Vibrator Heads

A vibrator poker head is the working end of an immersion vibrator, holding an eccentric weight that — driven through a flexible shaft from a 230 V motor — spins at a few thousand rpm and sets the housing into vibration. Immersed in fresh concrete, it drives out trapped air bubbles and works the mix in around the reinforcement to an effective depth of usually 30–50 cm, eliminating honeycombing (voids left by inadequate compaction). Diameter, most often 25–65 mm, determines its reach and compaction force.

Choosing a poker head depends on element thickness and reinforcement density. For thin, densely reinforced elements (columns, beams, precast parts), a smaller poker head, typically 25–38 mm, or a slim lance-type poker works best. For foundations, slabs and walls with standard reinforcement, a medium poker head around 45–58 mm is the usual choice, while massive elements call for a large poker head from 65 mm upward, compacting more volume in less time.

A cylindrical poker head keeps a constant, round diameter (most often 25–65 mm) along its length and suits standard reinforcement spacing. A lance-type poker head — such as the M5FP model in our range, with a working length of 0.8 m — is slimmer and fits into narrow gaps between reinforcing bars where a cylindrical poker won't go. The trade-off is a shorter radius of action, so larger elements need a tighter spacing between immersion points.

A poker head is not a universal spare part — fit depends on the connector joining it to the flexible shaft, the shaft's length (typically 3–6 m), and the motor's speed, which for 230 V units is most often 12,000–18,000 rpm. Within one manufacturer, such as Wacker Neuson or Enar, poker heads and shafts are compatible, but connectors often differ between brands and need an adapter or a new shaft. When buying a poker head alone, state the motor's brand so the connector matches.

How long a poker head lasts depends on workload and contact with reinforcement, but under regular jobsite use it typically holds up for around 300–500 hours. Signs of wear include noticeably weaker vibration (intensity can drop by several dozen percent) despite a healthy motor, louder running or knocking inside the housing — bearing or eccentric-weight play — and cracks, dents or corrosion on the housing, signalling overheating or grease-leak risk and calling for replacement before the whole unit fails.

At NORWIT.PL we carry vibrator poker heads primarily from Wacker Neuson, Enar and Beton Trowel, rounded out by additional manufacturers. The range spans classic cylindrical poker heads in several diameters (most often 25–65 mm) and lance-type poker heads, such as the M5FP model at 0.8 m. Buy one as part of a set with a motor and shaft, or separately as a replacement part.

A poker head can be bought on its own, without a motor and shaft — the standard option when your vibrator still has a healthy 230 V motor and only the working head, in direct contact with concrete and reinforcement, has worn out. When ordering, state the motor's brand (for example Wacker Neuson or Enar) and shaft length, usually 3–6 m, so the connector matches. Buying just the head is usually several times cheaper than a whole new set.

Fitting a new poker head starts with unscrewing the connector joining it to the worn flexible shaft, usually with two flat wrenches so the shaft doesn't twist. Before tightening, check the seal and grease level inside the housing (on some models regreasing is recommended roughly every 100–150 hours), and tighten the connector without forcing it, so the thread isn't damaged. Finally, run the vibrator briefly without immersing it in concrete to check the vibration is even.