Shortstop 3.5 Concrete Mixer

Loads from a standard height batch plant with the optional charging chute extension. No CDL operators license required. Shortstop® 3.5 can be installed on both new and used chassis. Load from a local concrete ready mix plant and serve the profitable short load concrete market.

Shortstop 3.5 features12’ of discharge chute. Unlike large ready mix trucks, the Shortstop 3.5 easily maneuvers in tight residential settings for quick placement of concrete without damage to driveways and landscaping. Shortstop mixers have a turning radius of 21’ compared to 42’ with a large mixer and a clearance height of 9-10’ compared to 13’ with the larger mixer.

Features

3.5 Cubic Yard Capacity
No CDL Required
Fuel Efficient
Loads From Standard Batch Plant
8 – 9’ Clearance Height Maneuverable

Heavy-duty planetary drive directly coupled to a hydraulic motor powers the drum. Closed center hydraulics insures precise control of the drum. 80 Gallon water system for slump control and wash out is standard on the Shortstop 3. Simple to operate electronic controls are located on the rear of the mixer and in the chassis cab.

The optional charging chute extension can be quickly installed for loading from a standard height batch plant and removed on the jobsite for clearance under doors, utility lines and more. Low clearance height and low curb weight are two of many reasons customers request the Shortstop.

The Shortstop® 3.5 is designed specifically for delivery and placement of small loads. Earn great profits servicing the small load concrete market. Municipalities and contractors benefit from the cost savings and convenience of the Shortstop 3.5.

