Boom Screeds
A boom laser-guided screed operates from outside the concrete pour, extending, or “booming,” the screed head over the slab. Some models reach up to 20 feet with screed heads as wide as 14 feet. During operation, the screed head begins the pass at full extension and gradually pulls the concrete back toward the machine, delivering smooth, consistent results.
Advantages:
- Holds grade more easily
- Machines stay cleaner throughout the pour
- Safer for laborers
- Fewer laborers are needed around the screed
- Handles tighter slumps and larger aggregate well
Disadvantages:
- Typically too heavy for upper-deck pours
- Raised pours with double-mat rebar may require additional engineering to support the machine weight
- Can be heavy to lift with a crane or lull
Drive-In Screeds
Drive-in laser-guided screeds work differently. These machines drive directly into the concrete, then reverse while pulling the screed head back through the material to level the surface. Both systems are proven, but they serve different needs in the field.
Advantages:
- Lightweight
- Compact size
- Works well on upper-deck pours and parking ramps
- Easy to fly into pours with a crane or lull
- Ideal for raised pours with double-mat rebar
Disadvantages:
- Tire tracks must be filled in by laborers
- Requires a smooth subgrade to drive on
- Screed head usually needs to be removed for transport
- Hard to maneuver around obstacles in the pour
- Struggles with tight slumps and larger aggregate
Boom vs Drive-In
Across the concrete industry, it’s widely accepted that boom laser-guided screeds typically produce higher FF/FL numbers than drive-in screeds. As a result, boom screeds generally come with a higher price point. Drive-in screeds, on the other hand, are lighter, more compact, and feature smaller screed heads, making them an excellent choice for upper-deck applications or projects where weight and machine size are critical factors.
Both boom and drive-in laser-guided screeds are designed to travel over rebar on the concrete sub-grade. Charlie Hougan, Concrete Superintendent at Parisi Construction, had this to say about drive-in vs boom screeds: “both screeds have their advantages and disadvantages, but when used in the right aspect, they can be very effective and a labor-saving tool.” Traditionally, boom screeds have been favored by larger commercial contractors handling expansive pours, while drive-in screeds have been more accessible to smaller contractors and residential applications. That said, boom screeds are used successfully by contractors of all sizes.
Hybrid Models
For decades, laser-guided screeds fell into one of two categories: boom or drive-in. That changed in January 2025 when Ligchine introduced the LS120™. Debuting at World of Concrete 2025, the LS120 became the world’s first boom and drive-in laser-guided screed, combining the advantages of both technologies into a single machine.
Ligchine continued to redefine the category in 2026 with the launch of the ST60™ at World of Concrete. The ST60 is the world’s first and only laser-guided boom-and-drive-in screed attachment, engineered for skid steers and machines equipped with quick-attach plates.
Today, Ligchine stands alone as the only manufacturer offering this innovative hybrid approach, delivering unmatched versatility, performance, and value to concrete contractors everywhere.
For more information on laser-guided screeds, contact Ligchine at 812-903-4500.
About Ligchine: Ligchine is a global leader in innovative and labor-saving machinery. Since its founding in 2008, the company has rapidly expanded its market position, offering a comprehensive line of automated concrete screeding and placing machines that serve flatwork companies, ranging from small, owner-operated businesses to large global concrete contractors. The company’s headquarters, engineering, and manufacturing are located in the United States. In addition to a direct sales force in the United States, the company maintains an extensive network of international dealers and partners to serve customers worldwide.
Media Contact:
Heather Hughes
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