SQ36 PRO
Power trowel SQ36 PRO
Mirror slab finish, on schedule.
View details5-minute training
5 minHow to use the power trowel
Use a power trowel once the slab holds your footprint at 3–5 mm: first with the float pan, then with the blades, raising the pitch each pass and crossing directions. The SIMAQ SQ36 PRO (Honda GX160, 870 mm working diameter) comes with the float pan; for large areas there's the ride-on SQ36DOUBLE PRO with a Honda GX690 engine and 8 blades. Timing is everything: too early sinks the slab, too late won't finish.
Also called: power trowel, helicopter
The power trowel gives the slab its smooth or mirror finish. It's all about timing: get on when the concrete is just right, not before, not after. If the slab sets unevenly (sun on one side, shade on the other), start where it's furthest along.
- 01
Wait for the set
The slab should hold your footprint at ~3–5 mm. If you sink deeper, wait; if it barely marks, get on now with the pan.
- 02
Float pan first
Fit the float pan for the first floating: it closes the surface and levels without marking. Even, overlapping sweeps.
- 03
Switch to blades to finish
Remove the pan and fit the blades. Raise the pitch a little each pass to keep closing and bringing up the shine; raise it all at once and the blades gouge.
- 04
Cross your passes
Run one direction, then perpendicular. Crossing erases waves and leaves it truly flat.
- 05
Edges by hand
Where the machine can't reach —edges and corners— finish by hand trowel so it matches.
Do this
- Keep a steady pace; control is in your wrists.
- Adjust blade pitch gradually, pass by pass.
- If one area sets before the rest → start there.
- Keep spare blades ready: they wear out.
Avoid this
- Don't get on too early: you sink it and ruin the level.
- Don't wait too long: hard concrete won't take a finish.
- Don't throw water on the slab to 'revive' it: it weakens the surface.
- Don't leave it spinning in place on the slab.
Safety
- Rubber boots, knee pads for edges and gloves.
- Firm grip on the handle: the spin torque pulls the machine.
- Switch off before lifting or moving the trowel.
Test yourself
Got it down?
Self-check
Each practice: do it or avoid it? Tap your answer.
Keep spare blades ready: they wear out.
Adjust blade pitch gradually, pass by pass.
Don't leave it spinning in place on the slab.
Keep a steady pace; control is in your wrists.
If one area sets before the rest → start there.
Don't get on too early: you sink it and ruin the level.
Don't wait too long: hard concrete won't take a finish.
Don't throw water on the slab to 'revive' it: it weakens the surface.
Equipment in this training
Apply it on these machines
Shorts
SIMAQ power trowel in action
Buying guides
Clear up your questions before you quote
Guide · 5 min
When and how do you cure concrete? Methods, days and mistakes
When to start curing, for how many days, with water, burlap, plastic or curing compound, and the mistakes that rob your slab or column of strength.
Read Guide · 6 minWhen should you cut concrete control joints, and how deep?
Cut as soon as the slab bears the saw (usually 6–18 h) and at ¼ of the thickness. A depth-by-thickness table, where joints go and how to wet-cut with the SQ16 PRO.
Read Guide · 7 minHow often do you change the oil in a Honda GX engine? The maintenance routine
Most SIMAQ light equipment runs a Honda GX engine. Oil, air filter and spark plug on time: the reference intervals, which engine each machine runs and the full routine on one page.
ReadFAQ
What people ask about the power trowel
When do you run the power trowel?
When the slab carries your weight and your footprint is 3–5 mm deep. Deeper, wait; barely marking, get on right away with the pan. The guide on when to trowel and what size to pick has the detail.
What is the float pan for?
For the first floating pass: it closes the surface and levels it without marking. Then it comes off and the blades take over to finish and polish. The SQ36 PRO includes it.
Walk-behind or ride-on trowel: which one?
Home slabs, corridors or medium areas → the walk-behind SQ36 PRO. Industrial slabs or large areas → the ride-on SQ36DOUBLE PRO, which covers far more per shift.
Why does the trowel leave marks or waves?
Getting on too early, raising the blade pitch all at once, or not crossing passes. Raise the pitch gradually and work in two directions.
What maintenance does the SQ36 PRO need?
Check engine and gearbox fluids every 8 hours, and lubricate the arms, thrust collar and clutch every 50 hours or weekly. Keep a spare blade set: they wear.
Get a quote without leaving
Want to work it out with an advisor?
Ready for a quote?
Tell us about the job and we'll build the package. A rep replies during business hours.