A concrete finisher is an essential tool we need for finishing concrete, especially when dealing with larger concrete slabs. A finisher will help you build a flatter concrete slab and a smoother finish. But the first thing you need to know is not how the start the machine, but when is the proper time to use it.
When to use the machine?
The very first thing you need to figure out when you can put the trowel on the concrete slab.
The right time is when the concrete has set enough that a person can stand on it but not sink in, the footprint depth should not exceed 1/8”, and you can walk on it firmly without the top layer sticking to the boot, then it is ready to power float.
Preparation before use.
Before you start your machine, there are a few key things to keep in mind.
1. Make sure there is enough gasoline and stroke oil in the engine. We have encountered many cases of gasoline engine damage, which are often not caused by quality problems or bump damage, but by carelessness during use.
2. Another thing you need to check is your gearbox oil. You can observe the oil level through the oil window on the side of the gearbox. The right amount of oil can protect your transmission and machine with a long service life, usually the oil level should reach half of the oil window.
3. Check whether the blade is fixed on the spider shaft, adjust the angle of the blade, check the brake cable, and whether the accelerator switch is connected well.
After the trowel is started, there will be a lot of rotational inertia, so turn the throttle at low position first and maintain a stable standing position before you starting it.
Start the walk behind power trowel.
Pull the recoil cord firmly. Once the engine is started, quickly turn the choke to the right. As the engine of the trowel is started, the blade can be rotated.
You can change the speed at which the blade spins by controlling the throttle switch on the handle and you will see the machine start to move. Controlling the direction of movement of the trowel is tricky, press the handle down and the machine moves to the right, lift the handle slightly and the machine moves to the left. But be careful not to use too much force to move the machine too suddenly to lose control.
Start the ride-on power trowel.
As with walk-behind trowels, you need to inspect the trowel arm and blade and properly lubricate the trowel before using the electric trowel. The machine has a water spray system, also check the water and fuel levels. Adjust the seat so that you are in a comfortable position. The gasoline engine of the ride-on trowel is electric start, so just turn the key to start the gasoline engine, but don’t forget that you need to depress the flame out pedal at the same time. Different from the walk-behind machine, the movement of the ride-on machine relies on two guide rods, pushing the two gears forward at the same time, and pulling back the two rods at the same time. When the right side is pulled back, the left side is pushed forward.
Before stopping, please reduce the speed and slowly depress the flame out pedal to stop the machine.
Using the power trowel to remove the “hills” and “valley”.
Typically, several passes with the float pan are required before troweling a concrete floor with a blade, the machine will smooth out the protrusions in the concrete and fill in the hollows .During the troweling process with the blade, the concrete will gradually harden, so it is necessary to constantly adjust the angle of the blade.
Now I think you have a basic knowledge of the power trowel, if you are ready to own one, please contact us.
