Chicago Pneumatic has introduced a new concept in vibration equipment to its range of concrete tools. The quiet, safe and efficient Vektor 12K electronic vibrators provide high centrifugal force (1035 lbf or 4600 N), making them suitable for use across a wide variety of high-to-low slump concrete applications.

For ease of operation, all Vektor models feature a high-frequency motor-in-head vibrator and a built-in frequency converter (60-to-220 Hz or 50-to-220 Hz), which allows them to be plugged directly into a standard 115 V or 230 V wall socket.

In terms of performance, the Vektor series’ expansive radius of action –12 times the unit’s diameter – combined with a vibration frequency of 12,000 VPM, results in it requiring fewer insertions. This in turn contributes to greater productivity on-site and faster job completion.

A key element of the Vektor series is the vibrator head design. A silent electric induction motor, built-in the vibrator head, drives a one-piece copper helical rotor and bolted eccentrics. For added protection, all of these vital components are housed within a hardened steel tube. Crucially, the design of the vibrator head also provides for less resistance when the machine is starting up and operating at full capacity. As a result, power consumption is reduced, making it possible to run the vibrator using a smaller generator.

Meanwhile, the use of high-quality, low-maintenance, oil-lubricated roller bearings ensures the lifetime of the vibrator head is extended compared to conventional greased-for life bearings.

To enhance efficiency, all Vektor 12k models are equipped with a rebar blockage prevention feature that monitors the vibrator’s current draw and adjusts the vibration head’s amplitude to avoid jamming inside the reinforcement bars.

Both the operator and machine are protected through a number of internal safety features located within the converter box. For instance, if there is an on-site power outage the vibrator will immediately stop working. Following this, if the vibrator is left unattended, while the outage is investigated, it won’t re-start until the operator returns and manually activates it via the one-push start button.

This provides an added safety function when working on scaffolding, where an automatically re-started vibrator could potentially fall down and cause injuries.

The new electronic concrete vibrators are available in two versions: a standard model equipped with a 5 m. / 16 ft. hose for vibrating concrete walls, bridges and beams, and a de-vibrated E-version specifically designed for flooring applications. The latter model provides Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV) levels as low as 0.6 m/s², which allows for longer periods of operation; further boosting productivity.