Various vibrating concrete screeds are available to help you achieve a fast, even, bubble-free pouring. But which concrete screeding equipment is best for your concrete leveling project?
In this article, we will introduce three types of the common vibrating screed. You will know their different application range and features. We will also provide reference prices for sale and hire to help you make an informed decision.
Vibrating Cocrete Screed Introduction
Vibrating concrete screed is mainly used for concrete surface vibration.
Similar to the hand screed, the important function of the machine is to scrape the concrete surface.
In addition, the machine drives the eccentric swing block through a high-speed engine or electric motor to generate vibration ( VPM is over 7000 times). The vibration is transmitted to the concrete through the vibration blade board or vibration beam, and the air bubbles in the concrete are discharged. The compaction depth of the machine can generally reach 150mm. That way increases the density of the concrete and reduces the risk of cracking, thus increasing the durability of the concrete floor.
Compared with workers bending down and using wooden boards or concrete tamper, repeatedly scratching and slapping the concrete, vibrating screed is more efficient. It can significantly reduce the labor intensity of workers.
Types
Three types of vibrating screed are commonly used: power screed, beam screed, and truss screed. Here are some of the differences:
Power Screed
This type screed drive unit is the most commonly used vibrating concrete screeder. It’s light in weight, easy to operate, and one person can carry out construction. The rotating eccentric block generates its vibration in the screed board center. A 1.6hp Honda gx35 4-stroke petrol engine mostly powers this machine. The vibration Level is over 5m/sec²(Lithium batteries also could power devices). The common screed boards are 6ft, 8ft, 12ft, 14ft, and 16ft.
Applications: power screed can be used in almost every type of concrete leveling work (large or small area), and it’s the most widely used vibrating screed. Generally, when blades within 8ft are used, there is no need to place the blade on the formwork. Before vibrating work, the concrete is raked, and then the machine is used to scrape and vibrate.
Beam Screed
Concrete vibrating beam screed is a simple screed equipment, and you can even build one at home. You can create a beam screed by attaching a vibrating device to a straight aluminum profile or wooden screed. Its vibration is usually produced by the engine driving the eccentric block. Its weight is relatively heavy, need to be placed on the template for leveling, and its length is generally 4-8 meters. One person cannot operate the machine. Two people are needed to drag the machine forward on both sides.
Applications: The vibrating beam screed needs to be used on the formwork. Although its vibration motor is usually larger, its material (made of profiles) generally has poor vibration conduction. So its vibration is not much better than power screed. This machine is suitable for convenient formwork construction. The working width usually includes 4.2m, 5.2m, 6.2m, 7.2m, and 8.2m.
Vibratory Truss Screed
This is a modular concrete screed machine. It has two outstanding advantages:
- it can increase the width as needed, up to 12 meters.
- it uses eccentric shaft vibration and vibration force evenly on the equipment. At the same time, the vibration force is relatively strong.
Its principle of movement leads to a flaw. Automatic winches on both sides of the machine move the machine forward by pulling the wire rope, so it can only move forward, not back easily.
Applications: The weight of this machine is relatively heavy, also needs to be a walk on the formwork. Its vibration force and leveling width are relatively large, and generally suitable for the construction of concrete roads with high vibration requirements.
Notice: Vibrating Screed VS Roller Striker
Roller striker is a commonly used tool for leveling concrete. It works by repeatedly scraping the wet concrete with a rolling striker tube, similar to the way manual screed is used. Roller striker does not generate vibration, so it will not have excess vibration problem in the concrete. It is also easy to use and requires less labor, making it suitable for a wider range of projects, including the construction of permeable concrete and sloped surfaces. In general, roller striker and vibrating screed all are best for concrete with a slump of more than 3 inches, while concrete with slump less than 3″, vibrating screed is more suitable.
Price [Sale & Hire]
There is a big difference in price between different types of Vibrating screeds.
A Honda power screed costs between £600 and £1,500. Battery power screed (runs on lithium batteries) typically costs upwards of £1,000. Power screed blade board typically costs £100 pounds for every 2ft.
Dual beam screed uses a larger engine, and the machine is generally powered by a 5.5hp honda gx160 engine. The price also depends on the length of the machine, and the price is from £1,000 to £2,300.
Truss screed is expensive. The cost of 10 meters equipment is between £3,500 and £5,500. Some additional costs depend on whether you have an automatic walking device.
Power screed and beam screed rental prices are £80-100/day. Truss screed rental price is generally £200-300/day.
Conclusion
Vibrating concrete screeds are an efficient and effective tool for paving and leveling concrete surfaces. There are three main types of vibrating screeds: power screed, beam screed, and truss screed. Power screeds are lightweight and versatile, making them the most commonly used type. Beam screeds are simple and easy to build but have limited vibration power. Truss screeds have a strong vibration force and a wide leveling width, making them suitable for large concrete road construction projects. Prices for vibrating screeds vary depending on the type and size, with power screeds generally being the most affordable and truss screeds being the most expensive.