The power trowel is the core equipment for concrete finishing operations, particularly suited for floor leveling and smoothing processes. For beginners, mastering the correct operating procedures not only enhances construction efficiency but also extends equipment lifespan. Below is a systematic tutorial for power trowel usage, covering the entire process from pre-operation preparation to post-operation maintenance.
I. Pre-Operation Preparation
Equipment Inspection: First, verify all components of the power trowel are intact, focusing on the motor, trowel head, drive shaft, and safety guards. For electric trowels, check the power cord for damage and ensure the plug is grounded. For lithium-ion models, confirm the battery charge is sufficient (recommended ≥80%).
Site Preparation: After concrete placement, wait for initial setting (typically 3-4 hours post-pour, subject to temperature and humidity). Troweling may commence only when foot pressure yields no significant sinking and no standing water remains on the surface. Clear debris or protrusions beforehand.
Personal Protection: Operators must wear hard hats, dust masks, slip-resistant footwear, and safety goggles to prevent injury from concrete splashes.
II. Detailed Operational Procedures
- Startup and Test Run
Power Trowel: Position the equipment on level ground. After connecting the power source, first engage the low-speed setting (recommended RPM: 80-100). Observe whether the trowel head rotates smoothly without abnormal vibration or noise before switching to high speed (120-150 RPM). - Finishing Techniques
First Pass (Coarse Finishing): Tilt the finishing disc at a 15°-20° angle. Move slowly in an “S” pattern, focusing on compacting the concrete surface to eliminate air bubbles and cracks. Maintain a speed of 100-120 rpm during this stage to prevent concrete segregation caused by excessive rotation.
Second Pass (Fine Finishing): After the surface has partially set (no visible fingerprints when pressed), adjust the trowel plate to a horizontal position. Move in a crisscross pattern at 120-150 rpm until the surface is smooth and mark-free.
Edge Treatment: For confined areas like wall corners and column bases, switch to a smaller trowel head (≤200mm diameter) or use a manual trowel for finishing to ensure overall flatness. - Special Conditions Management
High-Temperature Environments: If construction temperature exceeds 35°C (95°F), pause operations for 5 minutes every 20 minutes to prevent motor overheating. Lightly mist the concrete surface with water (control water volume to avoid pooling). .
Low-Temperature Conditions: When temperatures fall below 5°C, add an early-strength agent to the concrete and extend the initial setting time to 5-6 hours. Immediately cover the surface with insulating film after finishing to prevent frost cracking.
III. Prohibited High-Risk Operations
Prohibited: High-Speed Rotation Without Load: Engaging high speed without the trowel disk contacting the surface may cause the drive shaft to fracture.
Forced Twisting Prohibited: If resistance is encountered during finishing, stop the machine before adjusting direction. Forced twisting may burn out the motor.
Rainy Weather Prohibited: Rainwater reduces concrete strength and may cause motor short circuits due to water ingress.
IV. Post-Operation Maintenance Essentials
Cleaning & Maintenance: Rinse the trowel head with clean water after each use to remove concrete residue. Wipe the motor section with a dry cloth to prevent water ingress.
Lubrication Maintenance: After every 50 operating hours, apply high-temperature grease (lithium-based grease recommended) to the drive shaft.
Long-Term Storage: If the equipment remains idle for over one month, fully charge the battery and store it in a dry environment. Recharge the battery every three months.
V. Industry Standards and Efficiency Enhancement
Per the Construction Quality Acceptance Specification for Building Floor Engineering (GB50209-2010), the allowable deviation for concrete surface flatness is 5mm/2m. A skilled operator using a trowel machine can achieve a daily output of 300-500㎡ (actual efficiency varies based on concrete mix ratio and temperature). Novice operators are advised to enhance proficiency through simulated training (e.g., practicing on sand surfaces). Contact us for more information.