CONCRETE MACHINERY

Concrete Machinery for Mixing, Compaction and Finishing

Concrete work calls for different equipment at different stages. CIMEX concrete machinery includes mixers for preparing batches, concrete pokers for consolidating fresh pours, vibrating screeds for levelling slabs, power trowels for finishing, and grinding machines for work on cured surfaces. Choosing the right tool helps the crew place and finish the concrete to the project specification. The equipment is not interchangeable: a poker works within fresh concrete, while a surface grinder is used after the material has hardened.

Mixers and equipment for placing fresh concrete

A concrete mixer combines cement, aggregate and water into a consistent batch when ready-mix delivery is not the practical option. The CIMEX.com category includes drum mixers such as the MIX120 and MIX160-M, with different drum volumes. Compare the usable batch size rather than treating the full drum volume as the amount of finished concrete per mix. Also consider the power supply, site access, wheel arrangement and frequency of use. Follow the mix design and the manufacturer's sequence for loading, running and cleaning the machine; adding more material than the rated capacity can reduce mixing quality and strain the drive.

Plan how fresh concrete will travel from the mixer to the pour. The category also contains handling and screeding accessories, so check their exact purpose before ordering. Clear routes, stable forms and enough labour for the pour help prevent delays between mixing, placing and finishing.

Concrete pokers for consolidation

A concrete poker, or internal vibrator, uses a vibrating head inserted into fresh concrete to help release trapped air and settle the mix around reinforcement and formwork. Correct consolidation reduces voids and honeycombing, but vibration cannot rescue a poor mix design or unsuitable placement practice. Select a head diameter that fits between reinforcement and within the section being poured; CIMEX.com lists different poker sizes and drive designs. Match the poker to its power unit and hose or cable configuration, and check the product instructions for duty cycle and operating method.

Insert the head vertically at suitable spacing, allow the material to settle and withdraw it steadily. Avoid dragging reinforcement or pushing the poker against the form. Excessive vibration may cause segregation, while too little may leave voids. Work according to the concrete supplier's placement guidance and the site method statement. The poker's job is internal consolidation; surface levelling comes next.

Vibrating screeds for levelling slabs

A vibrating screed runs a beam or blade across freshly placed concrete to strike it off to the intended level while helping consolidate the surface layer. The CIMEX range includes different beam lengths and configurations, including VS35 models. Select a beam width that matches the slab, access and number of operators. A longer blade covers more width but needs suitable support and a workable path across the pour. Check whether the machine, beam and handles are included together or listed separately.

Set the level guides and forms before starting, maintain a steady travel speed and avoid leaving a vibrating blade stationary on one spot. A screed does not replace internal vibration in deep or heavily reinforced sections. After screeding, allow the surface to reach the right condition for subsequent floating and trowelling; starting the finishing stage too early can trap bleed water or damage the slab.

Power trowels for the finishing stage

Power trowels, also called power floats, use rotating pans or blades to float and finish concrete after it has stiffened sufficiently. CIMEX.com lists walk-behind models and larger ride-on twin-rotor machines for different slab sizes. Choose the working diameter, machine weight, blade or pan type and access requirements for the job. Smaller machines can reach tighter areas; larger units cover open floors efficiently. The finish depends on timing, concrete condition, blade angle and operator technique, not simply on engine power.

Petrol-powered trowels need suitable outdoor or well-ventilated working conditions. Never use an engine-driven model in an enclosed area without a safe site plan for exhaust gases. Keep personnel away from the rotating assembly and follow the machine manual when fitting pans or blades. The category's replacement finishing parts should be matched to the relevant trowel model.

Grinding and preparation of cured surfaces

Concrete grinding machines belong to a later stage of work. They can prepare a cured floor for a coating, remove a surface layer or refine an existing finish, depending on the machine and tooling. The CIMEX range includes GRINDEX grinders and other surface-preparation equipment. Check the substrate, desired removal rate, electrical supply, compatible diamond tooling and dust-extraction requirements. Grinding dry concrete can generate hazardous fine dust; use suitable extraction and protective equipment, and follow the site safety procedure.

Compare the CIMEX concrete machinery groups by the stage of the project first, then by capacity, working width, power source and compatible accessories. Refer to individual product specifications for model-specific performance and included equipment.