What Are Plate Compactors and How Do They Work?

 

Compactors are machines designed to reduce the size of a material, usually soil, by increasing its density. They do this by removing air pockets to bring the material’s particles closer together. In other words, they compact it.

These machines are used in construction to prepare the ground for heavy structures because the more compact the soil, the more stable it becomes. Without the use of a ground compactor, soil is prone to shift, resulting in an uneven surface and likely structural issues.

Different Types of Compactor

Compaction machinery is categorised by both its weight and compaction technique.

Heavy compactors, such as steam rollers, are used on large infrastructure projects, for example as road compactors. Light compactors, on the other hand, are designed for more confined spaces, and where less compacting force is required.

In terms of technique, a compactor works by either applying weight, impact or vibration. And as light compactors are smaller machines, they will invariably rely on the latter two methods.

Plate Compactors

Often referred to as ‘wacker plates’ or ‘vibratory plate compactors’, plate compactors are a type of light compactor that use a vibrating metal base plate to press soil particles together, to remove the surrounding air pockets and so increase its density. They are most commonly used on granular soils, such as sand and gravel, to create a solid, level surface.

As they rely on vibrations, these wacker plates are extremely efficient at compacting large areas around the surface of the soil. This in in contrast to impact compactors, which are designed to compact greater depths of soil, but in smaller places.

So, if you’re working on the foundations for a shed base, patio or driveway, a wacker plate is the best type of soil compactor to use.

How to Use a Wacker Plate

Hand held wacker plates are quite heavy machines. So, if you need to lift one, you might require some assistance and must always practise safe manual handling techniques.

Also, when operating the plate compactor, it’s advisable to wear the correct personal protective equipment. This should include ear defenders, safety glasses, a dust mask, gloves and boots.

And as the compactor gets extremely hot when it’s operating, if you need to refuel then wait until the engine has cooled down.

Choosing the Right Wacker Plate

Your choice of wacker plate compactor should be determined by your project area’s size, the type of soil to compact, its depth, and the force with which it needs compacting.

Because these factors vary according to the type of wacker plate hand held landscaping work you’re carrying out; we have two types of petrol wacker plate for sale. Both of these vibratory plates are made by Handy Garden Machinery, which is a well-respected, British, family-run firm.

Let’s take a look at their two plate compactors, right now…

Handy THLC29140 Petrol Compactor Plate (30 cm)

The ideal machine to prepare the ground for extensions, patios and minor landscaping jobs, this small wacker plate is robust, reliable and easy to manoeuvre. Weighing 55 kg, it has an operating width of 30 cm, working depth of up to 20 cm, and can handle 20-degree inclines. Its compaction force is 861 kg (8,200 N).

This hand compactor is powered by an 87 cc Loncin Euro V Petrol Engine. The engine’s Overhead Valve (OHV) configuration enhances combustion efficiency, as well as reducing vibrations, noise and harmful emissions. It also features a low oil alert system, which protects the engine by automatically shutting it down should the oil run dry.

Combining speed and precision, this land compactor operates at an impressive 25 metres per minute, with an ergonomically designed soft-grip handlebar making the vibratory plate extremely comfortable to use. And thanks to an efficient transistor-type ignition system and spacious 1.6 litre fuel tank, it can run for up to 90 minutes without refuelling.

Then, once your work is done, you can fold the handlebar down for efficient transportation and storage.

This small wacker plate for sale is backed by an excellent 2-year domestic (or 90-day commercial) warranty. You can purchase a paving pad and wheel kit to use with it as optional extras.

Handy THLC29142 Petrol Compactor Plate (35 cm)

Perfect for heavy-duty domestic or commercial jobs, this is the larger of our two compactors for sale. Weighing 65 kg, it has an operating width of 35 cm, working depth of 25 cm, and can also handle gradients of up to 20 degrees. Its compaction force is an extremely impressive 1,121 kg.

This vibratory plate compactor is fitted with a 163 cc Loncin G160G Petrol Engine, which also has an OHV configuration and low oil alert system. This 5.5 hp engine’s metal camshaft, cast-iron cylinder sleeve and steel forged connecting rods together ensure superb long-term reliability.

As with Handy’s smaller compactor, this large plate compactor operates at a speed of 25 metres per minute. And with its huge 3-litre fuel tank, it enjoys up to 3 hours of running time without refuelling.

A soft-grip, foldable handlebar is included as standard too, ensuring the compactor is comfortable to operate, plus simple to transport and store.

This whacking plate is supplied with a 2-year manufacturer’s domestic (or 90-day commercial) warranty. A paving pad and wheel kit are, once again, both available as optional extras.

Plate Compactors for Sale

You can compare the prices of our vibratory plate compactors and their associated accessories by visiting our Compactors Homepage here. And if you have any further questions about these wacker plates, including which might be best suited to your own line of work, please don’t hesitate to contact our Hereford and Worcester-based Garden Machinery Experts, who will be delighted to offer you their advice.