Used concrete floor grinding machine

Types of used concrete floor grinding machines

Used concrete floor grinding machines are used to level an existing concrete surface. In some cases, these machines are also used for decorative concrete applications. There are many different types of concrete grinders.

• Walk-behind grinders

  Walk-behind grinding machines may be powered by electricity, gasoline, hydraulic systems, or internal combustion engines. They usually have grinding widths of 18 to 32 inches and are suitable for large areas. When handling large or expansive areas, operators stand behind these machines and guide them to grind the floors effectively.

• Handheld grinders

  Handheld grinding machines are used in area constraints. When working with corners and joints, these machines are more appropriate for overcoming obstacles and restrictions where large-scale grinders cannot reach. They are generally lighter than walk-behind grinders, but they are also less productive.

• Power source

  Used concrete floor grinders come in various power sources, including electric and gasoline power. Diesel-powered grinding machines are also available but are not very common.

• Suction system

  Dust control is a very important part of concrete grinding. This is usually done via an integral or standalone vacuum system that caters to the environmental demands of the job site. Used concrete grinders with integral vacuums contain dust collection shrouds directly mounted on the grinder. Standalone dust collection systems usually have flexible hoses that connect to the grinding shroud.

• Floor type

  Different floor grinders are produced for different concrete floor types. Some create terrazzo floors, and some are used for regular concrete floors. The only differentiation is usually the size and the machine's specifications and functionalities.

• Purpose

  Diamond grinding machines are most commonly used to improve surface characteristics, especially in concrete highways and roadways. However, they are also used to extend the life of these roads and remove transverse and longitudinal grooving. Using concrete grinding machines can be more cost-effective and extend the overall life of the road.

Specification and maintenance of used concrete floor grinding machines

The specifications of a concrete floor grinder with vacuum will vary depending on the model and manufacturer. Here are some standard specifications that buyers can check when searching for concrete grinders for sale:

• Motor: Concrete floor grinders are available in gasoline, electric, and hydraulic power. Electric grinders have powerful motors ranging from 2 to 7.5 kw. Gasoline power gives more flexibility and has a motor power of between 25.5 - 27 hp. Hydraulic grinders are designed for high-performance grinding and normally have 3 kw motor power.
• Grinding Disc: Concrete grinders are designed to handle different sizes and numbers of grinding discs. Grinder machines work with diamond discs because they have superior abrasion resistance and are very durable. Smaller grinders like the 2.2-3kw power motor take 250mm grinding discs. Larger grinders that are more than 3kw take 400mm discs. Bigger machines like ride-on grinders can take up to 14 grinding discs at a time.
• Grinding Speed: Speed is an essential requirement when it comes to grinding concrete floors. The higher the speed, the better it can grind concrete composite material. The specs of the grinding speed are usually expressed in RPM. Different machines have different RPM ranges, but they are usually between 1,200 to 1,800 RPM.
• Weight: A concrete floor grinder machine has a grinding head that flattens uneven surfaces. Weight plays an important role in determining how much pressure the grinding disc will apply on the floor to flatten it. The heavier the machine, the more pressure it exerts on the surface. A concrete floor grinding machine weighs from 50 kg to 6200 kg. Large ride-on grinding machines are heavier because they have bigger motors and power sources.

Maintenance

Used concrete floor grinders need regular maintenance and repair services to keep them in good working condition. Below are some of the essential concrete floor grinder maintenance tips:

• Walk-behind grinders: Check grinding segments for signs of damage or wear and replace them as necessary. Ensure that all bolts and screws are tightly secured and check for loose parts that may need repair or adjustment. Lubricate all moving parts that require lubrication and keep the machine clean by vacuuming debris and wiping the surface with a clean damp cloth.
• Ride-on and larger grinders: Check for any grinding shoes that have worn out, damaged, or chipped and replace them. Inspect the diamond tooling to ascertain they work efficiently and are well secured to the holder plates. To ensure optimum performance, change the oil and filter of the gasoline and electric grinders following the manufacturer’s service schedule. Take the machine to a qualified technician for a thorough inspection and servicing at least once a year.

