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Troweling machines are used to apply a smooth finish to concrete surfaces. There are two types: ride-on and walk-behind. Ride-on machines are faster and easier to use, but more expensive and heavier. Walk-behind machines are ideal for smaller surfaces and allow for immediate error correction. Both types can be powered by diesel, gas or electric motors.
Troweling machines are finishing machines used in the construction industry to apply a smooth hard skin or finish to concrete surfaces. Currently, there are two types: ride-on and walk-behind. As the names suggest, a ride-on machine is controlled by an operator sitting on the machine itself, while the walk-behind version is controlled by an operator walking behind the machine. The type of trowel machine used to finish a concrete slab depends on a number of factors.
Ride-on trowels are only convenient when refinishing large concrete floors. They save time and manpower as operators simply sit on the machines and direct them where needed. It is easy to control a ride-on trowel because they are equipped with steering systems. They allow operators to be more efficient as not much effort is required to operate them. Ride-on trowels are much easier and faster to use than walk-behind machines.
Previously, operators used brute force to operate ride-on troweling machines. They had to manipulate mechanical levers to control the movements of the machines. The machines were quite difficult to operate and wore out the people who operated them. Thanks to innovation and further development, power-assisted models with hydraulic or electronic steering are currently on the market. The latest models boast advanced features such as variable speed clutches and torque converters.
Some trowel machines may also feature overlapping rotors, although these are becoming less common over time. Ride-on models are used on concrete terraces, floors and streets to give them a superior finish. They are heavier, however, more expensive and can be quite difficult to transport. Some operators prefer walk-behind trowel machines over ride-on models because it is easy to miss defects on the finished surface. Since the operator is focused on driving forward rather than on the finished surface, defects in the finish must be corrected on the next pass.
Walk-behind trowels are ideal for smaller surfaces that cannot be tackled by a walk-behind model, such as around ledges or near edges. They typically require less maintenance and because they are much lighter, they are quite easy to transport. Their lighter weight also allows finishers to reach the concrete surface much sooner than if they were using heavier ride-on machines. Some finishers prefer to work with hand templates because they believe it gives them a better feel for the finish.
It takes a great deal of force to propel walk-behind trowel machines, making them more difficult to use, and it also takes longer to complete the job. The big advantage here, however, is that the operator can see the concrete being finished and can immediately correct any errors in the finish. While these machines are cheaper in comparison, they give the same quality finish. The motor in a walk-behind model is also much smaller as it only needs to power a single rotor.
Not just any simple machine, the walk-behind models can be quite sophisticated and some sport a variety of features, such as enclosed gearboxes, anti-vibration handles and adjustable handles. Other models feature belly bars, automatic blade pitch control, extension rods and variable speed clutches. Both of these types of troweling machines can be powered by diesel, gas or electric motors.
