By Eric Morse

When it comes to creating a flat and dense concrete floor, the tool that serves contractors best is the concrete walk behind trowel. By embedding aggregate and consolidating mortar at the surface, the trowel makes a smooth and dense floor.

Individual contractors have their own technique when operating a walk-behind trowel, however, all contractors should care for their machine in the same way. Maintaining a walk-behind trowel is easy, and a well cared for machine will consistently help contractors achieve results.

Walk-behind Trowel Blades and Float Pans
Key components to a walk-behind trowel are the blades, which are directly in contact with the concrete. Russell Warner, product marketing manager for concrete and light compaction equipment at Ingersoll Rand, says blades are the first components contractors should check before operating the walk-behind trowel. "Make sure the blade arms are straight and not bent, which may cause the blades to wear unevenly," says Warner." The operator should also make sure the blades are pitching at the same rate.

As blades become worn down, the contractor will easily notice. "When the steel starts to wear down, the blade will get thin in some areas and peel back. It looks like aluminum foil or tinsel," says Warner. "When a contractor sees that, it's time to change the blades."

It is crucial to know that even is only one blade becomes worn, all blades must be replaced at the same time to insure consistency on the job, otherwise, it could have a severe effect on the flatness and quality of the floor.