Concrete Truss Power Screed

Tony from Midwest Recreational Clearinghouse in Minnesota emailed these photos of a truss screed he acquired.   Tony runs the website crankyape.com that specializes in auctioning off repossessed items.  He knew they were some sort of concrete screed, but was unsure as to how it worked.

This truss screed unit is obviously in used condition.  The long sections hook together to form a larger platform to screed from.  There are couplers on top designed to be adjusted to form a crown in the concrete.  If the screed were used to strike off a street, for example, the truss screed can be crowned so the wet concrete forms a slope or a valley.   The truss screed is designed to ride on forms. 

This particular truss screed is missing its engine. The engine should be mounted on top of the black box. The screed unit with the engine on it is placed at the end and additional screed units can then be hooked on each end, depending on how wide a concrete pour is.  The shaft with bearings running through the center of each screed is called the eccentric vibrator.  The drive shafts then hook into each other at consecutive ends.  The engine drives the first truss screed and then spins the shafts as they are added.

The winches operate by pulling out the cable and attaching the end to a secure stake on the opposite side of where you begin your concrete pour.  The concrete professionals then turn the winches as the concrete is poured and the truss screed moves along to smooth out the wet concrete.  As the truss screed moves along, the engine vibrates the round eccentric weights.  The weights vibrate the wet concrete to allow for settling. 

It is also important to remember to clean off your screeds shortly after use.  This unit has signs of wear and tear.  At first glance, this unit would need a new engine and a little TLC.  It could be a great purchase for that concrete company looking to save a little money.

Thanks for your question Tony!