Capital Equipment News January 2023

vibration and unevenly dispersed aggregate can create spots of varying strengths that can result in structural flaws and damage over time.

Hand screeds for lower cost Classic hand screeding, which

traditionally uses a wooden board, might cut it for the one-off small concrete job, but any serious contractor knows the life-long pains that come from years of stooping over a heavy board and sawing it back and forth along forms to screed concrete. Although the materials have evolved over time from hefty two-by-four lumber to lighter-weight aluminium alloy bars, the design and method have largely remained unchanged. In addition to the back-breaking labour, hand screeding methods using boards require the skill of an experienced professional to remain true to grade and achieve consistent results since there’s no assistance from vibration or a spinning pipe. This can prove challenging on large pours, even with decades of experience. A case for quality Jobs in a concrete season can vary as much as the tools themselves. Contractors should carefully consider the advantages of each type of screed, which screed will work best with the majority of their jobs, and how a screed will pair with existing support equipment as well as their crew’s skill level. No matter the method, choosing a manufacturer that offers not just options, but high-quality construction, parts and service will help limit problems to small, logistical inconveniences. b

Hydraulic-powered roller screeds have the power to move up to six inches of concrete along a pour while the operator remains in a standing position. Some manufacturers also offer custom drums made to various job specifications such as sidewalks, parking lots, residential streets, large highway ditch liners and more.

Engine vibrations present another area of concern. The high vibration from the engine can cause the throttle cable to slip and need continuous readjusting. Truss screeds for length A major design shift from rollers, truss screeds level off concrete with vibration instead of a spinning pipe. These screeds are expandable and come in multiple sections that resemble a truss design to help maintain rigidity for longer lengths,

even beyond 60 feet. Truss screeds can be an excellent option for the largest jobs, like screeding an entire roadway. Vibrations from a motor attached to the truss carry throughout the screed as contractors guide it along concrete forms, flattening and settling the concrete to remove trapped air, increase concrete strength and provide a smooth finish. However, due to the vibration, these screeds are generally not used on a slope. The aggregate in concrete tends to settle with

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JANUARY 2023 11