Flextool PORTATROWEL FPT30 User manual
FOR MORE INFORMATION
CONTACT US ON 1300 353 986 OR VISIT flextool.com.au
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Version 2.0 (April 2023)
FLEXTOOL PORTATROWEL®
FPT30
2
1300 353 986 flextool.com.au
FLEXTOOL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FLEXTOOL PORTATROWEL FPT30
CONTENT
Introduction 2
Applications 2
Functions and controls 2
Hazards and risks 2
Operation 3
Care and preventive maintenance 4
Cleaning and storage 4
Spare parts and service 5
INTRODUCTION
APPLICATIONS
The Flextool PortaTrowel can be used for trowelling concrete from
finishing operations with is blade tilt / pitch capabilities and
combination trowel blades.
The Flextool PortaTrowel can be used across a wide range of
applications that include:
Residential foundations
Tilt and precast panels
Driveways and footpaths
FUNCTION AND CONTROLS
FLEXTOOL PORTATROWEL
The Flextool PortaTrowel reproduces the action of hand trowelling
while giving a higher quality dense finish with greater wear
resistance.The angle or pitch of the blades is adjustable during
operation from a floating position, with the blades completely flat,
to a finishing position with the blades tilted. The following figure
shows the location of the controls and main operating functions
for the Flextool PortaTrowel
Guard Ring – NEVER put hands or feet inside the guard ring while
the engine is running. Never operate the Flextool PortaTrowel
Blade Pitch Control – Turn the hand knob clockwise to
increase blade pitch, and counter-clockwise to decrease blade
Honda GX35 (1.5 hp) petrol engine.
Engine
ON / OFF Switch
easy access
Handle – The Flextool PortaTrowel handle is made up of multiple
1800 mm clip together handles joined together to achieve the
required external reach of the Flextool PortaTrowel subject to
each specific job – The maximum number of 1800 mm handles
that can be joined together is three – Extending the length
beyond three handles will result in reduced control of the unit.
Throttle Control Lever
the lever downwards to increase engine speed, upwards to
Gearbox – Transfers power from engine to the spider
build up on the gearbox and that the gearbox is cleaned after
overheat.
Spider Plate and Trowel Arm – Provides blade rotation and
arms after each use, spider plates and blades arms that are
not cleaned and maintained will result in uneven blade wear
concrete surface.
Combination blades
HAZARDS AND RISKS
NEVER allow any person to operate equipment without
ENSURE all operators read, understand and follow the
SERIOUS INJURY may result from improper or careless use of
this machine.
1
2
3
4
5
7
6
8
9
Thank you for your selection of Flextool equipment.
Flextool have specialised in the design and manufacture of quality
products since 1951.
We have taken care in the design, manufacture, and testing of this
product. Should service or spare parts be required, prompt and
efficient service is available from our extensive dealer network.
General safety instructions for the operation of power
equipment
The goal of Flextool is to produce power equipment that helps the
operator work safely and efficiently. The most important safety
device for this or any tool is the operator. Care and good
judgement are the best protection against injury. All possible
hazards cannot be covered in this manual however we have tried
to highlight some of the important items, individuals should look
for and obey Caution, Warning and Danger signs placed on
equipment, and displayed in the workplace. Operators should
read and follow safety instructions packed with each product.
Learn how each machine works. Even if you have previously used
similar machines, carefully check out each machine before you
use it. Get the “feel” of it and know its capabilities, limitations,
potential hazards, how it operates, and how it stops.
initial floating and greaking in of the concrete right through to
CONTENT
Introduction 2
Applications 2
Functions and controls 2
Hazards and risks 2
Operation 3
Care and preventive maintenance 4
Cleaning and storage 4
Spare parts and service 5
INTRODUCTION
APPLICATIONS
The Flextool PortaTrowel can be used for trowelling concrete from
finishing operations with is blade tilt / pitch capabilities and
combination trowel blades.