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Dimensions

1 2 3 4

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Specifications

Mfg	ERNEST INDUSTRIES, INC.
Model	SHORTSTOP 3.5 ®
General	The unit is a self-contained transit-type drum mixer complete with planetary gear reduced drive, hydraulic drive system powered by chassis engine or transmission, self contained water system for slump control and wash down. Equipped with removable chute assemblies for placing wet concrete and the unit is capable of agitating and transporting 3.5 cubic yards of concrete at a reasonable slump. Operator controls are situated on the rear of the unit and in chassis cab for constant drum speed and direction. The drum is capable of 18RPM at 2500 engine RPM in both directions.
Dimensions	The mixer body has the following dimensions: OAL :152” (excluding chutes) OAW: 62” OAH: 68”
Weight	Approximately 3,450 lbs less water and concrete
Drive	22:1 planetary drive, designed specifically for a transit concrete mixer. The drive unit features 9 degrees oscillation to compensate for drum misalignment, heavy-duty cast iron housing with ball bearings, ensuring many years of reliable service. Hydraulic motor, directly coupled to reducer with oscillating mount design, 5000 psi maximum operating pressure. Hydraulic pump, pressure compensated pump, capable of generating 3000 psi; directional valve mounted on pump. Pump is a closed-loop system with charge pump and charge filter. Pump can be coupled directly to truck engine crankshaft (FPTO), engine flywheel PTO drive (RPTO), live power automatic transmission mounted (Allison RDS 3000, 3500 or 4500) (RPTO). Hydraulic reservoir, is fabricated from ¼” carbon steel plate and features one 6” diameter inspection cover. The reservoir is equipped with a 1” NPT canister type return filter and a stainless steel suction strainer with bypass. A sight level gauge and vented fill cap is provided. All high pressure hose and fittings are rated at 2,500 psi and equipped with JIC type fittings. 18 gallon capacity.
Drum	1/4” thick spun steel drum head, with reinforced machined flange to mount gear drive. Fabricated from 3/16 high-strength carbon steel, the drum is fully welded inside and out. A 1-1/4” thick X 2-1/2” wide carbon steel track ring is welded to the rear of the drum. Charging/discharge fins: two separate helix, 2.5 revolution pitch over length of drum, 3/16 high strength carbon steel. In the belly of the drum, the fins are 12” tapering to 8” at the discharge. Fins feature hardened steel rebar welded to the tips and fold over fins at discharge end of the drum. The fins are fully welded to drum and equipped with wash holes approximately 12” apart. Man way: one 22” X 28” is located on front of drum to access interior. The cover is bolted to main drum with twenty two ½” bolts. The rear of the drum is supported by two carrier bearings, mounted on an adjustable pedestal. The bearings feature a hardened exterior with tapered roller bearings and lip seals for long life. The bearings are further protected by a felt disk on each side to prevent direct water spray. Each bearing features a convenient panel mounted grease whip.
Frame	Heavy-duty structural and plate steel frame electrically welded at all joints. The mixer is attached to the chassis with sixteen 5/8 grade 8 bolts. Eight of the sixteen bolts are equipped with heavy-duty springs to permit flexing of the chassis frame independent of the mixer frame.
Discharge Chute	A 24” wide discharge chute at drum, tapering to 12” wide on a rotating pedestal is provided. One each permanently mounted extension chute 34” long and two each removable chutes 34” long are standard equipment. A structural steel chute holder is provided to hold the two removable chutes. The holder is bolted to the chassis frame and features rubber straps to hold chutes while in transit. Manual hydraulic pump and cylinder is provided to raise and lower the rear chute assembly. Locking mechanism for the chute assembly is operable from either side of the unit and features a transport safety lock.
Access Platform	Structural steel tube ladder leads to a non skid metal platform fully enclosed in square tube railing.
Water System	80 gallon zero pressure water tank is located on the front of the mixer frame. Sight gauges and fill ports are provided on both sides of tank. A 12VDC powered roller pump delivers water at a rate of 4 GPM with a maximum pressure of 45 psi. System includes: 25’ hose; water nozzle, hose hook, water filter, tank drains. Plumbing is provided to inject water into rotating drum from the rear operations station for slump control.
Fenders	Heavy-duty polyethylene fenders with structural steel brackets are provided. Attached to each fender is one mud flap.
Controls	Electronic controls for speed and direction of drum, water pump (on/off) and optional power discharge chute control are located in the chassis cab and rear operator’s station. The controls are mounted in a waterproof aluminum box and feature MIL spec waterproof switches. The electrical system is equipped with a re-settable 30 amp circuit breaker.
Finish	Unit is completely coated with self-etching primer and finished coated with a two component urethane finish. Mixers are standard one color white.
Parts and Service	Manufacturer carries a complete inventory of parts available for shipment within 24 hours.
Warranty	Mixer body carries a one year warranty against defective parts and workmanship. For details see: Terms of Sale and Warranty
Operators Manual	One complete operators & parts manual will be supplied with the unit. All operators of the mixer should read the operators manual in full prior to operation of the mixer. Serious injury or death may result from the improper or misuse of the mixer body. Questions concerning the operation of the Shortstop Mixers call (937) 325-9851, email: sales@ernestindustries.com
Specifications	In our continuing effort to make improvements, specifications are subject to change without notification.
Chassis	Units can be installed on a conventional or cab forward chassis. Chassis requires a minimum 16,000-lb payload if the mixer is to be operated at full 3.5 yard capacity. Generally, a 26,000-lb GVW chassis will accommodate the mixer. Be sure to size the chassis to meet your DOT and chassis payload requirements. Final capacity of the mixer is based on the combined weight of mixer & chassis and weights of ready mixed concrete recipes. See “Chassis Information” on website or contact Ernest Industries for more information on chassis requirements.
SS3.5X	Standard mixer unit less mounting to chassis and excluding hydraulic hoses, hydraulic oil, fenders, pump drive shaft.
EXC3.5	Export Crating. Mixer less chassis fully crated in 4” X 4” wood frame and covered with 7/16 OSB wood. Frame designed suitable for moving loaded crate with forklift.
Optional Equipment
OE3.5-1	Power discharge chute control complete with12VDC hydraulic pump cylinder assembly for automatic rear chute control with controls located in chassis cab and rear operators’ station.
OE3.5-2	Night lights, 4 each high output halogen lights to illuminate rear discharge area and charging chute.
OE3.5-3	Charging chute extension, for loading from standard height batch plant, T-6 Aluminum construction, easily removable at jobsite.
OE3.5-4	Pressurized water tank, 75 gallon (carbon steel) in lieu of zero pressure and pump. Chassis with air brakes is required.
OE3.5-5	Pressurized water tank, 75 gallon (aluminum) in lieu of zero pressure and pump. Chassis with air brakes is required. (recommended for colored concrete)
OE3.5-6	Tool boxes, 18” X 24” X 36” with keyed lock, mounted to chassis frame.. (other sizes available upon request)
OE3.5-7	Rotation counter, manual, re-settable, mounted drivers side at planetary gear reducer. **May be required for delivery to municipal, state and highway accounts.
OE3.5-8	Electronic speed and rotation counter, LED display located in chassis cab. **May be required for delivery to municipal, state & highway accounts.
OE3.5-9	Self contained engine/ hydraulic system , gasoline, diesel, electric.
OE3.5-10	Stationary stand for pre-cast type operations.
OE3.5-11	Additional chute assembly, available in 34” sections.
OE3.5-12	Fold over chute, 12” rigid steel extension, 90 degrees.
OE3.5-13	Fold over chute, 12” rigid steel extension with 36” flexible rubber extension.
OE3.5-14	Electronic gallon, LED counter reads to nearest gallon and re-settable.
OE3.5-15	Frame mounted holder for charge chute extension.
OE3.5-16	Pneumatic chute lock in lieu of standard manual lock. Requires chassis with air brakes.
OE3.5-17	Front frame extensions for Ford, GM & International, includes harmonic balancer adapter but does not include modifications to radiator if required.
OE3.5-18	REPTO for Allison RDS 3000, 3500 & 4500 automatic transmissions includes Muncy PTO adapter, brackets and driveline.
OE3.5-19	REPTO for UD 2600/Allison Automatic, includes fabricated hydraulic pump mounting bracket, drive line, actuator and guard for hydraulic pump.
OE3.5-20	Wireless remote controls in lieu of hard wired control box. A water proof receiver will be mounted on the mixer frame under the rear tower. A transmitter shall be provided to control the speed/direction of the drum and power discharge chute. The receiver will get power from the 12VDC charging system on the diesel engine and the transmitter shall be powered by two AA batteries. The operating range is 250’.
	Hook Lift System: See SS3.5 Hook Lift Configuration

