What soils suit a plate compactor?

Granular soils — sand, gravel and crushed stone. In clay and other cohesive soils an impact rammer gives the better result.

How many passes are needed?

Typically 3-6 per layer, depending on soil and machine. Passes should overlap, and where density is specified it is confirmed by site testing.

When should I choose the water-tank model?

When compacting asphalt. The water stops the plate sticking to the hot surface and marking it.

What does a reversible compactor gain me?

It travels back without turning, shortening work in trenches, against walls and in tight spaces, and allows compaction in place.

How do I choose plate size?

By the area and the manoeuvring you need. 50x37 cm suits tight spaces and refurbishment; 62x45 cm and above suits large fill areas.

How is a compactor maintained?

Engine oil and air filter follow the manufacturer's intervals, and exciter oil is checked regularly. Clean under the plate after every use — dried material there causes imbalance.

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Compactors

A plate compactor consolidates ground under a vibrating plate to raise its bearing capacity; a rammer does the same job by impact in a tight footprint. Soil type decides which: plates for granular soils, rammers for cohesive ones. The range here runs from 50x37 cm to 63x40 cm plates and includes water-tank and reversible models.

Plate size and pass planning

Plate size decides the area covered per pass; centrifugal force decides how deep the compaction reaches. A small plate manoeuvres in tight spaces, a large one covers the same ground in fewer passes.

Compaction is done in layers: 20-30 cm in granular fill, 15-25 cm in clay, with 3-6 passes per layer. Plan the passes to overlap.

Plate size	Suits	Note
50x37 cm	Paving sub-base, tight spaces, refurbishment	Easy to manoeuvre
54x45 cm	General fill and patching	Balanced choice
62x45 cm and above	Large areas, road and yard fill	Fewer passes

Water tank and reversible models

Water-tank models stop the plate sticking to hot asphalt, which protects surface quality on patching and new-laid work. Reversible models travel back without turning, saving time in trenches and against walls.

When you need a rammer

In cohesive clay and in narrow trenches a plate compactor falls short. A rammer works by impact and reaches markedly deeper in the same soil; pipeline backfill and work around foundations are its typical ground.

Frequently Asked Questions

What soils suit a plate compactor?
Granular soils — sand, gravel and crushed stone. In clay and other cohesive soils an impact rammer gives the better result.
How many passes are needed?
Typically 3-6 per layer, depending on soil and machine. Passes should overlap, and where density is specified it is confirmed by site testing.
When should I choose the water-tank model?
When compacting asphalt. The water stops the plate sticking to the hot surface and marking it.
What does a reversible compactor gain me?
It travels back without turning, shortening work in trenches, against walls and in tight spaces, and allows compaction in place.
How do I choose plate size?
By the area and the manoeuvring you need. 50x37 cm suits tight spaces and refurbishment; 62x45 cm and above suits large fill areas.
How is a compactor maintained?
Engine oil and air filter follow the manufacturer's intervals, and exciter oil is checked regularly. Clean under the plate after every use — dried material there causes imbalance.