6 best heavy duty mixing tubs for Concrete and Mortar

Whether you’re setting fence posts, pouring a small slab for a generator, or patching a barn floor, the right mixing tub is a non-negotiable tool on the farm. A flimsy tub that cracks mid-mix is more than an inconvenience; it’s a waste of time, material, and money. Choosing a tub that can handle the rigors of farm work ensures your projects go smoothly and your tools last for seasons to come.

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What Makes a Great Heavy-Duty Mixing Tub?

A great mixing tub is defined by three key characteristics: material, shape, and size. For material, you’re generally choosing between thick, flexible high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and galvanized steel. HDPE is lightweight, won’t rust, and cured concrete often pops right out, but it can be punctured by a sharp shovel. Galvanized steel is incredibly puncture-resistant and rigid, but it’s heavy and can rust if the protective coating gets scratched through.

The shape of the tub dictates how you work. A low, wide, rectangular tub is perfect for mixing with a hoe, allowing you to pull dry material into the wet center efficiently. A round, deeper tub is better suited for mixing with a drill and paddle attachment, as the high sides contain the splash. Consider how you prefer to mix and the tools you already own.

Finally, size is about matching the tub to the scale of your typical projects. A small 15-20 gallon tub is perfect for setting a few posts or minor repairs, making it easy to move around. For larger jobs like a small slab for a chicken coop or a retaining wall, a 40-gallon or larger tub saves you from mixing multiple small batches, which is a huge time-saver. The best tub isn’t the biggest, but the one that best fits the scale of your farm’s needs.

Tuff Stuff KMT101: Top Choice for Durability

The Tuff Stuff KMT101 is the quintessential farm workhorse, and for good reason. Made from incredibly thick, UV-resistant, and chemically neutral LDPE plastic, this tub is built to be left out in the elements without becoming brittle. Its 40-gallon capacity is the sweet spot for most significant farm projects—large enough to mix several 80-pound bags of concrete at once, but still manageable for one person to drag into position.

What sets the KMT101 apart is its sheer ruggedness. The sidewalls have minimal flex even when full, and the thick rim provides a solid grip. This isn’t a flimsy big-box store tub that will crack the first time you drop a tool in it. It’s designed for agricultural use, meaning it can handle being knocked around by equipment or used as a temporary water trough in a pinch.

If you need one tub that can handle everything from pouring a footing for a new gate to being used as a harvest bin for potatoes, this is it. It’s an investment in a tool that you won’t have to replace. For the hobby farmer who values buying something once and having it last a decade, the Tuff Stuff KMT101 is the clear top choice.

Behrens 2-OV Steel Tub: Classic Durability

For those who prefer the heft and permanence of steel, the Behrens 2-OV is a timeless classic. This 15.5-gallon galvanized steel tub is the definition of "buy it for life." Its primary advantage is its near-invulnerability to punctures and impacts; you can mix aggressively with a sharp shovel without a second thought, something you can’t do with plastic tubs.

The Behrens tub is ideal for smaller, intense jobs where durability is paramount. Think mixing quick-setting concrete for an emergency fence repair or creating a custom mortar mix with sharp aggregate. Its wire-reinforced rim and offset bottom keep it stable and off the cold ground, and the classic oval shape is surprisingly comfortable to work in. The main tradeoffs are weight and the potential for rust if the galvanizing is deeply scratched.

This tub is for the traditionalist and the farmer who is hard on their equipment. If you’ve ever broken a plastic tub by accident and sworn off them forever, the Behrens is your answer. It’s not for big slab pours, but for lifetime durability on repair-sized jobs, nothing beats the feel and reliability of heavy-gauge steel.

Rubbermaid Stock Tank: Versatile & Rugged

While sold as a stock tank, the Rubbermaid series is one of the best-kept secrets for heavy-duty mixing. These tanks are engineered to withstand the abuse of livestock and extreme weather, which makes them more than capable of handling concrete and mortar. Made from structural foam, they offer an incredible strength-to-weight ratio, resisting dents and cracks far better than standard plastic tubs.

The key benefit here is multi-functionality, a critical consideration on a small farm where every tool should ideally serve more than one purpose. A 50-gallon Rubbermaid tank can be used to mix a large batch of concrete for a walkway one weekend, and serve as a water trough for sheep or a large planter for tomatoes the next. The built-in oversized drain plug is also a massive advantage for easy cleaning.

This is the right choice for the farmer who prioritizes versatility and efficiency. If you need a large-capacity mixing tub but can’t justify dedicating that much space to a single-use item, the Rubbermaid Stock Tank is the perfect solution. It’s a mixing tub, a water trough, a feed bin, and a garden bed all in one—a true farm MVP.

MacCourt Mortar Box: Ideal for Long Batches

The MacCourt Mortar Box is a specialist tool designed for a specific type of work: masonry. Its long, rectangular shape (often around 24" x 36") isn’t just a random design choice. It’s purpose-built for masons who need to lay out a long "sausage" of mortar, allowing them to work down a line of bricks or blocks without constantly reaching back into a round pile.

For the hobby farmer, this design is perfect for projects like building a small retaining wall, laying a block foundation for a smokehouse, or parging a stone wall. It lets you mix a full 80-pound bag of mortar and have it all easily accessible along the length of your work area. The durable, high-density polyethylene is easy to clean and light enough to move, even when partially full.

