Flooring Machine Hire News

Although this blog is written as “we” from a company perspective, it’s actually written by me, Laura (Hire & Sales Manager). As you may know, Concept Flooring Technology was founded in 2000 by my father John Hartley. Having a parent who is a director, salesman, labourer, fitter and admin administrator all rolled into one, undoubtedly is a tall order but one to be extremely proud of. However, joining the company was never part of my plan, yet in 2013 a role became available and my father and I felt it would be a good fit for me.

Aside from the fact that we have an extensive, although specialised fleet of machinery along with a brilliant workshop team; it’s always been important to me to be more than just another hire company. I wanted to start the blog to add another string to our bow, but to also be able to provide quick and easy to access to information, hints and tips for specific jobs that our customers experience.

The information provided in this blog is based on the 30+ years of experience in surface preparation, polished concrete and the hire industry. But this is also me, a wife, mum, wine lover, prolific nagger, and Pinterest enthusiast. A young woman, forever trying to reduce the stereotype that in fact women do have a place in construction.

Advantages Of Dust Extractor Rental

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When working with equipment that creates a lot of dust, renting a dust extractor is essential for maintaining a safe and efficient worksite. Dust extractors are used to remove dust from worksites to ensure that the air is clean and breathable.

Here is why you should consider hiring a dust extractor for your worksite instead of buying it outright.

Benefits of Hiring a Small Dust Extractor

Dust extraction is key for removing dust in the floor preparation process to provide a safe and efficient workplace. Here are some of the many benefits of hiring a dust extractor.

Range of Equipment

Whether you are working on an industrial, commercial or residential project, you will require a dust extractor to maintain a clean and safe worksite.

By hiring a dust extractor, you have access to extensive catalogues of equipment by the best manufacturers of each category of machinery. This means that you are far more likely to receive equipment that is reliable, high-quality, and appropriate for the job at hand.

Cost-Effective & Flexibility

From grinding and polishing to sanding and scabbling, completing a flooring project requires lots of equipment, sometimes only for short periods of time.

Hiring your equipment as opposed to buying it outright is the most cost-effective solution for your project, as it means you pay a lower upfront cost and can return the equipment when you no longer need it.

Not only this, but you also do not need to constantly find and pay for storage space for new equipment, as you can simply return it after you have used it.

Renting a small dust extractor as opposed to buying it outright means that you get the flexibility to use the equipment for specific jobs as and when needed. Combining flexibility and cost-effectiveness makes renting an amazing way to save you money and time.

Numatic Dust Extractor, Nilfisk or Ermator: Which Extractor is Best?

Of course, the nature of your project will dictate which dust extractor is best. For small to medium-sized areas, the Numatic WDV 900 is an ideal choice. This versatile and user-friendly dust extractor boasts a 32-litre wet capacity house within a compact body.

If you are looking for a powerful dry dust extractor suitable for small and medium areas, the Nilfisk CFM S3B dust extractor could be the best choice for you. This general-purpose machine is fitted with a manual shaker to help clean the main filter on site.

For large areas, you may want to go for a Ermator T7500 dust extractor. It is a powerful dust extractor best used when heavy duty machinery is being used.

Dust Extractor Hire from Concept Flooring Technology

If you are looking for high-quality dust extractors to hire for your project, Concept Flooring Technology can help. As experts in our field, we stock a great selection of flooring machinery for hire, including dust extractors, planers and so much more.

No matter your commercial flooring needs, get in touch with us today. Call 01494 485952 or send an email to enquiries@conceptft.com.

February 24, 2023/by Concept Floor Technology

The Convenience Of A Planer For Your Concrete Floor

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For tradespeople and professionals looking to hire floor preparation machinery, understanding the benefits and applications of each piece is essential. We’ve all heard the phrase ‘a bad workman blames their tools’, but the truth is, the wrong machine can lead to a poorly finished job.

In the following article, we’ll outline the purpose and uses of concrete planers, clarifying the circumstances in which they are best used, and the results that can be achieved with proper handling.

What Is A Planer?