The Flextool PortaTrowel can be used across a wide range of
applications that include:
Residential foundations
Tilt and precast panels
Driveways and footpaths
FUNCTION AND CONTROLS
FLEXTOOL PORTATROWEL
The Flextool PortaTrowel reproduces the action of hand trowelling
while giving a higher quality dense finish with greater wear
resistance.The angle or pitch of the blades is adjustable during
operation from a floating position, with the blades completely flat,
to a finishing position with the blades tilted. The following figure
shows the location of the controls and main operating functions
for the Flextool PortaTrowel
Guard Ring – NEVER put hands or feet inside the guard ring while
the engine is running. Never operate the Flextool PortaTrowel
Blade Pitch Control – Turn the hand knob clockwise to
increase blade pitch, and counter-clockwise to decrease blade
Honda GX35 (1.5 hp) petrol engine.
Engine
ON / OFF Switch
easy access
Handle – The Flextool PortaTrowel handle is made up of multiple
1800 mm clip together handles joined together to achieve the
required external reach of the Flextool PortaTrowel subject to
each specific job – The maximum number of 1800 mm handles
that can be joined together is three – Extending the length
beyond three handles will result in reduced control of the unit.
Throttle Control Lever
the lever downwards to increase engine speed, upwards to
Gearbox – Transfers power from engine to the spider
build up on the gearbox and that the gearbox is cleaned after
overheat.
Spider Plate and Trowel Arm – Provides blade rotation and
arms after each use, spider plates and blades arms that are
not cleaned and maintained will result in uneven blade wear
concrete surface.
Combination blades
HAZARDS AND RISKS
NEVER allow any person to operate equipment without
ENSURE all operators read, understand and follow the
SERIOUS INJURY may result from improper or careless use of
this machine.
1
2
3
4
5
7
6
8
9
Thank you for your selection of Flextool equipment.
Flextool have specialised in the design and manufacture of quality
products since 1951.
We have taken care in the design, manufacture, and testing of this
product. Should service or spare parts be required, prompt and
efficient service is available from our extensive dealer network.
General safety instructions for the operation of power
equipment
The goal of Flextool is to produce power equipment that helps the
operator work safely and efficiently. The most important safety
device for this or any tool is the operator. Care and good
judgement are the best protection against injury. All possible
hazards cannot be covered in this manual however we have tried
to highlight some of the important items, individuals should look
for and obey Caution, Warning and Danger signs placed on
equipment, and displayed in the workplace. Operators should
read and follow safety instructions packed with each product.
Learn how each machine works. Even if you have previously used
similar machines, carefully check out each machine before you
use it. Get the “feel” of it and know its capabilities, limitations,
potential hazards, how it operates, and how it stops.
initial floating and greaking in of the concrete right through to
3
1300 353 986 flextool.com.au
FLEXTOOL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FLEXTOOL PORTATROWEL FPT30
DO NOT operate the machine unless all protective guards and
KEEP hands and feet clear of rotating and moving parts as
DO NOT leave the equipment in operation while it is
ENSURE that the motor operation switch is in the OFF position
and the spark plug ignition lead is disconnected before
7000 rpm. any increase may result in personal injury and
DO NOT increase the governed no-load motor speed above
higher setting could engage the centrifugal clutch causing the
blades to immediately start turning prior to the operator having
serious damage to the machine or harm to the operator may
ENSURE that r
QUALIFIED and LICENCED personnel.
epairs to machinery are carried out by
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS
ENSURE that petrol is only stored in an approved storage
DO NOT refuel the motor in the vicinity of sparks, a naked
Motor vibrations can cause an improperly tightened fuel cap
NEVER attempt to refuel a petrol engine until it has been
CHEMICAL HAZARDS
NOISE HAZARDS
EXCESSIVE NOISE can lead to temporary or permanent loss
WEAR an approved hearing protection device to limit noise
exposure as required by Occupational Health and Safety
regulations. Noise levels in excess of 85 dB(A) may be produced
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
MECHANICAL HAZARDS
ALWAYS wear protective clothing and footwear to prevent the
PROTECTIVE FOOTWARE should be worn to reduce injuries
from penetration through the sole, contact with cutting
ADDITIONAL HAZARDS
Exercise caution and ensure that the perimeter of elevated
Exercise care when working in the vicinity of unprotected holes
or excavations
OPERATION
BEFORE OPERATION
The following items should be checked on a daily basis before
Only Flextool 1.8 m Clip-Together Handles can be used with the
Flextool PortaTrowel (Telescopic handles do not fit).
