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The Origins and Growth of EDCO
EDCO, short for Equipment Development Company, was founded in 1959 in Frederick, Maryland, by Leo Swan and Ed Harding. The company began with a simple but powerful idea: to create rugged, jobsite-ready machines that could simplify surface preparation tasks. Over the decades, EDCO became a household name among contractors, rental yards, and restoration crews for its line of concrete grinders, scarifiers, and masonry saws.
EDCO’s early success was built on its dual-disc concrete grinder, which allowed operators to level and smooth concrete surfaces with greater precision and speed than hand tools. As demand grew, the company expanded its product line to include walk-behind saws, tile strippers, and shot blasters. Today, EDCO equipment is used across North America and exported globally, with thousands of units in active service.
Terminology Notes
EDCO’s product catalog includes several key machines:
Maintenance and Operational Tips
To keep EDCO machines performing reliably:
Challenges and Solutions in Surface Prep
Surface preparation is often underestimated in construction timelines. Poor prep leads to coating failure, uneven finishes, and costly rework. EDCO machines help mitigate these risks, but success depends on proper technique and machine selection.
Modern Innovations and Industry Trends
EDCO has embraced modern manufacturing techniques, including laser-cut frames, modular designs, and improved dust control systems. Many newer models feature vacuum-ready ports, ergonomic handles, and digital RPM displays.
The company also offers training resources and operator guides to help users maximize productivity. With increasing regulations around silica dust and jobsite safety, EDCO’s focus on containment and filtration has positioned it well for future growth.
Conclusion
EDCO machines have shaped the way contractors approach surface preparation. From grinding concrete to stripping tile, their equipment combines durability, precision, and ease of use. As jobsite demands evolve, EDCO continues to innovate—proving that even in the dustiest corners of construction, smart engineering makes all the difference.
EDCO, short for Equipment Development Company, was founded in 1959 in Frederick, Maryland, by Leo Swan and Ed Harding. The company began with a simple but powerful idea: to create rugged, jobsite-ready machines that could simplify surface preparation tasks. Over the decades, EDCO became a household name among contractors, rental yards, and restoration crews for its line of concrete grinders, scarifiers, and masonry saws.
EDCO’s early success was built on its dual-disc concrete grinder, which allowed operators to level and smooth concrete surfaces with greater precision and speed than hand tools. As demand grew, the company expanded its product line to include walk-behind saws, tile strippers, and shot blasters. Today, EDCO equipment is used across North America and exported globally, with thousands of units in active service.
Terminology Notes
- Scarifier: A surface preparation machine that uses rotating cutters to remove concrete or asphalt layers
- Grinder: A tool that uses abrasive discs to smooth or polish concrete surfaces
- Shot Blaster: A machine that propels steel shot at high velocity to clean or texture surfaces
- Dust Port: An outlet on the machine designed to connect to a vacuum system for dust control
- RPM: Revolutions per minute, indicating the speed of rotating components
EDCO’s product catalog includes several key machines:
- Dual-Disc Concrete Grinder
Used for smoothing rough concrete, removing coatings, and preparing surfaces for overlays. Available in electric and gas-powered versions.
- Crete-Planer Scarifier
Ideal for removing trip hazards, traffic lines, and surface contaminants. Features adjustable cutting depth and interchangeable cutter assemblies.
- Tile Shark Floor Stripper
Designed to remove vinyl, carpet, and tile with minimal operator fatigue. Compact and maneuverable for tight spaces.
- Walk-Behind Masonry Saw
Used for cutting block, brick, and pavers. Water-cooled blade system reduces dust and extends blade life.
- Shot Blaster
Provides a textured profile for epoxy coatings or waterproofing membranes. Often used in industrial flooring and bridge deck prep.
Maintenance and Operational Tips
To keep EDCO machines performing reliably:
- Inspect belts and pulleys weekly for wear
- Replace carbide cutters on scarifiers every 40–60 hours depending on material hardness
- Clean dust ports and vacuum filters daily
- Lubricate bearings and moving parts per manufacturer schedule
- Use proper RPM settings for each surface type to avoid gouging or glazing
Challenges and Solutions in Surface Prep
Surface preparation is often underestimated in construction timelines. Poor prep leads to coating failure, uneven finishes, and costly rework. EDCO machines help mitigate these risks, but success depends on proper technique and machine selection.
- For soft concrete, use lower RPM and finer grit discs
- For epoxy removal, pair grinders with PCD (polycrystalline diamond) tooling
- For trip hazard removal, use scarifiers with depth control to avoid overcutting
- For tile removal, pre-score the surface to reduce resistance and blade wear
Modern Innovations and Industry Trends
EDCO has embraced modern manufacturing techniques, including laser-cut frames, modular designs, and improved dust control systems. Many newer models feature vacuum-ready ports, ergonomic handles, and digital RPM displays.
The company also offers training resources and operator guides to help users maximize productivity. With increasing regulations around silica dust and jobsite safety, EDCO’s focus on containment and filtration has positioned it well for future growth.
Conclusion
EDCO machines have shaped the way contractors approach surface preparation. From grinding concrete to stripping tile, their equipment combines durability, precision, and ease of use. As jobsite demands evolve, EDCO continues to innovate—proving that even in the dustiest corners of construction, smart engineering makes all the difference.
