plant recommends:

• A 30kVA generator at minimum, especially if your operation includes start-stop cycles with load on the belt

• Optional use of star/delta switching to reduce initial power draw

• Larger generators if your site uses silos, pneumatic systems, or conveyors

JA Plant’s technical team can assist you in determining the ideal power setup based on your site size and output goals.

 

Is the Batching Plant Fully Equipped?

Yes. JA Plant’s mobile batching units come fully equipped with:

• Load cells and indicators for accurate measurement

• Water systems with pumps and direct drive motors

• A control box housing all critical electronics

• Visual readouts to monitor material volumes and water levels in real-time

The result is an intuitive, low-maintenance system that simplifies on-site concrete production.

 

Mixing Method: How Is the Concrete Mixed?

JA Plant uses a dry batch method. All materials, aggregate, cement, and water are loaded into the concrete mixer truck, which does the mixing in transit. This method allows for:

• Faster batching cycles

• Less mechanical wear on-site

• Flexibility in transport and delivery

It's a smart, on-demand approach ideal for high-pressure project environments.

 

Transporting the Plant Between Sites

Mobility is one of JA Plant’s biggest advantages. Our batching units:

• Can be towed behind a concrete mixer truck or a normal horse (truck)

• Are designed to be low-bed compatible for easy relocation

This ensures contractors can shift operations between sites with minimal logistical delays.

 

Output Capacity and Customisation

JA Plant’s standard plant output ranges between 24-30 cubes per hour, with customisations available depending on project requirements. Our team offers various plant size configurations and will consult with you to build a solution that matches your throughput needs.

 

Can the System Be Upgraded or Automated?

Yes. Our plants are modular and scalable, allowing you to upgrade over time. Available upgrades include:

• Automated weighing hoppers configurations for increased capacity

• Weighing water tank systems

• Full automation using a PC and printer system

• Drive Thru weighing systems

• Piggy-back systems
   

This flexibility ensures your plant grows alongside your business without needing a full replacement.

 

Are Parts Easily Available?

JA Plant only uses standard-sized components that are widely available from local suppliers. We also stock spares and offer delivery both nationally and internationally, reducing downtime and ensuring fast replacements when needed.

 

Do You Provide Commissioning and Training?

Yes. JA Plant offers full on-site commissioning and training, including cross-border support. Our experienced team will walk your staff through operations, calibration, and safety protocols to ensure maximum plant uptime from Day 1.

 

What Warranty Is Offered?

JA Plant offers a six-month warranty on all batching plants for failures due to poor workmanship or faulty materials. Our commitment to quality and after-sales service reinforces our reputation as a reliable, long-term equipment partner.

 

Why Choose JA Plant?

With over 30 years of industry expertise, JA Plant delivers:

• Locally engineered mobile batching plants

• Customised solutions for South African and African project needs

• Strong after-sales support and cross-border servicing

• Equipment designed for tough terrain, large-scale output, and long-term use

Our commitment to helping construction businesses gain control over our concrete supply is evident in every detail, from equipment design to client training and automation options.

 

Final Thoughts 

Setting up a mobile concrete batching plant isn’t just about the hardware; it’s about investing in a solution that improves control, reduces cost, and enhances productivity. JA Plant makes this possible through durable design, reliable commissioning, and support tailored to your project size and environment.

If you’re ready to bring concrete production in-house, there’s no better partner than JA Plant, proudly built for Africa.