A block making machine makes hollow or solid concrete blocks, most often the 390 x 190 mm face in 90, 140 and 190 mm widths that builders use for boundary walls, outbuildings and houses. Blocks are bigger and heavier than bricks, so the machine needs stronger vibration, a stiffer mould and a coarser mix with fine stone. Some are dedicated block machines; others are brick and block machines that swap moulds. Tell us the blocks you want to make and the power you have, and independent suppliers will send free quotes, with no obligation.
Kinds of block making machine
Block machines come in the same layouts as brick machines, built for heavier units:
- Egg-laying block machines drop a few blocks at a time onto a slab, usually electric or engine driven.
- Static block machines press blocks onto pallets, so they cure in rows or racks and you need less slab.
- Hydraulic block presses add pressure to the vibration for denser blocks and pavers, and often feed a plant.
A brick and block making machine takes moulds for both, handy when you sell to home builders and contractors alike. See brick making machines for the full range.
Choosing a concrete blocks making machine
Decide on the widths first. A 140 mm block suits most boundary walls and outbuildings, 190 mm blocks are for heavier walls and 90 mm for partitions. Each width needs its own mould, and the number of cavities sets how many blocks come out per drop. Check that the vibrator motors are sized for blocks, not only bricks, and that the frame and tamper are heavy enough to pack the corners. Ask the supplier for the output with your mould, mix and crew; blocks take longer to fill and carry than bricks.
Making good blocks: mix, curing and care
Hollow blocks need a drier, coarser mix than bricks, often cement, sand and fine stone, so a mixer that handles stone matters. Fill the mould evenly, vibrate until the top closes and lift the mould cleanly so the thin webs do not crack. Cure the blocks damp and covered for about the first week and do not stack them high too early. Blocks for sale should meet SANS 1215; have a few tested for strength. Clean and oil the mould daily and check the liners, because worn liners give rough, oversize blocks.
Cost of a block making machine and what to ask
Small electric block machines are advertised from about R23,000 to R80,000 new, and hydraulic block machines roughly R290,000 to R390,000. The price moves with the cavities, the motor size, the moulds included and whether it runs on single phase, three phase or an engine. Ask each supplier:
- which block sizes the moulds make and the price of extra moulds
- the motor rating and the power it needs
- delivery, setting up and training
- the warranty and where spares come from
What to include in your request
- Block widths: 90, 140 or 190 mm
- Hollow or solid blocks
- Egg-laying, static or hydraulic
- Power: single phase, three phase or engine
- Blocks a day hoped for, and your town
Block Making Machines for different clients
- Homeowners: making hollow blocks for a long boundary wall or a garage at home
- Builders and bricklaying contractors: blocks made on site for boundary walls, outbuildings and quick structural walls
- Housing developers and complexes: a static block machine supplying blocks for estate walls and housing phases
- Brickyards and block yards: adding hollow blocks to a brick range so builders buy everything in one place
- New brick-making businesses: a small block machine selling 140 mm blocks to local builders and homeowners
- Farms and smallholdings: blocks for stores, pump houses, dairy sheds and farm boundary walls
- Municipalities, schools and public works: community projects making blocks for school walls, clinics and public works
- Landscapers and paving teams: solid blocks for garden walls, planters and low retaining walls
Frequently asked questions
How much does a block making machine cost?
How many blocks are there in a square metre of wall?
Can one machine make bricks and blocks?
Who will quote me for a block machine?
Block Making Machines by province and city
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Sandton
- Randburg
- Roodepoort
- Krugersdorp
- Randfontein
- Germiston
- Boksburg
- Benoni
- Kempton Park
- Alberton
- Vanderbijlpark
- Vereeniging
- Durban
- Pinetown
- Pietermaritzburg
- Richards Bay
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- East London
- Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Mthatha
- Cape Town
- Bellville
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- George
- Worcester
- eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Rustenburg
- Brits
- Klerksdorp
- Potchefstroom
- Mahikeng
- Polokwane
- Tzaneen
- Kimberley
- Upington
- Bloemfontein
- Welkom
- Sasolburg