Concrete Vibrators

Concrete vibrator — what it is and what it is used for

A concrete vibrator is a machine that compacts fresh concrete by removing the air bubbles trapped during placing. Fresh concrete holds 5-20% air, and every 1% of voids lowers compressive strength by about 5-6%. Vibrating with a poker (also called a concrete poker or vibrating head) increases the strength, density and bond of concrete to reinforcement, eliminating honeycombing and voids. It is the essential tool for pouring foundations, slabs, walls, columns and industrial floors.

Types of concrete vibrators

Internal poker (immersion) vibrator

The most common type — a poker head immersed directly in the mix compacts it from the inside. Poker diameter 25-65 mm, vibration frequency about 12,000 vpm. The action radius is roughly 8-10× the poker diameter and the compaction layer reaches 50 cm deep. The first choice for foundations, footings, slabs and walls.

High-frequency 42V / 200 Hz vibrator

A poker with the motor built into the head, powered through a 42V/200 Hz converter. The raised frequency of 200 Hz delivers faster, more intense compaction than standard drives, while the 42V SELV voltage is safe on a wet site. A professional standard on large projects.

Mechanical 230V vibrator

A 230V electric motor drives the poker through a flexible shaft. A simpler, cheaper design powered from a standard socket — ideal for house building and smaller concreting jobs.

Petrol (combustion) vibrator

A petrol engine (usually Honda GX) drives a flexible shaft and poker — fully independent of mains power. Available as backpack and frame versions. Indispensable on sites without electricity: roads, bridges, remote works.

Pneumatic vibrator

Driven by compressed air from a compressor. Resistant to harsh conditions, continuous operation and dust, used in precast production and industry, including explosion-risk zones.

Surface vibrator

Compacts concrete from the top in thin layers — vibrating screeds and beams for floors, slabs and screeds up to about 15-20 cm thick. Complements the poker when finishing surfaces.

External (form) vibrator

Mounted on formwork or a mould, it transmits vibration to the concrete from the outside. Used in precast production, for columns and thin, densely reinforced elements where a poker cannot reach.

Comparison table — types of concrete vibrators

How to choose a concrete vibrator

Choosing a concrete vibrator comes down to four parameters: the type of structure (poker for thick elements, surface for thin, external for precast), the poker diameter matched to element thickness and reinforcement, the power supply available on site (230V, petrol for off-grid, 42V/200 Hz for large projects) and the required output (m³/h) driven by the scale of the pour.

Frequently asked questions — concrete vibrators

Why buy a concrete vibrator at NORWIT.PL

Over 380 models — pokers, internal vibrators, high-frequency 42V/200 Hz, mechanical 230V, petrol, pneumatic and external vibrators in one place.

Leading brands — ENAR, Wacker Neuson, Altrad Belle, Husqvarna, Beton Trowel and Toolsa (NORWIT.PL exclusive line — premium parameters at a lower price).

Complete sets and spare parts — motors, flexible drive shafts, replaceable pokers and 42V/200 Hz converters, matched to each other.

Chorzów warehouse + 24h shipping — most models in stock, orders before noon ship the same day.

Technical advice — we match the vibrator type and poker diameter to your structure and site conditions.

VAT invoice, leasing and instalments for businesses — full B2B package.

Order online or contact us via the form — we will help you choose the right concrete vibrator and poker for your concreting work.