How to Choose the Right Chopper
When it comes to achieving a flawless concrete finish, nothing beats a well-matched power trowel — or as many in the industry call it, a chopper. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one for your job?
Whether you're working large commercial slabs or tight residential pours, picking the right chopper can mean the difference between a smooth, professional finish and hours of frustration. At Forcon, we stock a carefully curated range of power trowels that meet the demands of real tradies on real sites. In this guide, we'll walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing your next chopper, with links to the best options in our collection.
👉 Explore our range of power trowels
1. Job Size: Walk-Behind vs. Ride-On
The first thing to consider is the scale of the job. Are you working on large commercial pours or smaller residential slabs?
Walk-behind choppers, like the Hoppt 40" Walk Behind Trowel Machine, are ideal for tighter spaces, small to medium-sized slabs, and finishing up to edges or around columns. They're highly maneuverable and suitable for solo use or small teams.
If you're tackling larger surfaces and want to boost productivity, ride-on trowels (also called twin rotors) are the way to go. While Forcon currently specializes in high-quality walk-behind units, they're robust enough to get the job done across most applications — especially if you're using multiple machines across the slab.
2. Power Source: Petrol is Still King
Almost all commercial-grade choppers run on petrol, and for good reason — they're powerful, reliable, and perform well in all weather conditions. All the models in our collection feature Honda GX series engines, renowned across the industry for their durability and easy servicing.
Take the Hoppt 34" Honda GX200 Power Trowel, for example. It's compact, powerful, and perfect for tight access areas while still delivering the performance you'd expect from a full-size machine. With its genuine Honda GX200 engine, you know it's going to start first pull, every time.
3. Blade Size and Trowel Diameter
Choosing the right trowel diameter impacts your coverage speed and finish quality.
34" models, like the Hoppt 34" GX160 or GX200, are more compact, making them perfect for tight pours, internal areas, and jobs where maneuverability is key.
40" models, like the Hoppt 40" GX200, give you more coverage per pass and are better suited to open slab work. These are ideal if you're looking to save time on medium to large pours without stepping up to a ride-on.
The key is to match your machine to the site. For example, if you often work on house slabs or internal pours with a lot of tight turns or obstructions, the 34" model is your best mate. But if speed and scale are your priorities, step up to the 40".
4. Weight and Finish Stage
Different stages of finishing require different machine weights. Heavier machines apply more pressure and are suited to late-stage finishing when the concrete has set further. Lighter machines are great for early floating.
Our range of Hoppt machines gives you options depending on your workflow. For instance, the Hoppt 34" GX160 is a touch lighter, making it ideal for earlier passes or working in hot climates where the concrete sets quickly.
5. Reliability and Parts Support
Let's be real — nothing's worse than a breakdown mid-job. That's why all the choppers in our collection feature genuine Honda engines and are built with contractor-grade materials designed to last.
More importantly, Forcon backs up every sale with access to spare parts, servicing, and real support. These aren't your hardware-store specials — they're built for serious concreters who need gear that works day in, day out.
6. Don't Forget the Accessories
Pairing your trowel with the right accessories can take your finish to the next level. Check blade types (float vs. finish), blade quality, and compatibility with your specific model. Some tradies even keep two choppers on-site — one for floating and one for finishing — to save time switching blades and reduce wear.
If you're not sure which blades you need, our team is always happy to help you match the right kit to your machine and job.
Final Thoughts: Choose the Right Tool for the Right Job
A power trowel is an investment — not just in equipment, but in the quality and efficiency of your work. At Forcon, we only stock gear we'd use ourselves on-site. Whether you're buying your first chopper or upgrading your current setup, our range of Hoppt walk-behind power trowels offers something for every concreter.
👉 View the full range of choppers here
Still not sure which model is right for your work? Give us a call or reach out via the contact form. We're tradies ourselves and can talk you through the options based on your jobs, budget, and workflow.