Atlas Copco Construction Technique introduced a range of eight smart electric pokers that are light, maneuverable, reliable and easy to use at Bauma 2013 in Munich. “Simply plug the electric poker into the wall socket and commence poking,” says Neville Stewart, Business Line Manager Construction Tools Division at Atlas Copco Construction Technique South Africa. Construction, roads and infrastructure are some of the primary markets that necessitate the use of a poker to remove air in concrete to increase strength. “Structures such as dams and bridges that are exposed to high loads require high strength concrete and the use of high frequency pokers contribute to the desired finish,” explains Stewart.

“Electric pokers are usually used in more specialised applications so the market is considerably smaller for these units than for the traditional mechanical poker,” continues Stewart. “But with the many infrastructure and government projects on the go, we have seen a steady growth in demand for electric pokers in the South African market so we see great local market potential for our new electric poker range.” Product reliability is becoming increasingly important for projects in remote areas because once the concrete has been poured, the project cannot afford for the poker to fail and suppliers are not generally available locally to solve the problem. Stewart says that to combat this problem and to ensure continuity, contractors are forced to carry three to four times more pokers as spares.

“Besides the extra costs involved in purchasing the spare units, it also causes expensive logistic problems as the pokers have to be transported and stored; more pokers take up more space on the truck and in the stores, adding further costs. This is where our electric poker comes into its own. It does not require some of the heavier parts making it lighter and it delivers a better and stronger finish.” Stewart adds that as there are fewer restrictions in the design, it is also possible to offer a wider variety of models for different applications. “Getting the job done faster with fewer dips to effectively remove air voids from the concrete, is what we are aiming for,” explains Philippe Livernette, Product Line Manager Concrete Equipment. “The high power, stable speed and high centrifugal force of our electric pokers provide a wide radius of action and rapid acceleration".

Electric pokers are light and maneuverable and easy to use so work can start without delay. Thanks to the built-in frequency converter all that is required to start working is a regular wall socket with the appropriate voltage. The electric motor-in-head design provides the poker head with high performance, power and stable speed. Rapid acceleration helps to minimise air voids within the concrete and transport them to the surface. Another advantage of the motor-in-head design is that it helps to keep vibrations where they belong – in the concrete rather than in the operator´s hands and arms. The “E” pistol grip handle reduces hand/arm vibration even further (down to 0.56m/s²). The Smart series features built-in protection against shock, overload and overheating. All electronics are built-in into the new, 30% lighter streamlined aluminium box with one on/off button. 10 meters of cable and 5 meters of hose give exceptional reach around the worksite. Special hose lengths are available on request. Overall costs are kept to a minimum thanks to quality components and the service-friendly design.

Stewart points out the importance of quality tools and using the right tool for the job which he says can make all the difference to a project. ”High quality pokers vibrate concrete over a wider diameter which means less pokers are required for the job, they do the job quicker and give a stronger and smoother finish. Quality pokers also mean less maintenance costs and have a longer lifespan, too many companies are paying far more for their maintenance then they should. Atlas Copco is a solutions driven company and we understand what the cost of ownership means to a contractor. We have the expertise to assist our customers in choosing the right tool for optimum efficiency.” The new range of electric pokers round off the mechanical and pneumatic pokers in Atlas Copco’s concrete vibration product portfolio and will be showcased at Africa’s first bauma 2013 which will take place in Johannesburg in September this year.