Concrete Power Trowels: Comparing Walk-Behind and Ride-On Configurations

Choosing the right trowel for concrete construction projects is critical. The right equipment will ensure that the final surface is aesthetically pleasing and highly durable. In general, the process of trowelling involves two processes: floating and finishing. The floating phase is designed to remove the bumps and valleys formed during the concrete pouring process. The finishing stage involves burnishing the concrete to create a hard and smooth surface. If you are planning on purchasing or hiring a power concrete trowel, you can select either walk-behind or ride-on equipment. The right option for you or your business will depend on the scope of your projects. Here are simple comparison factors to help you identify and choose the best concrete trowel for your needs.

Equipment Portability

The portability of a concrete power trowel is an essential factor to consider during selection. In general, this aspect is crucial because it will affect the ease of coming into the worksite. If the equipment is bulky and cumbersome, transportation will become stressful. Also, highly portable trowels are easier to place on the concrete slab. As you might expect, the walk-behind concrete trowel is more portable because of its lighter structure. It can be moved from one area to another with considerable ease. The heavier weight of the ride-on trowel can be a limiting factor. Therefore, you should ensure that you have a transportation strategy.

Space Factors

There are some space issues that you should evaluate before choosing a power trowel for concrete construction projects. If you are planning on troweling large spaces, you should select a trowel which can handle a wide surface area with efficiency and speed. If you are too slow, the concrete might set completely, compromising the effectiveness of trowelling. The ride-on trowel is the ideal choice for large-scale work because of its speed. Unfortunately, if the space intended for trowelling is confined, you might not be able to use a ride-on trowel. Walk-behind alternatives are slow; they are not suitable for large-scale work. However, they are perfect for confined rooms because of their smaller size.

Financial Implications

Finally, you should think about the cost of purchasing r hiring your concrete power trowels. It is important to make thorough comparisons to ensure that the final choice is suited for your personal or business budget. The ride-on trowel is more complex and powerful; its costs will be high. Therefore, if you are interested in an affordable alternative, choose the walk-behind trowel. 

Share