When it comes to buying a planetary concrete diamond floor grinder, you'll face the choice between a propane or electric-powered machine. Each has its own advantages and drawbacks depending on its intended use, this article will examine these pros and cons to assist you in making the best choice for your specific project requirements. First of all...

CONSIDERING A PROPANE FLOOR GRINDER…

Benefits of Propane…

With propane, you can operate it anywhere there is adequate ventilation and at any time.

The Propane option eliminates all power concerns. A propane-powered concrete grinder provides the convenience of not needing to worry about a cord or an appropriate power source. Most commercial grinders use hard-to-find power like 230 three phase and 480 three phase power, often requiring a “Tow-behind” generator to operate.

Propane powered equipment is also a “Time saver”, you can arrive onto the site and get started immediately, no longer having to deal with finding the correct power source, an electrician that can make the connections, and adequate cords for the distance that your workplace is from that power source.

Another great advantage is that, if you do a lot of wet grinding, you can work without a dust collector and their cords, offering an even more efficient experience. Another great advantage is that if you want to NOT grind wet and need a heap-vac system, they are now available with propane power as well, so you have the best of all worlds and no cored!

Propane Hepa filter Vacuum 

Challenges of Propane…

While the convenience of a propane floor grinder is significant, there are challenges. Propane grinders are loud compared to electric machines. Also, using a propane machine, while very clean running do release CO2 exhaust into the environment which makes them not suitable for many occupied office spaces, medical facilities, or commercial areas where people are living or working nearby. So, propane can only be used in a well-ventilated area.

Bartell Global's Predator line of grinders addresses this CO2 concern with EPA certified, ultra low emissions mufflers as well as an emissions senser that warns of higher levels of CO2 and will shut the machine down when detected.

Propane equipment also involves additional maintenance, though generally not difficult or time-consuming.

Propane exhaust is hot and, while unlikely, in the right situations engine exhaust can damage walls, doors, and equipment if left in one place and the exhaust is pointed in that direction.

Propane grinders are not reversible so when using directional diamonds like most PCD’s and carbide scrap-away bits, you must choose the correct diamond direction.

CONSIDERING AN ELECTRIC GRINDER…

Benefits of Electric…

An electric floor grinding machine offers similar benefits and challenges as propane, but in reverse. Electric grinders are significantly quieter to run and don’t require special ventilation, making them suitable for indoor or occupied commercial, residential, and medical areas without causing as much disruption. They also have fewer maintenance requirements, which can save you time.

Electric machines are reversible making your options greater when using those directional diamond segments like PCD diamonds and Scrape-away tooling.

Challenges of Electric…

With an electric machine, you're limited to a power source, whether it's a power box or a generator.

As mentioned earlier, the power requirements to run bigger concrete grinders like 230 three phase and 480 three phase can be hard to find, even in commercial and industrial settings. And, if the correct power is available, you can only go certain distances in cord, usually, depending on the machine and size of the cord, 200 – 300 feet. This can be problematic in remote areas or outdoor settings where a proper power supply isn't readily available.

COST DIFFERENCES…

The price difference between most machines in Bartell Global’s Predator line of concrete grinder/polishers, like most other equipment manufacturers is relatively small, typically nothing to just a few hundred dollars. This minor price variation is insignificant in the long run and does not significantly impact the decision-making process.          

CONCLUSION…

Choosing Between Electric or Propane Concrete Grinding Machines,

When shopping for a concrete grinder, the best approach to choosing between electric or propane is to consider where you'll be working most often and your needs as a contractor. If you primarily work indoors with readily available power, electric is likely the right choice. However, if you frequently work outdoors, if you are in control of the jobsite environment, if you’re on sites without power, or on projects like asbestos abatement, propane may be the better option.

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