Skip to main content

Safer repairs

New generation concrete repair tools offer major safety benefits over earlier systems. Minnich Manufacturing says that its new concrete dowel drill delivers high productivity and a safer working environment on concrete patching jobs.
February 14, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
New generation concrete repair tools offer major safety benefits over earlier systems. 286 Minnich Manufacturing says that its new concrete dowel drill delivers high productivity and a safer working environment on concrete patching jobs. These provide far greater output than the slow, hand-held units used before, while operator comfort has also been greatly improved. As well as being more productive, new generation machines are now chassis-mounted, with wheels for mobility. This has last feature boosted both accuracy and productivity, by reducing the effort level required by the operator and these improved tools also have better ergonomics, making them easier to work with for long shifts. Concrete patching contractors no longer have to spend hours crouching or kneeling down while trying to guide a hand-held drill. In addition, the newer models transmit far less vibration to the user, reducing the risk of hand/arm injuries.

Modern hydraulic and pneumatic equipment is often remotely controlled, which further boosts safety as an operator can stand in a spot that affords a good field of view as well as being in a position of safety and away from live traffic or in the cab of the transport vehicle for instance. This technology also means that only one person is required to operate the equipment, as there is no longer a need for someone to locate the drill. As the operator can use the equipment while standing at a safe distance or in a machine cab and as manufacturers now fit effective dust extraction systems, the risk posed by concrete dust is eliminated.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Dust collection can boost safety for concrete drilling
    November 8, 2017
    Enhancing safety by the use of dust collection systems for dowel pin drills - *Rob Minnich. The problem posed by silica dust is a major topic for discussion throughout the US construction industry at present. Enforcement of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) final respirable crystalline silica standard began on September 23rd, 2017, bringing the topic into the mainstream. Although it was developed to protect the health of American workers, the new rule has a much wider significance
  • Manufacturers have developed key innovations in recycling machines
    March 4, 2015
    Manufacturers are making advances in stabiliser/reclaimers and milling machines - Mike Woof reports. The market for milling equipment is a competitive one, with a range of companies from around the globe now offering machines for this segment: BOMAG, Caterpillar, Dynapac, Roadtec, Volvo CE and Wirtgen. In recent years a number of Chinese firms have entered this segment and determining the number of machines these companies manufacture is difficult, although most of their units are sold in China. But interna
  • Sophisticated new loaders
    March 10, 2021
    Sophisticated new wheeled loaders are now coming to market from key suppliers
  • Effective, efficient long reach excavators
    April 13, 2012
    Long reach excavators now dominate the demolition sector - Mike Woof reports The last 10-15 years have seen the way demolition work is carried out change dramatically. Safety issues have long been of concern in the demolition sector, with the industry having been criticised for not doing enough to protect its workforce. Demolition projects can be dangerous due to the very nature of the job, with old structures being knocked down and broken up on-site. There is a substantial risk to site workers from