Why Concrete Vibrators Are Important for a Great Final Product

Why Concrete Vibrators Are Important for a Great Final Product

Are you a concrete or masonry contractor seeking ways to optimize your projects' results? Air bubbles may pose an issue when creating and pouring a concrete mix. These bubbles can form when air doesn't combine with water and cannot escape the mixture, resulting in voids or cavities in the slab that weaken its structural integrity. Concrete vibrators can alleviate this issue and produce a better, more durable finished product. 

What Is a Concrete Vibrator?

A vibrator is a piece of construction equipment specifically designed to eliminate trapped air bubbles from concrete mixtures. The machine consists of three core components:

  • Motor: A vibrator has either a gas- or electric-powered motor that serves as the machine's operating force. 
  • Whip: The whip extends the machine's vibration to the level required to complete the job. The motor spins the whip's internal core and produces high-frequency vibration. Rubber casings help to protect the whip from extreme heat during operation to prevent damage to the motor.
  • Head: The head is an elongated part connected to the whip — this component penetrates the concrete surface and produces the vibrating action. 

What Do Concrete Vibrators Do?

A concrete vibrator produces a vigorous shaking action that removes bubbles from freshly poured concrete. It's essential to perform the process at the appropriate speed to achieve the best results. In most cases, withdrawing the machine from the surface at a rate of approximately an inch per second will deliver the most effective outcome. You should continue the process until no more air bubbles emerge.

The Different Concrete Vibrator Types

Concrete vibrators are available to perform various vibration functions:

  • Formwork: These are typically used in precast construction projects and require mounting the machines to the exterior of the concrete forms. The proper spacing of the vibrators depends on the size of the pouring project.
  • Surface: A surface vibrator is the best option when working with a concrete slab depth of 6 inches or less. It also produces a smooth surface for projects where appearance is important.
  • Internal: Use this most common vibrator type for standard concrete pouring projects.

The Benefits of Renting Concrete Vibrators for Your Projects

When you rent concrete vibrators from a professional equipment supplier like The Cat® Rental Store, you can choose the tool that meets your project's unique requirements. Our dealers carry a broad assortment of products from leading manufacturers at competitive short- and long-term rates. You'll also benefit from expert selection assistance, ensuring you get the best machine for your applications. And with on-site maintenance and repair service provided by your local Cat dealer, you can expect maximum uptime from your rental. 

Contact Us to Learn More About Concrete Vibrators

Visit The Cat Rental Store location near you to learn more about a concrete vibrator's purpose and see your dealer's current inventory in person. You can also give us a call at 1-800-RENT-CAT to speak to a knowledgeable equipment specialist and start the rental process. To get a fast online quote, complete and submit our contact form today.

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