How to choose the best trowel machine for your concreting job

Buying the right trowel machine (aka power trowel, power float, or helicopter) requires a little knowledge and skill, even if you’re an experienced concreting contractor or civil construction pro.

We get it - choices can be overwhelming, and there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the right machine for a smooth, professional finish on concrete slabs.

You may already have an idea of what trowel machine to purchase. Maybe you aren’t 100% sure about which type, size, or brand would suit and serve your purpose.

So, we made it easy. We’ve taken the liberty of doing all the necessary research for you so you can easily get a handle on the overall type, options and machine styles that you should be looking for.

The Different Types of Trowel Machine for Concreters

Walk-Behind or Ride-On

These are self-explanatory: there are trowel machines that you can either walk behind as you work, and the other enables you to ride on the machine. The key difference behind the two would be the services and convenience offered.

A walk-behind trowel machine is the most commonly used. A ride-on trowel machine is more expensive, but is the best for larger areas of concrete, and results in flatter surfaces.

One ride-on machine can do 3x the work of a walk-behind trowel so these units can be great for concreters working on large slabs or those that frequently have rushed jobs to complete for their clients.

Manual Steer or Hydro Steer

The key difference between a manual and hydraulic trowel machine is how much manual effort you need to put in for it to function. A manual trowel machine requires a lot of physical movement yet can come at a very affordable price. The hydraulic trowel machine on the other hand is easier to operate because it offers mechanical assistance, taking some of the steering load on its own.

Understanding Towel Machine Engine Fuel Type and Size

Fuel type - The decision to use diesel or petrol for fuel should be an easy one. Internal combustion engines are widely used, and this generally doesn't affect the overall performance of the machinery. Therefore, you can go either way and it will still serve its purpose. Each of the units we sell have their fuel type listed in the specifications.

Engine Size - A larger engine size does not necessarily mean more horsepower. The size of your engine should be appropriate to the machine you have chosen, but remember that bigger isn’t always better in all cases.

Do You Really Need a Speed Kit?

Some manufacturers offer ‘speed kits’ that can boost the overall performance of your trowel machine, however, regardless of the size of your engine, the average spin will only run from 85-140 RPM.

With that being said you won’t get a massive advantage by installing a speed kit, but if speed is your primary goal then you may want to consider it.

Don't Buy Cheap Replacement Parts and Blades

Trowel machines are not built to be indestructible. Blades get knocked around and worn out and occasionally you need to replace blades or other specific parts or upgrade your machinery.

Keep in mind that with the rising online global market, many parts are advertised as “branded” quality but will not give you your money's worth. Always ensure that you are investing in high-quality OEM parts for replacements and upgrades, otherwise, it may end up costing you more.

Remember - Power Trowel Maintenance Is Important

Just like any other item or valued asset in your toolbox, trowel machines need to be maintained and looked after. This doesn’t mean you need to treat it with kid gloves, but it wouldn’t hurt to check and heat the engine for a few minutes every day to make sure that everything is in tip-top shape.

Regular preventative maintenance and care is the secret to longer-lasting equipment, which is going to save you money in the long run.

Key takeaway:

There’s no single perfect machine that suits every concrete contractor. The best option is to shop around, get advice and go with a brand you trust.

If you are unsure of what type of trowel machine you should invest in or you’d like some peace of mind before outlaying for new machinery, give our tools and hardware team a call and we can walk you through the options and provide a competitive quote.

Main image courtesy All States Concrete