EM12M Essick Steel-Drum Plaster/Mortar Mixer
Used by the professional mason for over 90 years. The ultimate in heavy-duty plaster/mortar mixers. Essick has delivered mixers with your engine, horsepower and drive-system preference.
- Thick 3/16-inch (4.76 mm) steel drum wrap
- 12-cubic foot (340 liters) plaster/mortar mixer
- Reliable 11.7 hp Honda engine
- Reduced maintenance, longer life as gears and clutch are fully immersed in oil
- Maintenance-free shaft seal system no greasing required
| Drive System | Mech. Gearbox | |
| Drum Capacity |
12 cu. ft 339.8 L 3 1/2 - 4 bags |
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| Dump Type | Manual | |
| Discharge Height | 17 in | 430 mm |
| Drum Type | Steel | |
| Drum Thickness | 9 gauge | |
| Engine Cover Thickness | 12 gauge | |
| Tire Size | B78x13 | |
| Frame Type | Rectangular | |
| Paint Type | Powder coat | |
| Power Source | Honda GX390UT Special | |
| Notes: Heavy Duty Safety Chains included. All mixers available with loop couper, 2" ball coupler, or pin-type coupler. | ||
| Overall Length | 105 in | 2667 mm |
| Overall Width | 56 in | 1422 mm |
| Overall Height | 60 in | 1520 mm |
|
Overall Height w/Dump Handle |
75 in | 1910 mm |
| Operating Weight | 1040 lb | 471.7 kg |
| Engine Make/Model | Honda GX390UT | |
| Start Method | Recoil | |
| Engine Power | 11.7 HP | 8.72 kW |
| Engine RPM | 3600 | |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | |
The EM12M Essick Steel-Drum Plaster/Mortar Mixer sets the gold standard for professional-grade mixing, offering unmatched strength, longevity, and consistency for demanding masonry, stucco, and plaster jobs. Engineered by Multiquip’s revered Essick line, this 12-cubic-foot mixer is recognized as the go-to solution for contractors seeking reliable performance, rugged build quality, and efficiency on every project.
EM12M Essick: Overview and Legacy
For more than 90 years, Essick mixers have earned their place on job sites by combining robust American manufacturing with user-centered innovations. The EM12M exemplifies this tradition—featuring a heavy 3/16-inch (9-gauge) steel drum wrap, a true 12-cubic-foot (340-liter) mixing capacity, and a choice of engine platforms, including a powerful 11.7 HP Honda GX390UT. Contractors working on large block jobs, structural masonry, or scratch and brown coat stucco pours depend on the EM12M for daily performance that endures the toughest site abuse.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Drum Capacity | 12 cu. ft. (340 liters), 3.5–4 bags |
| Drum Thickness | 9 gauge/3⁄16 in. (4.76 mm) |
| Engine | Honda GX390UT, 11.7 HP (8.7 kW), recoil |
| Power Source | Gasoline |
| Drum Type | Steel |
| Dump Type | Manual |
| Drive System | Mechanical gearbox (fully oil-immersed) |
| Discharge Height | 17 in. (430 mm) |
| Drum Lock | Standard, secures drum for safe towing |
| Tires | B78x13" (heavy-duty, smooth towing) |
| Frame | Rectangular, powder-coated for durability |
| Weight | Approx. 1040 lbs. (471.7 kg) (operating) |
| Dimensions | 105" L x 56" W x 60" H (1910 mm w/ handle) |
Best-in-Class Features and Jobsite Advantages
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Heavy-Duty Steel Drum: The EM12M’s drum is constructed from thick, 9-gauge steel with robust reinforcing, resisting dents, warping, and abrasion throughout years of heavy mixing. The drum’s profile and mixing blades ensure uniform, lump-free mixes for mortar, grout, or plaster.
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Industrial Frame and Finish: The rectangular frame is engineered for strength and long-term alignment, powder-coated to prevent corrosion, and includes a heavy-duty engine cover (12-gauge) for protection.
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Fully Immersed Gearbox: Key gears and clutch operate in an oil bath, reducing wear, maintenance, and extending service intervals compared to exposed or greased gear systems.
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Maintenance-Free Shaft Seals: Spring-loaded, self-adjusting seals need no greasing—eliminating one of the most common mixer maintenance tasks.
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High-Strength Paddle Arms: Internal cast iron paddle arms, paired with bolt-on rubber blades, provide aggressive mixing action and are easily replaced for longevity.
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Safety-First Design: Heavy-duty safety grate with bag cutter, drum lock_out, safety chains, and bright paint ensure the mixer meets modern OSHA site requirements.
Engineered for Reliability and Convenience
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Honda GX390UT Engine: Known for its bulletproof design, quick-start reliability, and low-vibration operation, this engine makes the EM12M ideal for all-day work. It thrives in tough site conditions with minimal service.
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Manual Dump with Ergonomic Lever: The manual drum dump provides positive, controlled tipping, with a reinforced handle and accessible discharge height that easily fills wheelbarrows or mud pans, preventing spills and operator strain.
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Smooth-Towing, Jobsite-Friendly: Oversized B78x13" tires, heavy axle, and standard coupler configuration (loop, 2" ball, or pin) offer stability in tow and maneuverability across rough ground.
EM12M Mixer Applications
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Large-scale masonry and block wall construction
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Scratch, brown, and finish coat stucco
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Precast facility batch mixing
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Tile set, bedding, or general mortar jobs
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High-strength grout and pour-back
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Fireproofing or special plaster blends
The mixer’s 12-cubic-foot drum supports large crews, letting you quickly batch enough material for continuous wall runs, heavy footings, or mass pours.
Durability, Maintenance, and Service
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Oil-Immersed Gears: Drastically reduce downtime, noise, and heat—protecting the most valuable drive components during extended site use.
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Maintenance-Free Shaft Seals: No greasing, ever, even after hundreds of mixes.
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Powder-Coat Paint and Engine Cover: Prevents rust and corrosion from slurry, rain exposure, and daily cleanup.
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Tool-Free Paddle Replacement: Regular blade swap/replacement is quick and extends overall mixer life.
Comparison Table: EM12M vs. Standard Mixers
| Feature | EM12M Essick | Typical Pro Mixer |
|---|---|---|
| Drum Capacity | 12 cu. ft. | 6–9 cu. ft. |
| Drum Material | 9 gauge steel | 12–14 gauge steel |
| Gear System | Oil-immersed, sealed | Grease/partial oil |
| Paddle Shafts | Cast iron, rubber | Mild steel, rubber |
| Tires | B78x13" HD | B78x13" or smaller |
| Maintenance-Free Seals | Yes | Grease required |
| Dump Height / Access | 17" (wheelbarrow) | 15–18" |
| Engine Power | 11.7 HP Honda | 8–13 HP |
Why Contractors Trust the Essick EM12M
For professionals who can’t risk downtime or poor mixes, the EM12M delivers day after day, season after season—lowering total cost of ownership with less maintenance, easy-to-change blades and seals, and proven Honda engine reliability. Its heavy-duty design resists deformation under load, works well with coarse aggregates or additives, and is built to survive rough transport from yard to jobsite.