Mixer blade for a mixer tank

An improved mixing blade assembly is disclosed that reduces torque requirements and impact loading in a mixer. The assembly is particularly useful in conjunction with a mixer-grinder having an upright cylindrical tank with a substantially flat bottom and centrally located vertical mixing auger. The assembly includes a blade mounted on the auger for rotation therewith. The blade is generally parallel to and spaced above the floor and terminates inwardly from the tank wall so coarse material can slide off its end. The floor-to-blade spacing eliminates shear forces and impact loads that would otherwise occur as the blade sweeps over openings in the tank bottom. An extension member is pivotally connected to the blade about a vertical axis and is freely swingable between the blade and the floor. The extension member extends radially outwardly by centrifugal force to sweep close to the floor near the tank wall as the tank empties. When the tank is full, the member trails behind the blade to avoid packed material near the outside of the tank.