Whacker Plate Hire

To start a plate compactor the key is starting the engine. Many plate compactors are self-drive, especially forward plate compactors. To start a plate compactor engine, add the recommended amount oil (10W-30) and fuel, preferably above 87 octanes. Make sure the fuel valve is open and the choke is closed. Then give the recoil starter several pulls until the engine starts. Once started move the choke to the open position and begin compacting.

Before compacting make sure you have an idea of what you will be compacting. Also clear the area of any hazards or dangerous material that might cause injury to yourself or the machine. Additionally, make sure you have the correct moisture and soil you intend to compact. Typically, when compacting you only want to make a few passes so thinking this through will help you a lot.

This can vary depending on what you are looking to compact. If you need heavy compaction, we recommend the 400mm compactor plate or the forward/reverse compactor plate. If it is a small job, we recommend the 320mm compactor plate.

It generally takes two to four passes to achieve proper compaction, but the compactor manufacturer or design engineer can provide some advice depending on the situation. A plate compactor can be used to compact asphalt and sub-base on driveways and parking lots, as well as to repair them.

Anti-vibration: Using a plate compactor all day is tiring, and the vibrations that make it so effective can also make it very uncomfortable. Frequent breaks are recommended, but you’ll also find some models have anti-vibration handles to help damp out much of the effect.

Typically plate compactors can be used for aggregate soils. So, this means, gravel, pea gravel, sand, and stones. In other cases, you can use plate compactors for cohesive soils.