Musculoskeletal disorders associated with forceful exertions and awkward postures while using walk-behind power trowels

When using a walk-behind trowel, a rotational force is produced which requires the operator to use extra force to keep the trowel travelling in a straight line. Excess force is placed on the trunk, spine, and arms. A ride-on trowel eliminates this extra force. The operator is able to sit and easily maneuver the machine with handles or a single joystick.

Safety and health experts believe that decreasing the amount of stress placed on the trunk, spine, and arms reduces the risk of injury to these areas. Rotational forces are harmful to the low back and could cause injury. Additionally, excess exertion of shoulder muscles may cause injury.

The ride-on trowel increases productivity on large concrete finishing projects.

Ride-on trowels increase productivity by covering more area in a shorter amount of time, decreasing the amount of labor needed. Walk-behind trowels are able to complete approximately 1,500 square feet/day. Ride-on trowels are able to cover approximately 3,000 square feet/hour. For large concrete finishing projects, a ride-on trowel can replace three walk-behind trowels and two workers. The extra workers can be assigned to other tasks in an effort to finish the whole project quicker.

 

Overlapping blade designs are more productive than non-overlapping blade design. Non-overlapping blade designs require extra finishing to remove the extra trail left between the blades.

 

Ride-on trowels also produce flatter, higher quality floors and eliminate the need to wipe-out footprints that are typically left behind when using a walk-behind trowel.

When using a ride-on trowel, the operator frequently looks behind the machine to check the progress and quality of concrete surface. The operator should try to look over both shoulders rather than consistently looking to the same side.   This will help eliminate asymmetrical neck and back positions.

 

Most walk-behind power trowels are able to be loaded onto trucks for easy transports. Ride-on trowel, however, weight up to 800lbs and should not be manually loaded without the use of extra transport equipment.

 

Ride-on trowels provide many benefits, but walk-behind trowels are still necessary for many concrete finishing jobs. Walk-behind trowels are best for finished edges, projects less than 3,000 square feet, and projects with many obstructions.