A method for thermal management of a power trowel executable by an on-board logic controller allows operation of the trowel in normal mode in which rotor speed is determined by manual control and in which a sensed temperature of the trowel lies below a high temperature setpoint. In response to the sensed temperature exceeding the high temperature setpoint, the controller switches operation of the power trowel from normal mode to thermal management mode in which a maximum rotor speed achievable by manual control is reduced by the controller in incremental steps to allow the trowel to cool. In response to the sensed temperature reaching a low temperature setpoint, the controller increases rotor speed in incremental steps, and returns operation to normal mode when a desired rotor speed is maintained for sufficient time during which the sensed temperature remains below the low temperature setpoint.

A mini-trowel attachment assembly having a rotary disk with a plurality of screw holes disposed therein with a plurality of replacement blades secured therein by a plurality of screw members. The plurality of replacement blades include at least a pair of elongated slots that allows the replacement blades to be adjusted slightly inward of an annular peripheral edge of the rotary disk. A free-wheeling self-lubricating bearing assembly having a first non-rotary bearing and spacer ring member attached to the rotary disk and a second free-wheeling member attached to the first non-rotary bearing and spacer ring member that freely rotates when it engages wall structures and upstanding obstructions in concrete surfaces. Also, the elongated slots allows the plurality of replacement blades to be adjusted slightly inward of an annular peripheral edge of the free-wheeling self-lubricating bearing assembly.

A mounting adapter including a bearing for rotatably mounting a surface processing tool to a tool holder body. The bearing has a rotatable hub including an attachment in an upper portion thereof for non-rotatable attachment to the tool holder body. The mounting adapter includes a rubber flex pad having a periphery and a first aperture. The mounting adapter includes an element supporting the periphery of the rubber flex pad, the element having a second aperture in vertical registry with and beneath the first aperture. The mounting adapter includes an end plug within the second aperture for closing the first aperture. The end plug supports the flex pad from beneath the second aperture.

A mounting adapter for mounting a surface processing tool having a rotational or longitudinal axis to at least one spider arm of a rotatable spider assembly of a surface processing apparatus, the spider arm having a leading side and a trailing side as a function of the direction of rotation of the spider assembly. The mounting adapter has a first element for removably attaching the adapter to the spider arm and a second element positioned circumferentially offset behind the first element for positioning the rotational or longitudinal axis of a surface processing tool circumferentially offset behind the trailing side of the spider arm. The first element is an elongate handle and the second element is a planar plate which extends generally perpendicularly from the handle between one end of the handle and a point intermediate the ends of the handle.

A battery-powered electric polisher for treating concrete has the operational form of a self-propelled riding trowel. A rigid frame mounts a pair of rotors that descend into contact with the concrete surface. Hydraulic tilting circuits for polisher steering control are activated with joysticks. An electrically driven hydraulic pump powers the tilting circuits. Each rotor drives a lower, circular drive ring comprising a plurality of spokes. Drive ring spokes are nested within rigid channels defined in a lower a support plate so that the latter is removable. A plurality of radially spaced-apart abrasion devices descend from the support plate into contact with the concrete surface.

A hybrid drive train for a self propelled power trowel includes a frame having a centerline from front to rear, an engine-generator set, a pair of rotors with trowel blades tiltably connected to the frame and positioned to support the frame above a concrete surface being finished, electric motors for driving the rotors, means for tilting each rotor toward and away from the centerline, and means for tilting a rotor fore and aft, parallel to the centerline. A rectifier and inverter in series at the engine-generator output allows engine speed to be regulated by a capacitor bank, and usage of highly efficient brushless AC synchronous motors to drive the rotors. A rechargeable battery may be connected in parallel with the capacitor bank.

A modular, continuously variable ratio transmission adapted to be coupled between the drive motor of a dual rotor riding trowel and the lower drive train. First and second rigid, generally planar frame plates are secured in parallel relation by a plurality of spacers. The first fame plate has a clearance orifice for admitting a portion of the trowel engine. A stub shaft receives input power and rotates a first pulley that drives a second pulley with a reduced diameter. A first jackshaft driven by said second pulley drives a variable CVT drive pulley affixed externally of the module. A second variable drive pulley coupled to said first variable drive pulley by a belt drives a second jackshaft splined to a fifth pulley that is coupled to a sixth pulley having a diameter greater than the diameter of said fifth pulley. The sixth pulley is coupled to trowel gearbox drive shafts.

A high performance, multiple rotor, hydraulically driven riding trowel for finishing concrete includes a rigid trowel frame with two or more downwardly-projecting, bladed rotor assemblies that frictionally engage the concrete surface while supporting the trowel. The rotor assemblies are tilted with double acting hydraulic cylinders to effectuate steering and control. A seating arrangement supports an operator. A special ventilation path is provided to prevent overheating of the operator area. cooling compartment adjacent the seating region, Pathways are established by a cooling compartment enclosed by a shroud having at least one side ventilation orifice, a cooler assembly disposed within the cooling compartment; the cooler assembly comprising a grill, a plenum with a heat exchanger adjacent said grill and a fan adjacent said heat exchanger, the plenum having open sides and a closed bottom to prevent air pathways through the seating region.

A decorative concrete with a very uniform finish surface and a method of fabricating the same is disclosed. A concrete mixture is poured over a subgrade which defines an exposed surface. The exposed surface is finished with any of several techniques, and the surface is then worked with an abrasive material, and additional techniques are used to color and seal the concrete.

The invention comprises a new and improved device, system and method of using a ride-on planetary power grinder that may utilize a ride-on power trowel having at least two rotors, at least three arms to the respective at least two rotors, and at least two head assemblies with at least two disc pads for grinding and or polishing.