Low-maintenance, walk-behind wet/dry concrete grinder/polisher

Abstract

A walk-behind, wet/dry grinder/polisher adapted for concrete floors does not use of pulleys, belts or chains. Maintenance is significantly enhanced, as such components are typically the first to wear out and cause replacement issues. A frame with forward and rear portions pivots about a single set of right and left wheels. A planetary grinding head, powered by a propane engine, is coupled to the forward portion of the frame. In contrast to all known designs, the engine is directly, mechanically coupled to the grinding head without the use of pulleys, belts or chains. The direct, mechanical coupling to the grinding head preferably uses a centrifugal clutch. A water tank and water feed line from the water tank to the grinding head facilitate wet floor grinding and polishing. The grinding head is also encased in a shroud coupled to a tube for dust collection associated with dry floor grinding and polishing.

1 . A walk-behind, wet/dry grinder/polisher adapted for concrete floors, comprising:
 a frame having forward and rear portions that pivots about a single set of right and left wheels;   the rear portion of the frame including a handle bar assembly;   an engine mounted on the frame;   a planetary grinding head coupled to the forward portion of the frame and powered by the engine; and   wherein the engine is directly, mechanically coupled to the grinding head without the use of pulleys, belts or chains.   
     
     
         2 . The grinder/polisher of  claim 1 , wherein the engine is a propane engine. 
     
     
         3 . The grinder/polisher of  claim 1 , wherein the engine is directly coupled to the grinding head through a centrifugal clutch. 
     
     
         4 . The grinder/polisher of  claim 1 , further including a water tank and water feed line from the water tank to the grinding head facilitating wet floor grinding and polishing. 
     
     
         5 . The grinder/polisher of  claim 1 , wherein the grinding head is encased in a shroud coupled to a tube for dust collection associated with dry floor grinding and polishing.