In order to acquire the correct machinery for the project at hand, it is essential that businesses are aware of the elements that differentiate concrete planers from other equipment, such as grinders. As the name suggests, a concrete grinder is designed to wear away a small amount of the material’s surface, removing concrete, adhesives and paint where necessary. The focus of this article, however, is on planers, also referred to as ‘scabblers’ or ‘scarifiers’.

Put simply, a concrete planer, scabbler or scarifier, is a machine used to prepare concrete by scaring and removing to leave a textured finish. It must be noted that planers are not designed to grind concrete, rather, they are best suited to slab height reduction, adhesive removal or leaving a textured finish.

Which Jobs Require a Planer?

Those familiar with planers will be well aware of their versatility. With electric and petrol-powered machines of varying sizes and adjustable depths available for hire, planers can be used for a range of practical applications.

Planers are particularly convenient for the texturing, grooving and cleaning of flooring in preparation for further work. Whether you intend to resurface a walkway for safety reasons or adjust the levelling of a concrete slab, planers are excellent machines.

Different Planers For Reduction Needs

Of course, the nature of your project will dictate which planer is best suited. One key factor that it is dependent on is the amount of reduction required. For a job needing circa 10mm height reduction, a machine such as the AIRTEC RM320 is an ideal choice owing to its self-propelled design and its ability to cover vast areas of flooring. For a project where you will be requiring a 2-3mm height reduction, you might instead want to go with an AIRTEC RT2000.

Floor Scarifier Hire From Concept Flooring Technology

Whatever kind of flooring device you’re looking for, look no further than Concept Flooring Technology. Our expert team are always here to discuss the specific requirements of your project and fulfil all of your machine hire needs.

No matter your commercial flooring needs, get in touch with us today. Call 01494 485952 or send an email to enquiries@conceptft.com.

February 24, 2023/by Concept Floor Technology

Should I Hire A Floor Scarifier?

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Scarifiers are walk-behind devices that are used on concrete surfaces. They come in a variety of sizes but use the same basic principle to operate. Here at Concept Flooring Technology, we offer the hire of high-quality flooring machines to clients around mainland UK.

Read on to find out more about why you should hire a floor scarifier.

More About Floor Scarifier Machines

This involves tungsten-tipped cutters that pound down into the concrete surface, breaking the top layer down. They are most suitable for reducing the height of a concrete slab, adhesive or to provide a textured finish to a floor. They do not grind concrete.

The tungsten tip flail drum can also be replaced for certain jobs such as for one that would be more suitable for car park line removal. They’re a useful tool to use due to them being lightweight and effective at quick removal.

Why Hire Flooring Machinery?

Like most other types of plant hire, flooring machinery hire usually comes down to one main factor. Cost. Typically, it is a lot more cost-effective to hire a piece of flooring machinery for the period of time you need to use it, rather than buying the machinery outright. This is because machinery is often very expensive, while the cost of renting can be considerably cheaper.

The one instance where it isn’t cost-effective is if you’re constantly using the machinery, and the rental money might eventually eclipse the original buying price. However, if you are only renting the flooring machinery for a single purpose, or not very regularly, hiring is much cheaper.

Hiring equipment also means you will be getting high-quality machinery every time. You don’t have to worry about maintaining your own equipment, or your model becoming obsolete as better machines are developed.

Floor Scarifier Hire From Concept Flooring Technology

If you’re looking to hire a floor scarifier, work with Concept Flooring Technology. We are a reliable and trusted company, working to bring the best grinder and polisher hire to clients across mainland UK. We have a selection of scarifiers, including the Airtec RT2000 and the Airtec RT250.

The Airtec RT250 is perfect if you’re looking for a medium-duty scarifier, ideal for when you need to roughen and scarify surfaces, as well as when removing coatings and preparation work. The RT2000 on the other hand is more of a general-purpose floor machine. It has a lightweight body and is most suited to the removal of rubber, adhesive and other coatings.

As with most flooring machines, you’ll also need adequate dust control to ensure your safety and to keep the environment clean. You can see our range of dust extractors here.

If you’re interested in exceptional quality flooring machinery available for hire, call us today on 01494 485952. We can offer our expert advice and even professional on-site guidance and consultations.

