Best Concrete Power Trowel or Best Finishing Machine Review

The power trowel, also known as a finishing machine, is used to smoothen and finish concrete slab work.

Such machines can either be hand operated or guided walk-behind. Through the process of floating and finishing, power trowel flatter concrete for decorative and construction purposes.

It can be tricky answering what makes the best power trowel since there are different types of trowels to consider.

They are big machines that require a good amount of investment. One cannot simply purchase one, try it out for a few days, and throw it away for another one.

But with scores of options available in the market, it does get increasingly difficult to pick one, especially when one wants to consider any number of elements that go into making a good concrete power trowel.

Fortunately for you, we have done the research and narrowed down your choices to three top contenders.

Through this review, you will be able to decide which concrete power trowel suits you best as we have broken down the main characteristics and aspects that one needs to look at before making an investment. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

TOMAHAWK 36” Concrete Power TrowelBest Overall

First up, we have a stunning product by the world-renowned company – TOMAHAWK. For construction workers, this is really the household name that oozes experience and professionalism.

This power trowel has all the things that you will ever need to ensure that your job site work runs smoothly. Let’s dive a little deeper into the specifics to see what’s so great about it.

Design

The TOMAHAWK power trowel is designed to ensure that you don’t have to sweat over the concrete finishing work. ‘Work smart, not hard is the company’s motto which this concrete power trowel truly lives up to.

It has significant cutting-edge features and designs that make the job much easier and faster. The power trowel includes a float plan that lets you push down the imperfections and prepare the surface that allows you to give the concrete its final finishing.

What’s more! – The power trowel also comes with 4 hardened and tempered spring steel blades. These blades are built to last and provide nothing less than perfection in the provision of concrete finishing.

The blades can be controlled and adjusted from 0 all the way to 28 degrees. This provides customization that every professional in the construction business is sure to appreciate.

The trowel arms are compatible with most blade manufacturers which gives a definite advantage over other such products as a construction professional has the choice of fitting in blades that they prefer, not just the ones that come pre-fitted with the power trowel.

Performance

The design and the performance go hand in hand. Nevertheless, it is important to separate the two to see how well the power trowel performs given the numerous moving parts that it contains.

First up, let’s talk about the engine. The TOMAHAWK power trowel is fitted with a 6HP Kohler Engine that is a class apart from what you can find in most power trowels in this range. It is durable and tough and is built to provide you with the power necessary to finish the job in a cinch.

Even if you aren’t a professional and are simply looking to get some DIY projects finished, the engine is sure to get the job done in no time, and without much effort either.

The float pan, which is included in the product, pushes down the imperfections so you get nothing but a clean and smooth surface and a finishing that is par excellence.

The blade pitch control, which we’ve talked about briefly in the aforementioned ‘design’ section, provides the user with the ability to adjust the blades depending on their needs.

To finish any job site project, proper equipment is a must, and parts should be available readily. To that end, TOMAHAWK ensures that all its spare parts are available nationwide, including operation manuals, guides, diagrams, and much more.

CCTI Walk-Behind 36” Power TrowelBest Design

Next up, we have another contender for the best concrete power trowel, this time from the California-based concrete tool company – CCTI.

Over the years, the company has brought out some stunning products, always keeping in mind the end-user and the work. Let’s take a look at what it has to offer in terms of its design and performance.

Design

As the product name suggests, this power trowel is used as a walk-behind trowel that minimizes the learning curve to use it. All one has to do is turn it on and start flattening the concrete surface.

Its highly durable steel design is built to last for long years so you wouldn’t have to worry about it coming apart.

It comes pre-assembled (at least 90% of it), so you can simply take it out of the box, read the instruction manual on how to go about using it if you don’t know how to already, and get started.

The product comes attached with a float plane and a tool kit as well. With these, anyone, be one a professional or a DIY enthusiast, can get it out into the field and smoothen the concrete surface, and get rid of aberrations in no time.

Performance

The engine that powers this beast is a 5.5 HP Loncin which is powered by gasoline. The engine is
certified by EPA and CARB so you don’t have to worry about getting a sub-par product or environmental damage due to the machine.

If you’re concerned with getting finished with the job quickly and without sweating yourself out in the sun, this CCTI concrete power trowel is ideal for you.

The float pan, thanks to the higher RPM, provides enough pressure to seal the concrete and increase its density enough to keep it well-set and well-polished. The operating controls are also on the handle, close to the operator for ease of use.

Simply take the trowel out on the concrete, turn on the machine, and the 196cc engine should take care of the rest.

NorthStar Concrete Power Trowel MachineBest Performance

Last, but definitely not least, on our list is a fascinating little power trowel by a highly competent company – NorthStar. This has been the product of choice for professionals worldwide and for good reason too.

Design

A good design lends itself well to both performance and ergonomics. On the handle itself, you will find a safety stopper that lets you shut down the machine easily instantly in emergency situations.

For the safety and protection of the user, the trowel machine comes with a ring stationary guard that keeps the concrete away.

If you are working at big job sites such as driveways or parking lots, a higher trowel diameter is required which you get with this product at 36”. Moreover, the blades too can be adjusted from 0 to 15-degree angle.

Performance

Equipped with a gas-powered 160cc Honda engine, flattening concrete surfaces has never been easier. The speed controls let you control the machine and make the decisions that give you a professional feel.

Even at slower speeds, you can get high torque thanks to the worm reduction gear. The product is very light-weight as well compared to other products which is always a plus point in our books.

Buyer’s Guide/FAQs

Now that we’ve taken a brief look at the top three power trowels, let’s take a look at some of the commonly asked questions that people ask about power trowels.

How long should I wait before using a power trowel on concrete?

How much do power trowels weigh?

How does a power trowel work?

Want to know more about Concrete and Masonry Construction? Check this article.

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