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Updated: August 18th, 2008 01:41 PM GMT-05:00

Keep on Trowelin'

Concrete Equipment Maintenance

concrete trowel
Most contractors have concrete trowels in their equipment line-ups. Take care of your trowels, and your trowels will take care of you.
Trowel Air Filter
"Air filter elements and oil are cheap insurance to ensure long engine life and reduced overall costs," says Joel Borowski, Honda Engine Sales Group. Check your trowel's air filter weekly and change monthly for optimal air filter performance.
When choosing a quality trowel blade look for consistency in the metal, flatness in the mounting brackets and even drill spacing.
Multiquip's Whiteman walk-behind trowel
Manufacturers have incorporated features that help owners and operators more easily perform maintenance on their trowels. For example, Multiquip's Whiteman walk-behind trowels include a door on the guard ring cage that allows easy access for changing blades.

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Rebecca Wasieleski
By Rebecca Wasieleski

"With the float pans on riders, we suggest a contractor rotates the pans similar to rotating car tires," Snyder suggests. "That will give the operator more consistent wear and performance." Snyder says you should rotate those pans about mid-way through their expected life. — RW

Trowel Safety Information at Your Fingertips
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) offers "Concrete Power Trowels Safety Manual." This manual is designed for operators and maintenance personnel. It was written by members of AEM's Troweling Machine Manufacturer's Bureau (TMMB) and includes information contributed by the leading manufacturers in the trowel industry. You can purchase a copy through AEM's website at https://shop.aem.org/.

Daily maintenance checklist:

  • Thoroughly clean a trowel at the end of each day
  • Be sure all controls function properly, including safety switches and pitching control
  • Clean and lubricate blade-pitching system
  • In regards to the machine's engine, check fuel level, oil level, and air filter or coolant
  • Check gear case oil level
  • Tighten bolts that attach to the blades
  • Check blades, and replace if needed

Weekly maintenance checklist:

  • Examine the spider and its arms to ensure they're in the proper position
  • Examine drive belt for wear and tension
  • Lubricate all moving parts

Monthly maintenance checklist:

  • Change engine oils
  • Change or clean engine air filter
  • Inspect coolant
  • Inspect spark plug
  • Visual inspection of fuel tank for contaminants
  • Run the machine on hard concrete to ensure it is balanced and running smooth
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