Chassis Info

GENERAL:
The Shortstop 3.5 mixer body requires a 25,900-26,000 lb (11,800 kg) GVW (gross vehicle weight chassis). GVW is maximum total weight of the chassis, mixer body, fuel, operator and concrete. Ultimately, the combined weight of the chassis & mixer body dictate the capacity rating of the mixer body. Most medium duty chassis will permit loading of 3.0 – 3.5 yards capacity of concrete.

POWERING THE MIXER DRUM:
A concrete mixer body is powered by a hydraulic pump that requires live (continuous) power. The mixer drum must continue turning whether the chassis is moving or stopped and/ or the chassis clutch is engaged or disengaged. The hydraulic pump is typically powered by the truck chassis and here are options for powering the Shortstop 3.5 Mixer.

FPTO (Front Engine PTO)
Front mounted engine PTO is the most common method of driving the hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump is mounted on the front of the chassis and connected to the crankshaft of the engine with a drive shaft.

Many new chassis can be ordered with front hydraulic PTO provision. Some chassis (new & used) can be modified for FPTO, see attached information by make and model.

RPTO (Rear Transmission PTO)
Rear transmission PTO is a very nice drive system for concrete mixers, the hydraulic pump can be installed under the chassis out of harms way. The chassis must be equipped with an automatic transmission, Allison Model RDS 3000, RDS 3500 or RDS 4500. These transmissions are equipped with live PTO power which means the PTO continues to turn if the chassis is stopped or in neutral. Other transmissions can be equipped with PTO provisions but DO NOT feature the live hydraulic power option.

In addition to the transmission, a spur gear and hydraulic pump mounting brackets must be installed. Ernest part number OE3.5-18.

REPTO (Rear Engine PTO)
REPTO or rear engine PTO is a PTO drive powered directly from the chassis engine. Available only on UD 2600 cab forward chassis. The hydraulic pump is directly coupled to the REPTO shaft. The UD chassis must be special ordered with concrete mixer drive. Contact Ernest Industries for more information.

Auxiliary Engine Drive (Self Contained Auxiliary Power Source)
A self contained diesel engine is supplied to power the concrete mixer. The engine is typically installed in front of the mixer and requires a longer wheel base and minimum 30,000 lb (13,600 kg) chassis GVW. The auxiliary engine supplies power exclusively to the mixer enabling the mixer to be installed on most any chassis. The auxiliary engine typically draws fuel from the chassis tank(s) but is equipped with separate battery and charging system. See part number OE3.5-9.

Ernest part number OE3.5-9

Common Questions

Can I power the mixer with a manual transmission chassis equipped with PTO?
- NO, each time the clutch is disengaged to shift gears or bring the chassis to a stop, the mixer drum will also stop. In addition, most PTO drives on manual transmission are not designed to be operated at highway speeds.
Can I power the mixer with an automatic transmission that is equipped with a PTO port?
- Yes if the transmission is an Allison RDS 3000, RDS 3500 or RDS 4500. If not, NO. The PTO will stop when the chassis stops or is put in reverse. In addition, these types of PTO drives are not designed to be operated at highway speeds.
Can I modify a new or used chassis for FPTO?
- Yes & No depending on the specific chassis. See the attached list for detailed information by make and model. If you have specific questions, contact Ernest Industries.

