20May 2023
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![Use power trowel [Walk behind & ride on].jpg](/static/upload/image/20230518/1684403043131722.jpg)
Concrete conditioning is one of the most critical steps after concrete pouring in the construction industry. The power trowel is the construction equipment or machine used in the concrete finishing process. To describe the power trowel more simply, this construction device looks like an upside-down fan that runs over fresh concrete to polish it.
In addition to a concrete power trowel for smoothing or polishing concrete finishes, it evens and compacts concrete slab finishes for a professional and desirable finish.
There are two types of power trowels on the market:
Power trowels are primarily used for smaller areas to polish. This type of powered trowel operator maneuvers it from behind the device to the desired trimming area. Most walk-behind power trowels on construction sites are fuel-powered, but electric ones are also available. Both can be found in the BISON supply list.
Before starting to understand how to use a walk-behind electric trowel, it is important to understand its different components and the necessary safety precautions to take before operating it.
Basic uses and components of walk behind power trowel
Start handle - Pull this handle to start the engine.
Handlebar/ Handle Grip - This is part of your hand that holds and manipulates the trowel.
Control Handle - This is used to control or adjust the pitch of power trowel blades.
Throttle - Mainly controls the speed of engine.
Protective Ring - Used for protection and security purposes.
Engine - This is used to power the walk-behind power trowel.
Inserts - Inserts can be finishing inserts and combination inserts. These inserts are used for initial and final finishing.
Float Pan – This is an attachment to the trowel blades for a flatter finish.
Stabilizer - Used to reduce vibration and keep the arm steady.
Dead switch or Kill switch - when the operator loses control of the power trowel.
Open the fuel valve lever.
Make sure the throttle lever is in the idle or off position.
Enable the kill switch.
Pull the starter handle. (Don't let it go too fast) If needed, do this a few times until the engine starts.
After the engine starts, allow the power trowel to hold in a stable position for a few minutes and monitor the trowel for unusual sounds, leaks, or other unusual behavior.
If the power trowel works fine for those few minutes, open the throttle or put it in the run position.
Hold the handlebar and control the pitch and speed of the blades.
Begin manipulating the power trowel as you control the raising and lowering of the blade to make contact with the concrete slab.
Swing from left to right as you move backwards. Avoid staying in one area for an extended period so as not to overwork the concrete or mark the finished slab, or use the fastest speed to reduce the chance of uneven floor surfaces.
A ride-on power trowel is used for more extensive areas. Since this is a manual operation, the operator of such power trowels should sit comfortably on the machine and control the power trowel by pressing the control buttons.
BISON believes that before using the concrete ride on power trowel, you must understand its different parts and the necessary safety operation steps.
Basic uses and components of ride-on power trowel
Steering control - This is used to steer the device in your desired direction.
Pitch control - This refers to regulating or modifying the pitch of the blades.
Ignition switch – Used to power the motor of the power trowel.
These are located on the front, rear, left and right side guards - to protect or provide access to the various internal parts of the power trowel for easy maintenance, troubleshooting.
Lift point - This is used to control the lift of the power trowel to the top of the concrete slab.
Engine - This is used to power the rides on the power trowel.
Inserts - Inserts can be finishing inserts and combination inserts. These inserts are used for initial and final finishing.
Gearbox - This is the component responsible for the speed and torque of the power trowel.
Speed pedal - Used to control the speed of the blade.
Batteries - Used to power the engine.
Safety stop switch - Once operated in place, it automatically starts the engine.
Lights - Indicates whether certain parts are turned on.
Before stepping into the operator's seat: Make sure the safety stop switch is not disabled, as this is a safety precaution to avoid any accidents.
After confirming it is enabled, lift yourself onto the power trowel and sit in the operator's seat.
Avoid grabbing the joystick while lifting yourself.
Turn the ignition switch to the on position until you hear the engine running. There will be oil and charge lights during this step.
First, hold the ride on the power trowel idles for a few minutes, then check the power trowel for any unusual sounds, leaks, or behavior.