Scenarios of used concrete floor grinding machines

Floor grinding machines for concrete have a wide range of applications, as the process is used to refurbish, restore, and beautify concrete floors. This means that floor grinders are helpful across multiple industries and sectors.

Floor grinding machines are helpful in commercial and retail spaces where the concrete floor needs to be polished and renovated to give a high-end luxurious finish. This includes retail spaces, showrooms, hotels, and shopping malls. Concrete grinders are also helpful in industrial spaces like manufacturing, warehouses, and storerooms where the floor needs to be rugged and strong enough to withstand heavy machinery. An additional benefit of using a concrete grinder in an industrial area is that once the floor is polished, it becomes dust proof, water-resistant, and slip-resistant.

Concrete floor grinders aren't limited to commercial and industrial spaces but can also be used in public areas and institutions. Schools, universities, hospitals, and civic centers are perfect examples of places that may need a concrete grinder to polish the floor and give it a clean and slick look. Exterior areas like parking lots and garages and outdoor paths can also benefit from a concrete grinder's durability and anti-slip features.

Concrete floor grinders are also used to remove any imperfections in the flooring, such as glue, paint, coatings, joints, and other irregularities. Once the concrete floor is evened out using the floor grinder, it becomes the base for any floor finish, such as tiles, laminate, or even paint.

How to Choose Used Concrete Floor Grinding Machines

While new concrete grinders tend to be more expensive, used concrete floor grinding machines may offer the same benefits for businesses on a budget. When sourcing grinders, it is important to identify the negotiating points that will make the machine usable or resale-able.

• Machine condition: Concrete grinding machines can degrade in quality over time due to parts wearing out. When sourcing used machines, inspect them for any noticeable defects. Common places where defects can be noticed include the grinding head and blade, the frame, the power source, and the control panel. Any defects in these areas can greatly reduce the machine's functionality.
• Grinding plates: Used grinding machines may come with worn-out grinding plates. Buyers should be on the lookout for this as it will affect the machine's effectiveness. If the plates are the only issue, it may be worth getting the machine and changing the plates.
• Diamonds: Aside from the grinding plates, diamonds or diamond bits may also be worn out, affecting how the machine grinds concrete. Machines will come with different levels of diamonds and different qualities, so it's worth it to inspect them closely.
• Motor: Power source, whether it's a gas-powered engine or an electric motor, can be another point for negotiation when buying a used grinding machine. Inspect the motor to make sure it is in working condition, with no leaks or burns. If it's a gas motor, check the engine block and exhaust system. For electric motors, check the insulation and copper wiring.
• Vacuum system: The dust-vacuum system integrated into the grinder needs to be inspected too. If the vacuum system is not working properly, it can lead to excess dust both for the job site and internal system. A faulty vacuum might also affect how the machine grinds concrete. Inspect the filters, dust bags , and motors to know what issues they might have.

Q&A

Q: How many times can a concrete floor be ground with a used concrete grinder?

A: It is possible to grind a concrete floor up to three times using a concrete grinder. Nevertheless, this will depend on the floor's initial state, the desired outcome, and the concrete grinding machine's power and capacity.

Q: What are the indicators that it is time to replace the grinding blades of a used concrete floor grinder?

A: The blades may have significant wear and tear, showing that they are less effective at grinding. They may also break or become chipped, damaging the floor. If the blades are dull and cannot be restored, it is time to replace them. Additionally, if there is an uneven distribution of to-ground surfaces resulting in a patchy appearance on the floor, it may be time to replace the blades.

Q: What are the safety precautions when using a used concrete grinding machine?

A: Users should wear proper personal protective equipment, including dust masks, eye protection, ear protection, and gloves. The concrete grinding machine should be grounded properly to prevent electric shock. Users should also ensure that they are correctly trained on how to use the machine properly.