Engine oil level
Stop Switch operation
CONNECTING THE HANDLES
loosen the control block
clamp from the Flextool
PortaTrowel handle connection
adaptor, slide the control block
upwards and remove from
the handle.
from the Flextool PortaTrowel slide
the orange painted end of the clip
together handle through the
control block. Slide the control
block so that is sitting approx half
way along the handle (900 mm
control block into this position
locked halfway along the
handle push the silver end
of the handle with the push
button locking pin into the
Flextool PortaTrowel handle and
and secure into position.
DO NOT operate the machine unless all protective guards and
KEEP hands and feet clear of rotating and moving parts as
DO NOT leave the equipment in operation while it is
ENSURE that the motor operation switch is in the OFF position
and the spark plug ignition lead is disconnected before
7000 rpm. any increase may result in personal injury and
DO NOT increase the governed no-load motor speed above
higher setting could engage the centrifugal clutch causing the
blades to immediately start turning prior to the operator having
serious damage to the machine or harm to the operator may
ENSURE that r
QUALIFIED and LICENCED personnel.
epairs to machinery are carried out by
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS
ENSURE that petrol is only stored in an approved storage
DO NOT refuel the motor in the vicinity of sparks, a naked
Motor vibrations can cause an improperly tightened fuel cap
NEVER attempt to refuel a petrol engine until it has been
CHEMICAL HAZARDS
NOISE HAZARDS
EXCESSIVE NOISE can lead to temporary or permanent loss
WEAR an approved hearing protection device to limit noise
exposure as required by Occupational Health and Safety
regulations. Noise levels in excess of 85 dB(A) may be produced
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
MECHANICAL HAZARDS
ALWAYS wear protective clothing and footwear to prevent the
PROTECTIVE FOOTWARE should be worn to reduce injuries
from penetration through the sole, contact with cutting
ADDITIONAL HAZARDS
Exercise caution and ensure that the perimeter of elevated
Exercise care when working in the vicinity of unprotected holes
or excavations
OPERATION
BEFORE OPERATION
The following items should be checked on a daily basis before
Only Flextool 1.8 m Clip-Together Handles can be used with the
Flextool PortaTrowel (Telescopic handles do not fit).
Engine oil level
Stop Switch operation
CONNECTING THE HANDLES
loosen the control block
clamp from the Flextool
PortaTrowel handle connection
adaptor, slide the control block
upwards and remove from
the handle.
from the Flextool PortaTrowel slide
the orange painted end of the clip
together handle through the
control block. Slide the control
block so that is sitting approx half
way along the handle (900 mm
control block into this position
locked halfway along the
handle push the silver end
of the handle with the push
button locking pin into the
Flextool PortaTrowel handle and
and secure into position.
4
1300 353 986 flextool.com.au
FLEXTOOL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FLEXTOOL PORTATROWEL FPT30
STARTING THE ENGINE
When hard resistance is felt, pull the starter grip briskly and
position; If the engine is not started, repeat step 5.
MANOEUVRING THE TROWEL
and then drag back toward you in the same way you would
from left to right using a slow and gentle motion, the tilt steer
PITCHING THE BLADES
clockwise;
permits quick and accurate pitch changes of the trowel
blades without needing the change blade types mid job to
suit varying conditions over the slab surface, this allows the
operator to do the work faster and achieve a better slab finish.
3. The pitch adjustment feature of the Flextool PortaTrowel
FLOATING OPERATION
position with the trowel working at ½ to ¾ of the full speed, and
each pass should overlap the previous by half the width of the
pitch at a slightly higher level and trowel at about ¾ of the full
CAUTION: Do not let the machine stand in one spot on the soft
FINISHING OPERATION
adjust the blade pitch based on the hardness or plasticity of the
keep it at a level corresponding to the concrete hardness and the
CARE AND PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
ENSURE repairs and maintenance of the trowelling machine is
CAUTION: Make sure the engine is shut down and cool
For preventive maintenance of the engine, please refer to the
The following schedule should be followed when performing
regular maintenance of the trowel:
DAILY (8 – 10 HOURS)
WEEKLY (50 – 60 HOURS)
Check blades for their condition and adjust or replace if
MONTHLY (200 – 300 HOURS)
Remove, clean, reinstall and relubricate the trowel arms and
Check and adjust the trowel arms for alignment.