February 7, 2023/by Concept Floor Technology

Choosing The Ideal Floor Cleaning Machine

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Sustaining a clean and even floor surface is easier said than done, but it’s an important thing to uphold when you have clients and guests visiting your commercial premises. Here at Concept Flooring Technology, we maintain a reliable stock of machines available for hire, including grout cleaning machines in 110v and petrol power, as well as scrubber dryers in walk-behind and ride-on models.

Let us take you through the cleaning solutions we can provide, with specific guidance and technical details available on our website should you want more information.

Our Machines Explained

The Concept Flooring Technology team goes above and beyond to thoroughly maintain and clean our range of scrubber dryers, meaning our fleet of machines can be relied upon to retain their full functionality and effectiveness.

The rotating brushes attached to the scrubber dryer will slide across your surface in a fast scrubbing motion, removing residue and dirt, before sweeping up excess mess using its vacuum feature. Delivery and collection to and from sites around the United Kingdom make flooring machinery hire well worth your consideration.

Area Size And Surface Material

We understand that not all properties are the same size and scale, therefore you may require specific machinery dependent on the space you’re dealing with. Within the Concept Flooring Technology range, we can provide scrubber dryers which are perfect for narrow halls, medium-sized rooms, or expansive commercial spaces.

If you are looking to hire a heavy duty walk-behind scrubber dryer for a mid-sized space, the Numatic TT4045 Scrubber Dryer is likely your best option, while the Numatic TRO650 Scrubber Dryer model is a ride-on machine better suited to larger areas.

The surface material you’re working with is certainly something worth considering when you’re looking to hire flooring machinery, with scrubber dryers able to maintain a hygienic interior as well as restore even the dirtiest of floors to an agreeable condition.

Client Needs And Consumables

Depending on the project at hand, you may have specific requirements with regards to the power output required from machinery, as well as the weight, battery capacity, and much more. If you require consumables to expand the capabilities of your appliance, Concept Flooring Technology can provide attachable sponge belts, nylon scrubbing brushes, and twister pads. For further insight into these options, just give us a call.

Concept Flooring Technology: Hire Your Heavy Duty Scrubber Or Efficient Heavy Duty Floor Cleaner

Though Concept Flooring Technology was founded over 20 years ago as a plant hire and contracting company, the decision was made in 2015 that it was time for the companies to split, and we have been excelling in our trade ever since.

We match clients with hire machines suited to their needs, be it preparation grinders for large concrete areas, floor planers and scabblers for smaller surfaces, or cleaning devices for that particularly impressive finish.

Interested in discussing your needs with an industry expert? Contact our team today, and we would be happy to help.

October 4, 2022/by Concept Floor Technology

What Machine is Best for Terrazzo Polishing?

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Having the right grinding and polishing machines for the job is essential when restoring any flooring, terrazzo included. To ensure you’re well-equipped, here is a short guide to the best machines for polishing terrazzo flooring.

What is terrazzo flooring?

Terrazzo is a composite material made by setting marble chippings into cement and is either poured in situ by hand or formed into blocks that can then be cut to size. First created in 16th century Italy, terrazzo flooring is still a popular choice in both commercial and domestic properties, with virtually unlimited colour and chipping material options available nowadays.

As well as being a hard-wearing and sustainable flooring choice, terrazzo is easy to maintain day-to-day: all you’ll need to clean it is a steam mop or nylon scrubbing brush. When cracks occur or general wear and tear becomes noticeable, terrazzo flooring will need more intensive maintenance. It can be restored using grinding and polishing machines like the ones we stock here at Concept Flooring Technology.

The best floor polishing machines for terrazzo flooring

In order to restore terrazzo flooring to a desirable standard, you’ll need the right equipment for the task. Below are some of the best machines for polishing terrazzo flooring, all of which are available for hire from Concept Flooring Technology.

Blastrac BMG435 Grinder Polisher

The Blastrac BMG435 Grinder Polisher offers easy manoeuvrability, making it ideal for small to medium sized spaces with limited power availability. The Blastrac BMG435 Grinder Polisher is well-suited to the preparation of surfaces prior to the application of coatings, staining, and decorative use.

