The wheels are fitted such that they are free to rotate but not castor. The carrier plate is connected to a single phase electric motor which runs at approximately 190rpm. mounted in a steel frame. The depth of wear in the concrete floor brought about by the abrasion of the wide hardened steel wheels, is used as a guide to the abrasion resistance of the concrete. An electronic control box switches off the power to the electric motor after a pre-set number of revolutions. During testing, the machine is covered by an acoustic baffle which reduces the noise level.
Safety cut-outs switch off the electrical power if the baffle is lifted off the floor.