When talking about Walk Behind Power Trowels, the term"pitch" is referring to the angle that the trowel blades sit against the floor. The pitch of the blades should change as the finishing process progresses, and the concrete changes. In the past, there was a standard way that you pitched trowel blades, but over the years other ways have been developed. Depending who you talk to will determine which answer you get on what ways are the best. At the end of the day it comes down to preference.
So, how do you know which pitch option is right for you? In this blog, we will highlight a few things to ask yourself that will help steer you in the direction best for you.
DO YOU LIKE A LOT OF CONTROL OVER THE PITCH OF YOUR BLADES?
Standard or Fine Pitch, as it is sometimes referred to, generally offers more fine tune adjustment than the Easy-Pitch. A lot of concrete finishers that have been in the industry for a long time still tend to prefer the standard pitch for this vary reason. They feel that it gives them more control over the pitch of the blades, giving them the result that they want.
This isn't to say that an Easy-Pitch doesn't offer enough control over the blades, just not as much as the Standard Pitch. The reason that there is more control with a Standard Pitch is because of the technology that it uses. The Standard Pitch uses a knob that doesn't have set positions, where the Easy-Pitch has set positions that the blades will be set at.
If you have been finishing concrete for many years and are use to the adjustments that Standard Pitch offers, then I would recommend you stick with it unless your looking for a change. The Easy-Pitch will be easier overall to pitch the blades with, but you will sacrifice some fine adjustments that may be important to you. If you are newer to using Walk Behind Power Trowels, the Easy-Pitch may be a good option. This is where a lot of the industry is going and it is an option many people love.
EASE OF USE
Both type of pitch options are quite simple to use. Easy-Pitches would be considered easier to use because the process is quicker. All you need to do is depress the handle and then move the handle to the desired position. When using Standard Pitch, it can take a while to turn the knob to get the blades from being not pitch to being fully pitched.
This is not a huge element, but when you are troweling for long periods of time, it can be helpful to have something that is easier to use.
PRICE
Different pitch options normally will change the cost of the trowel you are buying. Depending on how much this option means to you, will determine whether you think that it is worth it. The option to have an Easy-Pitch will normally cost a few hundred dollars extra.
Some power trowel manufactures make you buy a whole new handle in order to incorporate an Easy-Pitch, while others have a bolt on kit to an existing handle. This will also drastically change the cost of this option.
The different pitch options available both get the job done at the end of the day. It really comes down to your preference and what you are used to.