RETROFITTING A NEW OR USED CHASSIS FOR MIXER BODY INSTALLATION
Here is summary information on the most popular retrofits. If the chassis you are considering is not listed, contact Ernest Industries for more information.

Ford

2003-2009 F650 & F750, must be ordered with RDS 3000, RDS 3500 automatic transmission. FPTO not possible, radiator sits too low.
2000-2003 F650 & F750 is very easy to retrofit, install front frame extension, radiator is mounted with clearance for a drive shaft, Ernest part number OE3.5-17 budget $2,000 for retrofit.
1999-1996 F650, retrofit radiator and add front frame extension. We have been unable to purchase a radiator from Ford, modifications to factory radiator completed by radiator shop. Budget $1,500- 2,500 for retrofit.
1996 & later: No Experience

International

2001-Current, model 4300-4400, known as (NGV) trucks. Must be equipped Allison RDS 3000, RDS 3500 or RDS 4500 automatic transmission and RPTO drive. Unable to modify for FPTO radiator too low and factory does not offer a front PTO provision.
2001-Current 7300 Severe Service chassis (NGV) available from factory with FPTO.
1990-2001 model 4700 & 4900, factory retrofitted with FPTO equipment including new radiator, new air/air exchanger. These are great trucks to retrofit because all equipment is factory available. International will charge approximately $5,500 to complete the factory retrofit. In addition, add Ernest part number OE3.5-17. Budget a total of $7,000 for retrofit

2002- Current Top Kick Model C6500 and C7500 with either CAT or Duramax diesel engines only. Easy to retrofit, requires front frame extension; see Ernest part number OE3.5-17. Budget $1,500 for retrofit.
2001- 1996 Top Kick C6500 or C7500 with Cat engine. Requires front frame Extensions and modifications to A frame cross member. See Ernest Industries Part number OE3.5-17. Budget $2,000 for retrofit.

Isuzu/GM Cab Forward

GM T6500 or T7500, Isuzu F Series. Must be equipped with Allison RDS 3000, RDS 3500 or RDS 4500 automatic transmission. The chassis can be ordered from factory, a very difficult find in a used vehicle. Add Ernest part number OE3.5-18 for RPTO brackets. Budget $1,600 for retrofit.

Kenworth

2000 – Current with Cat engine our only experience. Requires front frame extensions and replacement front bumper. Budget $2,000 for retrofit.

UD (Nissan)

UD 2600 cab forward chassis. Must be equipped with factory installed REPTO specific to concrete mixers. Contact Ernest Industries for more information.

CHASSIS BRAKE SYSTEM
Most used medium duty trucks (less than 26,000 lb GVW) trucks are equipped with either hydraulic disc or air brakes. We recommend trucks with air brake systems because when discharging concrete all wheels are locked with the air brake system. Unlike a hydraulic brake system, which typically features a driveline brake that locks the rear wheels. Delivering ready mix concrete in hilly terrain air brakes are a must. We have many mixers successfully operating with hydraulic brakes but operators should be prepared to chock wheels when discharging on uneven terrain. Make sure the parking brake is in good working order.

There are hydraulic parking brake retrofit kits available. Visit www.mico.com for additional information.

The UD 2600 chassis offers an air operated parking brake system standard on the unit. This is an excellent safety feature and to our knowledge available only on the UD chassis.

DOT INSPECTION
All commercial trucks are required to have an annual DOT inspection. The inspection covers major working parts on the chassis such as clutch, transmission, lights, brakes, parking brake, suspension and more. We recommend prior to purchasing a used chassis have the DOT inspection completed as part of the purchase agreement. Any needed repairs can be identified and then negotiated with truck dealer prior to purchase.

PURCHASING A CHASSIS FROM ERNEST INDUSTRIES OR A DELEAR RECOMMENDED BY ERNEST INDUSTRIES
Ernest Industries is not in the business of selling used truck chassis. However, we offer for sale-complete mixers installed on used chassis. We make a conscious effort to be sure the chassis is in good working order. Each chassis will have a current DOT inspection along with a copy of dealer’s description of the chassis and related equipment. Used chassis purchased directly from Ernest Industries or a recommend Ernest Industries chassis dealer are sold “AS IS” with no warranty expressed or implied. The Ernest Industries Shortstop mixer body carries a one-year warranty against defective parts and workmanship. The details of our warranty can be found in the “Terms of Sale Section” of our Web Site.