Put your foot on the pedal to control the speed of the power trowel. Pushing the pedals to total capacity indicates maximum speed.
Controls the joysticks on the operator's seat's left and right sides. According to the manual, a specific joystick is responsible for moving the power trowel forward and backwards, while another is responsible for moving it left or right.
As you control the manipulation of the power trowel, adjust the lift and push down the blade so it touches the concrete slab.
Avoid staying in one area for an extended period so as not to overwork the concrete or mark the finished slab, or use the fastest speed to reduce the chance of uneven floor surfaces.
The above are the differences in the use of the two power trowels. In addition, It would help to consider these factors before choosing a power trowel for concrete finishing.
Power trowel is a crucial piece of equipment for anyone who regularly pours medium to large slabs of concrete. Also referred to as a helicopter or power float, is utilized when the fresh concrete is partially wet to achieve a perfectly flat surface and provide a smooth, professional finish.
Besides choosing the right type of electric trowel, maintaining the action of your power trowel is an important thing you need to do to keep your trowel in good condition.
Be sure to remove dirt after the operation. Make sure it's not running.
Check that nuts and bolts are tight.
Make sure there is no dust or dirt in the air filter.
Check that oil and other fluids are at the desired levels.
When filling the desired level below, let it cool down first and avoid overfilling, which can cause leaks. If it leaks, wipe off any expired and let it dry before using.
Check the blade for any damage or rust and replace it if necessary.
Always check that the kill switch is enabled and working.
Before starting any concrete finishing power trowel machine, BISON advise the following checks should be carried out.
Oil level
Tank level
Hydraulic oil level in the pump
Water tank level
Condition of the air filter
Check that lubrication points are routinely maintained
Condition of power trowel arms and blades
All fittings and hoses should be checked for leaks
Although it is checked before use, the safety measure of wearing personal protective equipment must not be omitted in order to avoid other risks:
Earmuffs protect us from noise.
Shoes with non-slip soles.
Goggles.
Gloves to prevent collisions with objects that the propeller's action may throw.
Whether it is a beginner or a professional, in order to use it safely and smoothly, it is best to read the instruction manual carefully before using the electric trowel for the first time. Since not all trowel machines are created equal, this will ensure safe use and better results.
In the meantime, BISON wants to stress once again the importance of wearing proper shoes, clothing and personal protective equipment when using an power trowel.
Always inspect your power trowel for worn and damaged parts before each use.
When you're done with your machine for the day, it's essential to remove all concrete from your power trowel as soon as possible.
Upon completing around 300 hours of operation, it is recommended to change the fuel filter (unless operating a power trowel) and the spark plugs.
After about 100 hours of use, you should change the oil in the power trowel and replace the oil filter. After approximately 300 hours of running the machine, you should replace the fuel filter and spark plugs.
Allow all the water to disappear before you use the trowel, depending on the temperature, humidity and wind, usually this could be a 20 minute wait or a 4 hour wait. Once the run-off is all gone, you can remove your steel finishing power trowel for the finishing touches.
Troweling is essential every time concrete is poured, as it allows the concrete to continue the finishing process of the concrete and to force residual water out of the concrete. Removing excess water from concrete will reduce the likelihood of concrete cracking.
Hard troweling of air-entrained concrete is also not recommended for several reasons. The main reason is densification. Densification pushes air out of the surface, resulting in reduced air content. This increases the likelihood of freeze-thaw damage and de-icing scaling damage.
In conclusion, this article covered two varieties of trowel machines that have distinct steering mechanisms.
With ride-on trowel machines, large areas can be finished quickly, but it is challenging to check the finishing quality due to limited visibility. Ride-on power trowel machines can maintain quality, although they may be somewhat cumbersome to utilize in more expansive areas. So it all depends on which type you want for your project. Both types have easy functioning and can be powered by gas engines or electric motors. The cost of the product might differ depending on the manufacturer.BISON supplies both walk behind and ride on power trowel, and can provide professional purchasing guidance, can initiate a consultation to learn more!
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