Whether navigating busy roadways or tight jobsites, mixer operators face complex challenges, demanding situational awareness and secure, ergonomic control.

The Oshkosh^® S-Series™ front discharge concrete mixer delivers advanced features to support operators and jobsite performance. From outstanding visibility systems to in-cab concrete placement technology, these features help organizations promote team member safety and wellbeing.

Safety-Driven Design for Front Discharge Concrete Trucks

Front discharge mixers offer several built-in advantages compared to rear-discharge trucks. With excellent visibility, effective operator control and streamlined features, the Oshkosh S-Series truck exemplifies how thoughtful engineering can help address jobsite hazards.

1. Trainer Cab for Safe, Smart Operator Onboarding

Most mixer cabs are built for one. However, a single-driver design can make real-time driver training difficult. The Oshkosh^® S-Series™ Trainer Cab changes that. It features a full-sized second seat with air-ride suspension, providing trainers with a secure and comfortable position inside the cab.

With both driver and trainer seated side by side, new operators can learn in the field without being left to figure things out alone. It creates space for immediate feedback, hands-on coaching and in-the-moment guidance. For fleets with regular onboarding cycles, the trainer cab provides a controlled setting to build operator confidence before they go solo. And when training isn't underway, the vehicle operates like any other front discharge mixer in the fleet.

2. Enhanced Visibility of Active Work Zones

Clear sightlines are crucial when placing concrete near obstacles, foot traffic or finished structures. This emphasis on visibility and placement drove a complete redesign of the Oshkosh^® S-Series™ front discharge mixer windshield and cab, with operator comfort and sightlines guiding design decisions.

The cab features a larger windshield and expansive side glass, providing drivers with enhanced views of their surroundings and great jobsite awareness, helping minimize the need for spotters. With excellent visibility, operators can anticipate obstacles, deliver smooth pours and maintain a safe jobsite.

3. Concrete Placement from the Operator’s Station 

Unlike rear-discharge mixers, which often require two-person crews and external controls, the S-Series™ front discharge mixer puts the operator fully in command. From the cab, the driver controls the chute and directs concrete placement without leaving the vehicle. This eliminates the need for a second crew member and can impact how often operators climb in and out of the truck.

Front discharge technology isn't new; it’s been around since the 1970s, but adoption has varied based on state weight laws, chassis costs and customer preferences.

However, in areas where contractors demand precise control over concrete spreading and finishing, front discharge mixers have become the standard. The S-Series front discharge mixer provides its value with key features all managed from the comfort of a single seat:

• Prioritizing operator wellbeing
• Streamlining concrete pours and placement
• Maintaining full job control without ever leaving the cab

This level of control promotes both jobsite safety and operational efficiency.

Read more about how a well-designed front discharge truck can help support precise concrete placement.

4. Backup Camera with On-Demand Rear View 

Backing up a fully loaded mixer demands clear visibility and awareness of everything behind the truck. The S-Series front discharge concrete mixer features a seven-inch color monitor for its backup camera, providing operators with a sharp, real-time view whenever the truck is placed in reverse.

Beyond automatic activation, a dedicated dashboard button allows drivers to access the rear camera feed while moving forward. This on-demand feature helps operators monitor their surroundings in busy or confined spaces, helping them maintain situational awareness without stopping or repositioning the vehicle.

Whether backing into a pour zone or navigating through active jobsite traffic, instant access to the rear view adds a layer of awareness and operational control.

5. Ergonomic Cab to Help Reduce Fatigue 

The S-Series cab was completely redesigned with operator comfort and daily usability in mind. The result is a workspace designed to make a physically demanding job easy on the body.

Key ergonomic improvements from previous models include:

• Wider door opening: 30% larger than the previous model for smooth entry and exit.
• Reduced step heights: minimizes strain during frequent cab access.
• Strategically placed grab handles: provide secure support points for three points of contact.
• Intuitive control layout: keeps essential functions within easy reach.
• Excellent visibility: precise sightlines promote operator visibility and awareness.
• Unobstructed cab layout: an efficient interior design supports natural movement and comfortable positioning throughout the workday.

These ergonomic features are designed to support operator alertness and help sustain focus during long hours on the job.

6. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) – Now Standard 

Maintaining proper tire pressure is critical for both safety and performance. The S-Series front discharge mixer features a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which continuously tracks tire pressure and temperature in real-time. The system will provide notification if a tire begins to overheat or loses pressure.

By identifying issues early, a TPMS helps prevent blowouts, which can be dangerous on heavy-duty trucks. It also supports great fuel efficiency and helps address costly maintenance due to wear. With TPMS technology onboard, crews can stay ahead of potential problems and keep their mixers operational and in service.

7. Remote Grease System 

Regular greasing is essential to keeping a mixer running smoothly. While all service points are accessible by design, the optional remote grease system on the S-Series front discharge mixer adds convenience by automatically delivering grease to key components on a preset schedule—helping streamline maintenance routines and reduce manual effort.

The system helps provide consistent lubrication across the drum, chute, suspension and other moving parts without requiring technicians to crawl under or climb over the truck. Regular greasing promotes effective maintenance and overall vehicle health.

8. Optional Hydraulic Chutes for Controlled Placement

Precisely placing concrete accurately often depends on how easily the chute can be positioned. With optional hydraulic chutes, operators can extend and adjust multiple chute sections directly from the cab using power controls—there is no need to exit the vehicle or manually handle heavy extensions.

This feature enhances reach and placement precision without the physical strain associated with lifting and maneuvering manual chutes. It also reduces the need for a second person to assist with setup.

In tight or complex pour zones, the optional hydraulic chute offers added control and enhanced ease of operation, helping crews complete the job with confidence.

9. Lightweight Extension Chutes

Handling chute extensions is a routine part of mixer operation, and the Oshkosh S-Series front discharge mixer is equipped with standard lightweight aluminum chute extensions for ease and efficiency. For crews seeking added strength and reliability, optional durable steel extensions are available.

The aluminum chute extensions are easy to lift, position and remove—helping combat operator fatigue and support precise placement, especially in tight or complex pour areas. The lighter design also enables accurate control, making chute setup quick and efficient without compromising performance.

Prioritizing Operator Safety Without Compromising Performance

Safety and productivity on the jobsite start with thoughtful, innovative design. From outstanding visibility to intuitive in-cab systems, each feature of the Oshkosh S-Series front discharge mixer is designed to support safe, efficient work prioritizing operators.

To learn more about how the S-Series can support your crew’s performance on the jobsite, reach out to your S-Series sales leader to explore the full range of options available on the Oshkosh S-Series front discharge mixer and see how it can make a difference for your fleet.