Get the right grinder for the job.
It's important to invest wisely when it comes to your epoxy resin toolkit. An industrial-grade concrete grinder is one of the most important investments you can make as a flooring contractor. So get informed! Different grinders fill different roles, so get to know your options.
This guide will help you understand the differences between your two primary grinder types: planetary, and rotary. The main factor in your decision is you: what are your needs? Are you ripping up old heavy floors, or doing a simple garage concrete floor job?
Ask yourself these questions & more as you're reading and you'll be able to make an informed decision!
Grinders & Their Differences: Explained
Why is a concrete floor grinder so important for a flooring contractor? It's your key to success & growth! The amount & quality of jobs you can take on increases exponentially when you invest in a grinder.
You need grinders for surface preparation, for polishing, and for floor removals. The better quality the grinder, the better the results. And it'll often increase your actual efficiency on the job, too! So, let's dive in and discover the most important differences between planetary and rotary grinders.
Planetary Concrete Grinders
Planetary grinders are mostly known for their versatility. Between their multiple grinding heads and often less weight, planetary grinders offer enhanced control. Planetary grinders are designed to be mobile and often modular. Our grinders here at XPS, for example, will often have magnetically-attached grinding heads.
- Pros & Cons: Mobility, affordability, and user-friendly operation. Might not be the best option for larger projects, though; may struggle with thick coatings.
- We Recommend: For residential tasks or medium-sized commercial projects, the Concrete Genie and Peanut Mammoth are a step above the other grinder options in the industry.
Rotary Concrete Grinders
Rotary grinders are machines designed to be efficient. These grinders excel in extensive & exhaustive projects, like industrial warehouses, or thick floor coatings. They're not designed for mobility, though. Rotary grinders are designed heavier, and less mobile, but their efficiency cannot be denied.
- Pros & Cons: Efficiency, high production rates, and extensive grinding capabilities. But, they're not very mobile, and are overkill for any small job. Their capabilities are reflected by their investment.
- We Recommend: Rotary grinders are designed to handle to the biggest, toughest jobs. So, why should you settle for less than the best? The Mammoth Concrete Floor Grinder will help you take & tackle the jobs that no one else will, or can.
The Choice: Do I Need A Planetary or Rotary Grinder?
So, now that you know what you need to know, how should you decide? The decision is ultimately yours to make, and either way you'll find quality options which will boost your business.
If you're a startup flooring contractor, or mostly work in residential or commercial spaces, a planetary grinder is perfect for you. But let's say you're more experienced - you want to take on the bigger jobs, the tougher jobs, and invest in your business. A rotary grinder is your key to moving ahead in this industry.
There is no truly wrong decision - but if you invest wisely, you could massively boost your flooring contracting potential.
Conclusion
While there are a lot of important pieces in any flooring contractor's toolkit - resins, safety gear, etc. - a grinder stands out as one of the most essential. Whether you decide on planetary or rotary, it's critical that you find the grinder that fits what you need on the job.
Take into account what kind of jobs you're taking on. Think about what kind of grinding you have to do. After you know those answers, our guide will be here to help you figure out what you need!
Need help finding the right grinder for your business? Do you want personalized assistance with all things epoxy resin & concrete flooring? Get in contact with our specialists! Find high-quality resources & tools at our Xtreme Polishing Systems (XPS) online store.