Floor grinders and dust extractors manufacturer HTC Sweden AB launched a new line of smaller grinders and dust extractors, the Start and Grind collection, to assist flooring contractors when preparing floors, earlier this year in Sweden. The collection will be launched in South Africa in the second quarter.

Boksburg-based HTC grinding and polishing machinery distributor Superb Flooring Systems is a partner company of Pan Mixer South Africa (PMSA) and the sole distributor of HTC Sweden AB products.

The Start and Grind collection comprises three grinders – HTC 280, HTC 400, HTC 450 – three dust extractors – HTC D10, HTC D20, D30 – and a preseparator – the HTC PS30.

Concrete products machinery manufacturer PMSA marketing and sales manager Quintin Booysen says the machines are simple, robust and easy to operate.

“These machines can tackle anything, from edge grinding to polishing medium-sized surfaces,” he says, adding that this new line of grinders will replace the HTC Greyline range.

A special focus has been put on ease of handling and transportation, as well as user safety. The grinding machines feature a folding chassis that can also be separated from the grinding head, which greatly facilitates transportation. They are also fitted with floating covers for efficient dust collection.

He notes that the company hopes to sell “quite a few machines” once the collection arrives in South Africa.

Having supplied equipment to the concrete polishing industry for the past 13 years, he notes that the machines are effective when used for floor polishing.

With polished concrete becoming an increasingly popular option in commercial environments because of its affordability and ease of maintenance, polished concrete needs to be mechanically ground and polished to ensure that the floor remains in a good condition.

“There are companies that claim to install a polished concrete floor without mechanically polishing the concrete, which gives a natural gloss or reflection from the concrete.”

These companies are taking shortcuts to save money and are attempting to create an artificial shine by adding chemicals to concrete. This is a misconception, as the shine will eventually wear off, he adds.

“It is crucial that the industry adopts a specification standard that architects can use, and on which clients and installers can agree before the work is carried out.”

Meanwhile, with almost 40 years in the flooring industry, Booysen mentions that there is a huge lack of knowledge on industrial flooring requirements, which leads to small contractors delivering inferior-quality flooring.

He concludes that the HTC machines are a solution for good-quality polished concrete floors and well suited for use in a variety of environments.