Designed for use on concrete and terrazzo flooring, this grinder polisher takes a variety of both metal and resin bond diamond tooling.

HTC 420 Grinder Polisher

This 420mm triple-head grinder polisher is ideal for grinding and polishing small areas where only 110V power is available. It is particularly suited to removing coatings, smoothing surfaces, and keying surfaces, as well as polishing concrete, screed, and terrazzo flooring.

Compatible with a variety of both metal and resin bond diamond tooling, the HTC 420 Grinder Polisher is a versatile, lightweight and easy-to-operate machine that can also be disassembled for easy transportation.

HTC 500 Grinder Polisher

The HTC 500 Grinder Polisher is a medium-sized machine that is well-suited to grinding or removing coatings, smoothing areas, keying surfaces, and polishing terrazzo, concrete, screeds, and more.

This grinder polisher offers variable speeds, easy-to-use controls, and an adjustable handle for easy and comfortable operation. The HTC 500 Grinder Polisher takes a variety of both metal and resin bond diamond tooling and can handle extra weights if there is a need for varied pressure when grinding or polishing.

HTC 650 HDX Grinder Polisher

If you’re looking for a heavy-duty grinding and polishing machine that can provide fast results, the HTC 650 HDX Grinder Polisher is a smart choice. This machine has four 650mm heads, is compatible with a variety of metal and resin bond diamond tooling, and offers variable pressure using an integrated weight system, making it a versatile and effective option.

Available in either single speed and variable speed configurations, this grinder polisher is well-suited to removing coatings, grinding concrete, smoothing areas, keying surfaces, and polishing concrete, terrazzo, screeds, marble, and more.

HTC Duratiq X6 Grinder Polisher

The HTC Duratiq X6 Grinder Polisher is a planetary, heavy-duty machine that is ideal for use in large spaces. This grinder polisher has four heads and is compatible with both metal and resin bond diamond tooling.

This machine comes equipped with an intuitive digital control panel, a brand new chassis, 20 different handle positions, and 74% less vibration than previous models. These features all make for an effective, safe, and easy-to-use grinder polisher that is well-suited to grinding floors for surface preparation purposes and polishing hard surfaces such as concrete, terrazzo, marble, and granite.

If you require quality flooring machine hire, look no further than Concept Flooring Technology. Founded at the turn of the century, we have decades of experience in supplying customers with the ideal grinding and polishing equipment for the task at hand. Contact us today to discuss your requirements.

September 29, 2022/by Concept Floor Technology

What Machines Are Best For Screed Removal?

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Screed is a thin material that is placed on top of a concrete subfloor. It typically consists of cement and sharp sand, but coarser aggregates may be added to create a thicker layer. Screed is usually covered with a more decorative finish, but in some environments is left bare.

Whether you’re looking to get rid of and replace a worn screed layer or lay a new floor in its entirety, you need reliable machinery that will remove the screed with ease. Concept Flooring Technology stocks a selection of floor grinders and scabblers for the task.

RT200 Scabbler

A scabbler is a piece of machinery used for reducing stone or concrete to prepare a surface or provide a decorative texture to concrete. The Airtec RT2000 Scabbler is used for removing coatings, rubber and adhesive in small areas. It is a lightweight, general-purpose floor scabbler that is best suited for small jobs where only basic surface preparation and removal of screed are required.

RT250 Scabbler

If you have a medium-sized area that you need screed removed from, you may prefer the Airtec RT250 Scabbler. It is an aggressive machine well-suited for larger areas. The tungsten tip flail drum can be built differently if you require the machine for particular jobs.

BGS250 Grinder

Preparation grinders are used to prepare a surface, typically for refurbishment and repair. If you need horizontal surface preparation for small to medium areas, the Blastrac BGS250 Grinder is a good option. It is a lightweight, easy-to-use device that will get the job done quickly and efficiently.

DFG250 Grinder

For medium-large areas with aggressive, rapid screed removal, choose the SPE DFG250 Grinder. This grinder has rear wheels mounted on a pivoting axle, allowing it to be used with ease as the weight and balance can be altered. Each of our grinders takes a variety of different diamond grinding blades depending on the surface you need grinding.

