New hydrostatic ride-on power trowels.

Multiquip, Inc., has introduced the first two models of its new HTH series and the first of its STH series ride-on power trowels designed and built by its Boise, Idaho-based manufacturing facility, Whiteman Industries. The new twin 48 in. rotor (HTH) and twin 60 in. rotor (STH) trowels feature more power than previous models and are the first trowels from the company to feature hydrostatic drive and steering systems. These machines provide 8 ft. and 10 ft. floor coverage respectively and are designed to achieve improved flatness or "F" numbers while totally eliminating the gearbox, clutch, and belt drive systems.

"The market is demanding machines with more power, durability and smoother operation, to produce very high specification flat surfaces," said Tom Roth, Multiquip regional sales manager for concrete products. "Productivity has become very important to contractors, especially since the average number of square footage per job has increased in the past decade. They are looking for equipment that will yield any productivity advantage."

The HTH-31V-TCSL, HTH-38KD-TCSL and STH-33YD-TCSL trowels, which are targeted to professional concrete contractors and rental markets, are engineered for high-spec flat concrete slab work ranging from floating to finishing operations. Applications for these trowels include large warehouses, manufacturing and industrial facilities, shopping malls and indoor sports and convention facilities.

The model HTH-38KD-TCSL trowel is powered by a liquid-cooled Kubota 1505 diesel engine rated 38 hp at 3000 rpm. The Kubota engine is sourced as a completed package from EC Power Systems, Portland, Ore. Maximum rotor speed for the unit is 160 rpm.

The model HTH-31V-TCSL trowel is powered by a liquid-cooled Briggs & Stratton Daihatsu Vanguard gasoline engine rated 31 hp at 3600 rpm. Maximum rotor speed is 140 rpm.

The STH-35YD-TCSL trowel is powered by a Yanmar 4TNE84T-SA, liquid-cooled diesel engine rated 35 hp at 3000 rpm. This model also uses a hydraulically powered blade pitch control, in addition to the hydraulic steering and rotor drive.

All of the trowels are designed with the engine, radiator and hydraulic oil cooler shock mounted to prevent vibration transfer to the frame, along with a 12 gal. polyethylene fuel tank. A centrally located control panel includes warning lights for critical engine systems such as low oil pressure, high engine coolant and hydraulic oil temperature, hourmeter and battery charge indicator.

"The new hydrostatic system allows the trowels to operate more smoothly over a wide range of speeds, especially at the slower speeds, while allowing full engine power to be applied to the job," said Roth. "The system is also designed to reduce operator fatigue compared to mechanically controlled equipment."

The hydrostatic system consists of an Eaton hydraulic pump engine driven through a KTR BoWex coupling. Each pump section provides power to an Eaton Char-Lynn hydraulic motor that is attached to a single spider and rotor. The operator-actuated foot pedal, mechanically linked to the two hydraulic pumps, controls rotor speed.

Hydraulic power for the steering is taken from the Eaton integrated charge pump. The steering system is controlled by dual Husco joysticks activating hydraulic cylinders which tilt each spider and rotor assembly forward, backward or side-to-side. As with mechanically controlled trowels, the tilt of the rotors changes the blade surface pressure allowing the operator to steer the machine. This system allows the machine to move in virtually any direction, as well as spin in circles. According to the company, the hydraulic system offers greater maneuverability and operator accuracy in any direction while reducing operator effort and mechanical operation fatigue.

The hydraulic systems draw fluid from a common 5 gal. hydraulic reservoir incorporated into the machine's frame structure. Other hydraulic system components include a return side Dunham Bush hydraulic oil cooler with integral electric fan, a 25 micron spin-on suction filter and a 10 micron spin-on return line filter.

Blade pitch control on the HTH models is mechanically controlled by Multiquip's patented Twin-Pitch control system. This design permits the pitch of both sets of blades to be adjusted simultaneously or individually. The STH uses a similar hydraulically controlled blade pitch control system.

The rotors are equipped with the long-life "Enduro" finishing blades for 50 percent longer life, according to the company. The frame is painted with a rust-resistant powder coat finish. Safety features include a "deadman" control that activates if the operator leaves the seat while the engine is running and six halogen lights to light the work area.

The machine was designed with marked lifting points for easier balanced assembly lifting and transport handling. An optional EasyMover Cart is also available to aid in transportation.

For more information on the HTH or STH series of ride-on power trowels, contact: Multiquip Inc., PO Box 6254, Carson, CA 90749. Telephone (310) 537-3700; Fax: (310) 537-3927.