Have a blast!
Published 4/7, 2022 at 08:35A shot blaster is a valuable part of any surface preparation contractor’s equipment arsenal. Efficiently powering away debris and contaminants provides an important head start for making an aged concrete floor like new, while also taking the cleaning burden off other tools. Here are some of the many shot blaster machines available to contractors today.
Meet the ‘Streamer S210E40R’ from Impacts
The Streamer S210E40R from Impacts is a powerful, but compact and lightweight mobile machine suitable for shot blasting of small to medium areas on concrete, screed, asphalt, and some steel surfaces. The combination of a powerful wheel motor and an optimised separation system, along with a variable speed drive motor, makes the machine very efficient across its 210mm working width. Weighing 125kg, the S210E40R’s 4kW blasting power produces a blasting capacity of up to 80m2/h on concrete. In order to achieve optimal blasting capacity and performance, Impacts recommends matching the Streamer S210E40R with the ‘Dustcom 3003AR-LP’ dust collector, a three motor, 3.3kW machine specially designed for hard jobs in surface preparation applications.
SPE’s ‘20E Super’ is serious business for the serious contractor
The SPE 20ES shot blaster is a large machine for the serious contractor, ideal for high productivity. With an electrically powered hydraulic drive, the machine is ideal for the preparation of both concrete floors and steel surfaces. Easily dismantled, the 662kg 20ES can be conveyed through an access opening as small as 600mm wide to tackle storage tanks and other items in confined spaces. The 20ES has a 508mm working width that can be reduced for line removal and weld inspection. The blast unit, constructed of manganese steel, can handle an output of 22.5kW. The machine’s dust collector is fitted with an integral compressor and reverse air jet pulsation system to allow continuous working with a self-propelled variable speed drive for complete operator control. A grille fitted into the lower separator hopper unit assembly protects the blast wheel from potential damage and from foreign objects. An optional feature allows the blast wheel to be rotated in both directions.
BlastPro BP-9-110V is a rugged option for small jobs
The BP-9-110V from BlastPro is an affordable, highly portable, lightweight shot blaster used to prepare concrete prior to the application of paint or coatings. With a capacity of 25.5m2/h, it is perfect for smaller jobs such as residential garage floors, pool decks, and small industrial floors. The BP-9-110V has a manually controlled travel speed and a 229mm blast pattern, making it ideal for tight spaces, as well as a complimentary unit on larger jobs for cleaning edges. The BP-9-110V strips, cleans, and profiles in one easy step, making it a cost effective labour and time saving cleaning system for small to medium sized jobs. Weighing only 55kg, the machine is easy to handle and transport, with virtually dust free operation when connected to a dust collector. A rugged 15.2m wear resistant 12/3 electrical cord further enhances the BP-9-110V’s go anywhere attributes.
Blastrac products remain available pending rebrand
In June, Husqvarna introduced the first rebranded Blastrac surface preparation products since acquiring the company in late 2020. While shot blasters are part of the next wave of new products due for release in spring 2023, most existing products remain available under the Blastrac brand. Some examples of the products include the improved Blastrac 1-8DPS30 which is said by the company to be now easier to operate and handle. This economical, self-propelled 203mm shot blasting system now features drive controls on the steering handle. An ‘EZ-adjust’ system for the control cage is another new feature that is operator friendly. Laser cut components and the utilisation of improved manufacturing technologies, along with a powder coat finish, helps assure quality construction and long life. Powered by a 5.4kW motor, the 1-8DPS30’s self-propelled operation improves productivity and promotes a more even and consistent blast pattern and surface profile. It consumes abrasive at less than 2kg/h and strips, cleans and profiles in one easy step to prepare concrete surfaces prior to application of coatings or overlays. A 10.66 cord provides extra distance from the power source. Ideal for industrial floors, warehouses, commercial or residential garage floors, this shot blaster can prepare up to 55.7m3/h. The 1-8DPS30 is also perfect as a complementary unit for larger shot blasters.
For larger sized jobs, the 575kg Blastrac 2-20DTMKII is a powerful self-propelled 550mm shot blasting system that strips, cleans and profiles concrete and asphalt, or horizontal steel surfaces in one easy step. The AC inverted drive motor for self-propelled operation features an integrated brake which helps maintain speed on ramps and inclines. This improves productivity and promotes a more even and consistent blast pattern and surface profile. In fact, the 2-20DTMKII can prepare up to 450m2/h on concrete. Attached to Blastrac’s BDC-99 dust collector, the 2-20DTMKII operates virtually dust free. A slide out screen in the shot hopper facilitates the removal of large debris. It is perfect for industrial floors, warehouses, road, airport maintenance, and parking garages, making this shot blaster an environmentally sound choice for high productivity in surface preparation.
Think big with BW Manufacturing’s D-1800
BW Manufacturing has introduced its D-1800, the latest in state of the art surface preparation technology. With a chassis weighing 2,032kg, the new model is designed for industrial floors, roads and bridge decks, parking structures, aviation jobs, and many others. BW designed the D-1800 in response to years of contractor’s requests to solve the messy and time consuming issue of dust removal from the machine. The hydraulic dump box gives operators the ability to dump a 208kg worth of material in seconds. The newly designed ‘BH-18 Blasthead’ features the same feathered blast pattern found in BW’s 406mm wide BH-16 model which delivers increased production as well as a 50.8mm wider cleaning path. Fully replaceable inner liners increase housing life, while cushioned swivel casters allow for easy manoeuvring over flat surfaces. Newly designed seals, floater plates, and a shot separator system, allow for increased output and decreased shot consumption. Other chassis upgrades include a planetary gear drive for greater low end torque and faster drive speeds. Newly formatted controls and seating position give the operator a better view in front and behind machine attachments. A new tilted hood allows easier access for maintenance as well as other internal advancements to decrease service intervals and increase production.