Screed Removal Machines

When removing screed, it is recommended you use professional machinery to get the finish you desire. Concept Flooring Technology stocks a great selection of screed removal machines, perfect for whatever your requirements. All our scabblers are provided with a tungsten-tipped flail drum as standard, able to remove screed quickly.

We know that every job is different, so our staff are standing by to discuss your job with you and recommend a machine best suited for you. We’ll then deliver your machine, helping to set it up and give you on-site guidance when required.

To talk through your requirements with the Concept Flooring Technology team, call now on 01494 485952.

September 29, 2022/by Concept Floor Technology

What Machine Is Best For Bitumen Removal?

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Bitumen is a highly viscous liquid found in natural deposits or refined from petroleum. Bitumen is a highly popular material, used in the majority of road construction to act as a glue to bind aggregate particles together. It was also popularly used in commercial and domestic flooring until the 1980s when it was mixed with asbestos.

This was done because it was inexpensive, water resistant and fireproof. But with modern-day research, we now know how dangerous asbestos is to our health. Coupled with the fact that laying a new floor on top of old bitumen can cause a negative reaction to the new material, it is best to remove bitumen floors before looking to lay a new one.

Concept Flooring Technology has a range of machines available to hire ideal for bitumen removal. Read on for an overview of the flooring machines we offer for the task.

BGS250 Grinder

The Blastrac BGS250 Grinder is a lightweight (70kg), easy-to-use option that is best suited for small to medium surface preparation tasks. It takes a wide range of diamond grinding blades to allow you to use it for a wide range of flooring applications.

DFG250 Grinder

For rapid removal from an aggressive diamond grinder, the SPE DFG250 Grinder is an ideal choice. While weighing between 122kg and 160kg, it has rear wheels on a pivoting axle that allows the weight and balance to be altered with ease. The SPE DFG250 is a single head 250mm grinder that can take a variety of different diamond grinding blades.

RT2000 Scabbler

To remove coatings, rubber and adhesive, you will need a scabbler for the task. The Airtec RT2000 scabbler is a general-purpose, lightweight floor machine, fitted with a tungsten tip flail drum. This drum set-up width can be altered if you require the machine for certain jobs, so make sure to ask.

RT250 Scabbler

For medium-sized areas, the Airtec RT250 Scabbler is an aggressive machine well suited for roughening surfaces, removing coatings and preparing surfaces. The tungsten tip flail drum can be built differently depending on the job.

Bitumen Removal Machines For Hire

If you have floors with asbestos or bitumen in, it is vital they are removed using specialist equipment to make sure all traces of hazardous material are removed, and ready for the new floor to be put down.

We pride ourselves on providing only the best machines to customers, using our 20 years of experience in the industry to recommend the ideal products for you. We’ll deliver your machine and even offer professional on-site guidance and consultations, ensuring you use the apparatus properly to get the job done effectively.

Call today on 01494 485952 to discuss your requirements with one of our team and receive expert advice on which machine is best for you.

September 29, 2022/by Concept Floor Technology

What Grinder Should You Use For Paint Removal?

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Removing paint from a surface can be a difficult task, as the paint will set hard onto a surface. This means it can be tough to remove without using specialist equipment. Luckily, we have various options here at Concept Flooring Technology that are suitable for paint removal.

Concrete Grinders

One of the best ways to remove paint is using a high-quality surface preparation floor grinder. But not every job is the same, so you want to ensure you’re using a piece of machinery that works well for the task at hand. Here are two of Concept Flooring Technology’s floor grinders available for hire that will be great for paint removal.

Blastrac BGS250 Grinder

If you’re cleaning paint off of a small or medium area, the Blastrac BGS-250 is an ideal choice. It is a single disc concrete grinder for horizontal surface preparation applications. It is lightweight and simple to use, allowing you to easily perform floor preparation.

The machine is electric powered (110v 32amp) and takes a wide range of diamond grinding blades. This allows it to have a wide range of flooring applications, including paint removal. Ensure you have suitable dust extraction when using the product.

SPE DFG250 Grinder

For larger jobs, an SPE DFG250 grinder may be the choice for you. It is an aggressive diamond removal that is great for rapid removal in medium and large areas. It uses a single head 250mm diameter grinder that can be changed depending on the material you are grinding and how abrasive it is, such as paint.

