Power trowels are essential for concrete finishing jobs. These machines smooth, level, and polish concrete surfaces to create a durable, professional finish. You can choose a walk-behind or ride-on model depending on project size and jobsite conditions.

A power trowel finishes concrete in two steps. First, it “floats” the surface to knock down high spots and fill in low areas. Then, it burnishes the slab to create a smooth, hardened finish. Making the second pass at a right angle helps ensure even results.

These machines are pushed or guided from behind with a handle. They use a gearbox and spider assembly to spin a rotor with three or four blades. Walk-behind trowels typically range from 24 to 48 inches in diameter.

Best uses for walk-behind power trowels:

• Ideal for areas under 5,000 square feet
• Great for residential basements, small commercial floors, and tight spaces
• Affordable and portable between sites

Ride-on trowels feature two counter-rotating rotors with four or five blades each. Operators sit between the rotors and control movement with levers. These machines are faster and more powerful than walk-behind models.

Advantages of ride-on power trowels:

• Cover up to five times more area than walk-behind models
• Provide better horsepower, contact pressure, and finish quality
• Designed for commercial and large-scale jobs

For small or detailed areas, walk-behind power trowels are often the better option. For large, open spaces, ride-on models deliver faster results and higher productivity. Many contractors use both types together to maximize efficiency.

Cat Rentals offers a full range of concrete finishing equipment, including walk-behind and ride-on power trowels. With over 1,300 locations, you can get the right equipment quickly and affordably.

Visit one of our convenient locations.