We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Machinery

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Power Trowel?

By Paul Scott
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 15,278
Share

A power trowel is a construction machine used to impart a smooth surface finish on freshly poured concrete slabs. This machine consists of one or two rotors which rotate parallel with the slab surface. Discs or multi-bladed attachments are spun against the still soft concrete surface by the rotors, thereby effectively smoothing out any blemishes or high spots. Power trowels are available as walk behind or ride-on machines. Both models are self driven as a result of the friction of the blades or disc on the concrete and are turned by applying additional pressure to a specific sector of the rotor.

When concrete slabs have been thrown, the surface of the concrete is uneven and rough. Most construction specifications require an even slab surface which requires the concrete to be smoothed before it sets and cures. A screed is used to smooth the surface on small slabs, sidewalks, and walkways. A screed is a flat wooden, steel, or aluminum beam that is drawn across the concrete surface to smooth out any high and rough spots. On larger slabs, this method is impractical, and the power trowel comes into its own as the preferred method of surface finishing.

Also known as a helicopter or power float, the power trowel is basically a simple platform that supports a vertically inclined gasoline engine driving one or two rotors. The rotors are horizontally inclined and consist of a fitting which drives a flat disc or multi bladed attachment reminiscent of a large fan. The drives of the power trowel are fitted with a clutch and a “dead mans switch” which allow gradual engagement and total disconnection of the drive should the operator lose his grip on the operating lever. Friction between the disc or blades and the concrete surface moves the power trowel forward and turns the machine when pressure is applied to one side of the rotor. Power trowels are available as smaller walk behind models and larger ride-on types.

The rotating action of the disc or blades flattens protrusions and fills hollows in the wet concrete surface, thereby creating a flat, even bed. It also brings the “fat” or mortar slurry in the concrete to the surface which creates a shiny, polished surface. Many older power trowels can't move in close to tight edges on the slab, thus necessitating hand troweling of these areas. Newer models feature specially designed blades which can polish the concrete surface right up to the edges and greatly speed up the finishing process.

Share
About Mechanics is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.aboutmechanics.com/what-is-a-power-trowel.htm
Copy this link
About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.