The grinder has rear wheels mounted on a pivoting axle that allows the weight and balance to be altered, allowing it to be easily manoeuvrable despite its heavier weight. As always ensure you have adequate dust extraction in place when using the grinder. This machine can be electric (415v 32amp) or petrol powered.

Concrete Grinders For Hire

If you’re in the market to hire floor grinders that will help you with pain removal, get in touch with Concept Flooring Technology today. We offer a varied selection of grinders, planers, scabblers and more. Our range of machinery is perfect for jobs of all sizes, so you can find a grinder to suit your needs.

Call now on 01494485952 to talk through your requirements with one of our experienced staff. They can offer advice on all the machines we have to hire, recommending what will be best for your exact needs. We offer delivery nationwide and will also collect the machinery afterwards. If you are unsure or want to make the most of your grinder, we can assist with setting it up and even offer a demonstration.

September 29, 2022/by Concept Floor Technology

Choosing the Right Stripping Machine for Soft Floor Removal

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Whether you’re renovating, altering the flooring within an office, or simply opting for a design overhaul on company premises, stripping machines are a convenient way to remove soft flooring. Previously installed flooring may even encounter problems so, whether you’re dealing with soft strip demolition or an adhesive sub layer failure, you will want to come up with a practical compromise, factoring in the unique nature of your situation.

With a selection of diamond floor grinders, floor levellers, polishing machines, and stripping appliances for seamless soft floor removal, Concept Flooring Technology are the specialists to trust. With years of industry experience and a friendly customer service team, we are well-equipped to guide you through the process of choosing the right stripping machine for your requirements.

What Does Soft Floor Removal Involve?

Soft floor removal will first involve removing the initial layer which is immediately visible to you, be that carpet, vinyl, rubber, LVT, wood or ceramic tiles. The most appropriate stripping machine for the task will depend on an array of factors, which may include the size of the area, the ventilation available, as well as the material(s) concerned.

Our tailored advice will likely come in useful when assessing which machine is right for the sublayers of your flooring, as we are experts in this area. The stripping machine we recommend will be determined by a number of factors, including:

Whether the material you’re trying to remove is laid on concrete or screed.
The thickness of applied adhesive.
Whether you want either a smooth or textured finish.

Floor Stripping Machines for Vinyl, Rubber, and More

We understand that each job is likely to come with different challenges, which is why we offer a number of hireable floor stripping machines for various contexts. Although we aim to give a detailed breakdown of the situations in which to use each appliance, don’t hesitate to give us a call for additional help.

Wolff Turbo Stripper

For smaller areas in locations as wide-ranging as schools, retail units and offices, the Wolff Turbo Stripper is a sensible selection. At 110v 32amp it can be plugged conveniently into a mains power socket with a 5KVA Transformer. This self-propelled walk-behind machine even has removable weights for ease-of-use.

Blastrac BMS220 Stripping Machine

A Blastrac product suitable for larger areas with restricted ventilation, the BMS220 stripping machine is a reliable choice. Also 110v, this model can be plugged conveniently into two mains power sockets with corresponding 5KVA Transformers. As a ride-on machine, it provides quick and easy removal for materials on a large scale.

Innovatech Terminator T2200 Stripping Machine

The Innovatech Terminator T2200 stripping machine is best utilised in larger areas with good ventilation, and can be used for more stubborn flooring materials. Running on a 18kg FLT gas bottle, this particular model is available with a multitude of attachments depending on the project requirements, making it adaptable to your needs.

Hire A Machine Today

At Concept Flooring Technology, we’re proud to stock a versatile range of flooring machinery, which can be easily acquired at your convenience. Whether you’re in need of floor stripping machines for lino or a large grinder for preparing your concrete floor, we can provide you with not only the machinery but also on-site set-up and demonstrations where required.

Efficiently maintain your industrial, commercial, or residential flooring today with our equipment hire, available nationwide. If you are still unsure of what machinery you require, feel free to contact us with any related queries.

September 29, 2022/by Concept Floor Technology