Don’t buy this as your only all-purpose tub. Its shallow depth makes it less ideal for splashy concrete mixing with a paddle. But if you have a specific masonry project on your list, the MacCourt Mortar Box is the right tool for the job that will make the work faster, cleaner, and more professional.

Homz 17-Gallon Utility Tub: Small & Portable

Sometimes, the biggest and toughest tub is the wrong tool for the job. For small-scale repairs and highly portable needs, the Homz 17-Gallon Utility Tub is an outstanding choice. Its defining feature is the pair of thick, durable rope handles that make carrying a small batch of concrete or mortar directly to the repair site incredibly easy.

This tub is perfectly sized for mixing a single 60 or 80-pound bag of concrete mix—just enough to set a mailbox post, anchor a piece of equipment, or patch a hole in a concrete path. Its smaller footprint means it can be used in tight spaces, like inside a barn or shed, where a larger tub would be clumsy. The thick-walled plastic construction is surprisingly tough and can handle the rigors of mixing.

This is the ideal second tub for any farm. It’s the one you’ll grab for that quick, 30-minute fix instead of lugging out the giant 40-gallon tub. If your projects are mostly small repairs rather than large pours, or if you value portability above all else, the Homz utility tub is an inexpensive and highly practical choice.

Argee RG550 Pail: A Tough, Low-Cost Option

Let’s be practical: sometimes you just need a bucket that won’t break. The Argee RG550 is essentially a 5-gallon bucket on steroids. Marketed as a "mixing pail," it’s made from a much thicker and more resilient plastic than a standard paint bucket, designed specifically to withstand the scraping and stress of mixing small batches of stiff material.

This pail is the perfect solution for ultra-small jobs. Think mixing a small amount of mortar for tuck-pointing brickwork on the farmhouse, or a bit of concrete for anchoring a shepherd’s hook. Its small size and sturdy handle mean you can carry it up a ladder or into a crawlspace with ease. It’s also incredibly easy to clean out and stores anywhere.

The Argee Pail is for the farmer who does concrete work only occasionally and can’t justify the cost or storage space of a dedicated tub. It’s a simple, cheap, and effective tool that gets the job done without any fuss. For less than the cost of a premium coffee, you get a tool that will reliably handle all your minor patching and anchoring needs.

How to Properly Clean Your Concrete Mixing Tub

The single most important rule for cleaning your mixing tub is to do it immediately. Once concrete or mortar begins to harden, it becomes exponentially more difficult to remove. Letting it cure completely can ruin a plastic tub or force you to use a hammer and chisel, which can damage the galvanized coating on a steel one.

The process is simple. First, scrape out as much excess material as possible with a flat-edged shovel or trowel, putting it in a disposable container or a designated waste area on your property—never wash it down a drain. Next, add a few inches of water to the tub and use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the sides and bottom, loosening the remaining residue.

Finally, pour out the gray slurry water in a place where it won’t harm plants or contaminate a water source. A gravel driveway or a barren, rocky patch of ground is a good option. Give the tub one final rinse with clean water, and you’re done. This five-minute process will ensure your tub lasts for years and is always ready for the next project.

Beyond Mortar: Other Farm Uses for Your Tub

On a hobby farm, a tool that only does one thing is a luxury. A heavy-duty mixing tub is a prime example of a multi-use asset. Its durability and size make it incredibly useful for a wide range of tasks beyond concrete work, maximizing your investment.

These tubs make excellent temporary containers for livestock. Use one to provide water to chickens in a new pasture, as a feed bin for goats, or as a soaking tub for treating hoof issues in sheep. For gardening, they can serve as a large pot for a dwarf fruit tree, a station for washing harvested root vegetables, or a tub for mixing custom potting soil and amendments. You can even use it to carry tools, firewood, or compost around the property. Thinking of it as a "utility tub" rather than just a "mixing tub" opens up a world of possibilities.

Making the Right Choice for Your Farm Projects

Choosing the right mixing tub comes down to honestly assessing the scale of your projects and how much you value versatility. There is no single "best" tub, only the best tub for your specific farm. Don’t overbuy a massive tub if your primary need is for small repairs, and don’t underbuy with a small pail if you’re planning to pour a new sidewalk.

Consider this simple framework:

• For maximum durability and versatility: The Tuff Stuff KMT101 or a Rubbermaid Stock Tank are your best bets. They handle big jobs and serve multiple farm functions.
• For small, frequent repairs: The Homz 17-Gallon Utility Tub offers unmatched portability and convenience.
• For lifetime toughness on smaller jobs: The Behrens Steel Tub is an heirloom-quality tool for those who are hard on their gear.
• For specific masonry projects: The long MacCourt Mortar Box is a specialized tool that will make the job significantly easier.

Ultimately, the right tub is a tool that makes your work easier and stands up to the demands of farm life. Choose wisely, clean it properly, and it will be a reliable partner in building and maintaining your farm for years to come.

A good tub won’t do the work for you, but a bad one will certainly make it harder. By matching the tub’s material, size, and shape to your farm’s unique projects, you invest in efficiency and reliability. Make the right choice, and get back to building.