CLEANING AND STORAGE
STARTING THE ENGINE
When hard resistance is felt, pull the starter grip briskly and
position; If the engine is not started, repeat step 5.
MANOEUVRING THE TROWEL
and then drag back toward you in the same way you would
from left to right using a slow and gentle motion, the tilt steer
PITCHING THE BLADES
clockwise;
permits quick and accurate pitch changes of the trowel
blades without needing the change blade types mid job to
suit varying conditions over the slab surface, this allows the
operator to do the work faster and achieve a better slab finish.
3. The pitch adjustment feature of the Flextool PortaTrowel
FLOATING OPERATION
position with the trowel working at ½ to ¾ of the full speed, and
each pass should overlap the previous by half the width of the
pitch at a slightly higher level and trowel at about ¾ of the full
CAUTION: Do not let the machine stand in one spot on the soft
FINISHING OPERATION
adjust the blade pitch based on the hardness or plasticity of the
keep it at a level corresponding to the concrete hardness and the
CARE AND PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
ENSURE repairs and maintenance of the trowelling machine is
CAUTION: Make sure the engine is shut down and cool
For preventive maintenance of the engine, please refer to the
The following schedule should be followed when performing
regular maintenance of the trowel:
DAILY (8 – 10 HOURS)
WEEKLY (50 – 60 HOURS)
Check blades for their condition and adjust or replace if
MONTHLY (200 – 300 HOURS)
Remove, clean, reinstall and relubricate the trowel arms and
Check and adjust the trowel arms for alignment.
CLEANING AND STORAGE
5
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FLEXTOOL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FLEXTOOL PORTATROWEL FPT30
Model
Trowel
Diameter
mm (in)
Operating
Weight
kg (lb)
Number
of Blades
Speed
Range
rpm
Blade Pitch
Max
deg
Engine
Make
Engine
Model
Max Rated
Power
hp Fuel Type Product Code
FPT30 760
(30)
20
(44) 4 40-70 25 Honda GX35 1.5 FT201898-UNIT
The Flextool PortaTrowel is supplied without a handle. This should be ordered separately.
Product Description
Rotor
Diameter
mm (in)
Machine Model
Compatibility
Blades Per
Rotor
Size
mm (in)
Blade
Weight
kg
Blades
Per Pack Product Code
Combination Trowel Blade
150 x 265
760
(30)
Flextool PortaTrowel
FPT30 4150 x 265
(6 x 10.5) 1.9 4 FT201533-UNIT
FLEXTOOL REPLACEMENT BLADES 4 PACK
Product Description Maximum Number of Handles Product Code
Flextool Clip-Together Handle 1800 mm Maximum of 3 x handles to be used at one time. Additional handles will
result in reduced control of the Flextool PortaTrowel. FT401806-UNIT
Only Clip-Together Handles can be used with the Flextool PortaTrowel FPT30 (Telescopic Handle does not fit)
FLEXTOOL CLIP-TOGETHER HANDLE (Sold separately)
FLEXTOOL PORTATROWEL®
FPT30
Parchem Construction Supplies Pty Ltd
1956 Dandenong Road, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia
Phone: 1300 353 986
flextool.com.au
ABN 80 069 961 968
This manual summarises our best knowledge of the product based on the information available at the time of publication. You should read this manual carefully and
consider the information in the context of how the product will be used. Our responsibility for products sold is subject to our standard terms and conditions of sale.
DISCLAIMER:
Any advice, recommendation, information, assistance or service provided by us in this manual is given in good faith and is believed by us to be appropriate and reliable.
However, any advice, recommendation, information, assistance or service provided by us is provided without liability or responsibility PROVIDED THAT the foregoing shall
not exclude, limit, restrict or modify the right entitlements and remedies conferred upon any person or the liabilities imposed upon us by any condition or warranty implied
by Commonwealth, State or Territory Act or ordinance void or prohibiting such exclusion limitation or modification. The product can be expected to perform as indicated
in this manual so long as operation and operational procedures of the individual products are followed as recommended in this manual.
Design and technical specifications may be subject to changes.
© This publication is copyright. All rights are reserved. Flextool and PortaTrowel are registered trade marksof Parchem Construction Supplies Pty Ltd.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
CONTACT US ON 1300 353 986 OR VISIT flextool.com.au
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