Concrete Finisher Manual (Version 1)
11
Moving the Concrete Finisher
Get into the operator’s position behind the centre of handle with good footing and apply the throttle
slowly until desired speed is obtained. The blades of the concrete finisher spin in a clockwise
direction. All ESI concrete finisher are directed left or right by applying a slight upward (lifting) or
downward (lowering) pressure on the handle (respectively).
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Push handle down and machine will move to the right.
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Lift handle up and machine will move to the left.
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Slightly twist to the right and the machine will move
forward.
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Slightly twist to the left and the machine will move
backward.
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Holding the handle in neutral position, the machine will
remain stationary.
Preparation of Concrete Surface
Use of a mechanical or air vibrating screeding machine to strike the concrete surface to level will
provide good compaction to the slab and produce an ideal surface for finishing. It should be
remembered floating/finishing machines will not repair or correct a poorly screeded slab.
Floating Operation
Floating can be performed by using either the combination blades (furnished with the machine) or
the optional Float Pan. If using the float pan before starting the floating operation, be sure that the
pan is correctly mounted on the concrete finisher blades. The slab will be ready to work for the first
floating operation when the heel of your shoes leave a print of 2~3mm on the surface of the slab. If
combo blades are brought to use for floating they should be flat. After the floated slab has set and
your footprint is only slightly visible, it is ready to start the finishing operation. The timing of all
these operations is dependent on weather conditions. After each operation, the engine should be
stopped.
Never park the machine with the engine running, especially during the floating operation when the
concrete is relatively soft. Considering the machine is heavy it should never be left running or
parked on the soft concrete in the same spot, this will cause damage to the finished floor
tolerances.
Finishing Operation
After the floating operation, the first thing to do is to remove the float pan (if used) from the
concrete finisher blades. Clean the blades, spider plate and protection ring of cement/concrete
