What Is a Ride-On Power Trowel? A ride-on power trowel has two counter-rotating rotors, typically with four or five blades on each rotor. The operator sits in a chair situated between these two rotors and uses two steering levers, one on each side of the chair, to move the machine. The operator has two steering control levers to move the machine. One on the right side of his chair and one on their left. The left lever moves in a forward and backward motion which allows the operator to move the unit forward and backward on the left side of the of various hand tools used to apply, spread, shape, or smooth loose or plastic material also : a scoop-shaped or flat-bladed garden tool for taking up and setting small plants. trowel. verb. or trowelled; or trowelling.