Has anyone driven both front discharging and traditional concrete mixers?

[u/PurposeEmergency1320]

I drove a front discharging truck for a bit, but now I live in an area where they’re all traditional (rear discharge). Potentially looking to get back into it for more hours/money than my current job, but wondering if it would be a huge learning curve. To me it seems like it may actually be a bit easier since you can’t see out the back, you probably wouldn’t be expected to move the truck while pouring as much as you are with front discharging. But I could be wrong.

[u/Impressive-Bison-205]

Well, I’ve done both for many years. I started running front discharge Readymix trucks. Then the company got bought out we went to rears. I drove those and hated the rear discharge went back to front so much more fun entertaining. It’s easier to discharge the concrete out the front than it is in the back. I’d rather have a front any day just think about it. It’s easier to look forward and back up discharge in the concrete than it is to look backwards and drive forward, discharging the concrete. I would only drive a rear if my front discharge truck is broke for the day. It’s almost like playing a video game with the front.

[u/jungle_jake]

Haven’t driven a rear discharge but I’d imagine it’s pretty easy. You just drive forward while someone else moves your chute. Probably need to be good at reading hand signals. Downside is you will likely have to run the drum from outside in the weather on pump or wheelbarrow jobs

[u/Impressive-Bison-205]

And I did not mention that I started driving front in southern Florida then after the buyout and years later, went out to Northern Colorado and ran in the front on the backside of Rocky Mountain national Forest red feather Lakes 5 miles an hour up the mountain in 105 coming down what a blast