While both mobile and stationary block-making machines produce blocks, the main difference between the two is the rate of production, how mobile the machine is, and the initial investment required to purchase and set up each block-building machine. While Asia Pacific holds the global market share for block-making machines at 39%, other regions like Africa and America also use block-laying machines to facilitate their construction.

Participants in the construction industry need to understand the differences between mobile and stationary machines to make their production process as efficient as possible — that's where Lontto comes to your aid. We've written this article to help decipher the differences between a stationary and mobile brick-making machine, their advantages and disadvantages, and which to choose for your next project.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mobile block machines are portable, cost less ($2,500–$10,000), and produce fewer blocks (100–4,000 per 8-hour shift), while stationary machines are fixed, require a higher investment ($15,000–$50,000+), and support high-volume production (500–12,000 blocks).
  • Mobile machines are ideal for temporary or remote construction sites with limited infrastructure, while stationary machines are best for large-scale, permanent projects requiring diverse, consistent block quality.
  • Mobile machines offer flexibility and cost savings but may produce variable quality blocks, whereas stationary machines provide automation, consistency, and versatility for complex block types.

Mobile vs. Stationary Concrete Block Machines

mobile vs. stationary concrete block making machine mobile vs stationary concrete block making machine

The advantages of mobile block machines are their versatility for block production wherever you are, reducing lead times for materials and soft costs. They have lower production capabilities than a stationary-type block-making machine, which excels at high production rates. Take a look at the following advantages and disadvantages of these different types of concrete block machines:

Mobile Block Machines Stationary Block Machines
Initial Investment Cost $2,500 — $10,000 $15,000 — $50,000+
Production Capacity (per 8-hour shift) 100-4,000 blocks 500-12,000 blocks
Block Variety
  • Basic hollow blocks
  • Solid blocks
  • Limited mold options
  • Hollow blocks
  • Solid blocks
  • Pavers
  • Curbstones
  • Double-layer blocks
Maintenance Costs (Annual) $5,000 — $15,000 $10,000 — $20,000
Mold Cycle Time 23 to 35 seconds per cycle 15 to 18 seconds per cycle
Power Source
  • Electric
  • Diesel engine
  • Hydraulic
  • Electric (3-phase)
  • Industrial power systems
Automation Level
  • Semi-automatic
  • Manual operation
  • 1–2 operators
  • Semi-automatic (7 operators)
  • Automatic (5 operators)
  • Fully automatic (2-3 operators)

What is a Stationary Block Machine?

A stationary block machine is a type of fixed block-making equipment designed for high-volume and precise block production. These block machines are commonly used to produce several types of concrete blocks, including hollow blocks, solid blocks, pavers, and curbstones. They're suitable for large-scale construction projects.

Stationary block machines have a wide range of applications within large-scale projects, and you will see them used as the primary block-making machine for residential construction, commercial construction, and public works infrastructure projects like highways and bridges.

Installation Requirements

Stationary block machines have several installation requirements before it can begin producing high-quality blocks and bricks. They need to be installed on a solid concrete base, requiring a permanent foundation to be made to support the heavy machinery production capabilities of a stationary block machine. This installation area needs to be between 800 and 1,700 square feet.

In addition to a permanent foundation, a stationary block machine also needs proper roofing and ventilation, as well as sufficient lighting for your work to use the brick machine.

What is a Mobile Block Machine?

A mobile block machine fills the niche with the versatile and portable concrete block-making machine that can function in temporary construction zones or protected areas. Investing in a mobile machine to make blocks is an excellent choice as they can be transported to different construction sites, reducing costs in the long run. Since mobile block machines don't require a permanent foundation, they are the preferred choice for remote or low-infrastructure projects that are prevalent in Africa and Asia.

Mobile block machines excel not only in remote construction projects, but also when there is limited access to nearby factories. This can be due to logistical challenges, high demand for concrete, or other construction issues. High-quality machines are designed also to use local raw materials, which can save on these costs and reduce carbon emissions for zoning.

Should I use a Stationary or Mobile Block Machine for my project?

You should choose stationary block machines if you need a high volume of concrete products that are delivered in a consistently high quality. Mobile block machines are more cost-effective in the short-term but can suffer from inconsistent cement blocks.

Choose Mobile If You Need Choose Stationary If You Need
  • Small-scale production (100-4,000 blocks per 8-hour shift)
  • Flexible production location
  • Lower initial investment ($2,500-$10,000)
  • Simple operation without extensive infrastructure
  • High-volume production (500-12,000 blocks per 8-hour shift)
  • Diverse product range
  • Consistent quality through automation
  • Permanent production facility

Whether it's stationary or mobile block machines, you need a highly efficient block machine supplier to fulfill your manufacturing needs. Lontto has over 30 years of experience and believes in supporting our customers from purchasing to installation. Get Machine Pricing today.

Mobile vs. Stationary Concrete Block Making Machine FAQs

How does the quality of blocks mobile machines produce compare to stationary ones?

According to the Constructor, stationary block machines produce higher quality blocks with a more consistent density due to their automatic weighing systems and hydraulic compression, achieving up to 65% of block strength by day 7 of curing. Mobile block machines have a higher rate of manual errors and lower compression efficiency, resulting in more variable block quality with production rates of 100-4,000 blocks per 8-hour shift compared to stationary machines' 500-12,000 blocks.

What are the common issues faced with mobile block-making machines?

Mobile block machines commonly experience production quality issues, with 20-30% of blocks showing defects due to manual errors and inconsistent compression pressure ranging from 150 to 200 bars. The machines also face mechanical challenges, with hydraulic systems requiring oil changes every 6 months and vibration table gear replacements. While the quality of a mobile hollow block-making machine may be more variable than a stationary one, specific projects simply require their versatility.

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chao zhang

Author: Chao Zhang

I am Chao Zhang, I have been working in the brick making industry for over 10 years. I have a deep understanding and research on various models of block making machines, especially automatic brick machines, concrete block machines, compressed earth block machines, clay brick machines, cement brick machines. I have a special understanding of this industry. I can help my clients choose the suitable brick machine and assist them in designing and building a brick production factory. If you want to know everything about brick making machines, please contact me. I am happy to help you.