# Plate Compactor Tips and Tricks - **Type:** Tradie Guide - **Tags:** Rammers & Vibrating Plates ## Plate Compactor Tips & Tricks A [plate compactor](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/compaction.md) is a tool that undeniably makes the job of compacting ground material much faster and easier. Compacting is hard work, but an essential step to ensure you get a great result for pathways, paving, driveways, drainage, landscaping projects and more. If you’re under the gun on a project or just wanting to do the best job possible for a client, knowing which compactor to use and how to use it will save you time, money and many a headache. Whether you’re responsible for landscaping, road construction or trenching, this blog will cover how plate compactors work, how to choose the right plate compactor to hire for your project and our top tips and tricks for getting the best result. ### What you can use a plate compactor for A plate compactor or rammer can be used on many different types of ground material, all of which can generally be fit into two ground type categories: - **Granular** Granular ground is usually made up of gravel and sand, and has a coarse texture. Moisture drains easily from granular ground, and is compacted best with vibration from [plate compactors](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/compaction/plate-compactors-rammers/291a-plate-compactor-45kg-to-50kg.md?addToCart). ![richard-plate-compactor](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/media/c5fh5ntf/rich-plate-compactor.jpg?width=1768&height=2357&mode=max) - **Cohesive** Cohesive ground is usually made from silt and clay, and has a more smooth texture. It tends to be sticky when wet, but very hard when it’s dry. Cohesive ground is compacted best with the force from [ramming](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/compaction/plate-compactors-rammers/295b-tamping-rammer-60kg-to-65kg.md?addToCart). ![rammer-cohesive soil](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/media/f5upv52r/tamping-rammer.jpg?width=2091&height=1397&mode=max)[source](https://canberradiamondblade.com.au/tamping-rammer-vs-plate-compactor-which-is-better/) [Plate compactors and tamping rammers](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/search-results.md?q=compactor) are commonly used with the following types of ground material: - **Soil and sand** Plate compactors are best suited for compacting granular materials. Granular soils can be included in this, however cohesive soils such as silt and clay are best compacted by a vibrating rammer. This would includebe for tasks such as landscaping and garden jobs , like for example preparing soil for [laying a lawn](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/tips-for-creating-and-maintaining-your-lawn.md) or lawn maintenance, orand creating an even base prior to laying outdoor pavers. - **Bitumen & road base** These would be compacted to create an even and firm ground for roading, or for compacting ground back down after trenching work. - **Gravel and stone fill** Gravel for driveways or entertaining areas would be compacted to minimise movement and ensure areas stay tidy and safe. [Smaller plate compactor models](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/compaction/plate-compactors-rammers/291a-plate-compactor-45kg-to-50kg.md) could also be used for paths. ![pavers](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/media/1xhee05c/pavers.jpg?width=2288&height=1482&mode=max) ### Why use a plate compactor Whether it’s a small job or a large commercial one, there are many reasons why using a plate compactor is the superior option. - **Get the job done faster** Nobody wants to see you hand tampering the entire area. It’s recommended to only use hand tampering in hard to reach spots. Although smaller plate compactor models such as the 45kg to 50kg ones, are often suitable to get to those hard to reach spots . - **Create a more sturdy base** For landscaping jobs you will want a solid base for seeds, lawn and plants to grow, otherwise they will become loose especially with watering. Pavers require a stable base to ensure they don’t become uneven causing trip hazards and unprofessional finish. - **Ensure safety and stability** Driveways need to be compacted to ensure vehicles don’t slide or flick up loose stones. It’s also ideal for entertaining areas to be compacted so outdoor furniture has a level surface, and any structures remain stable. ### How does a plate compactor work A plate compactor works by removing air voids, adding force to the ground to make a solid foundation. A compactor has a plate that vibrates at high frequency which helps the equipment to move. You shouldn’t need to push it too hard as the compactor moves naturally, though you do need to guide it in the right direction. The compactor will move along the area, where you are working in sections to compact. [source](https://westerninterlock.com/how-to-prep-lay-a-base-for-pavers/) #### The different types of plate compactors There are a few different types of plate compactors, which are all suitable for different jobs and ground materials. Using the right type is key to ensure you get the fastest and best result. ##### Single plate compactor - **You need to steer it** Unlike reversible compactors, these need to be steered in a forwards motion as you can’t walk backwards. - **Good for smaller jobs** These are best to be used for smaller jobs like landscaping and paths where reversing isn’t of such importance. Before picking a compactor, you should weigh up whether a reversing model is going to be beneficial or not. - **Better for areas where you can pivot** Once you get to the end of your compacting path, you will need to ensure there is enough room to pivot around to the next area as you can not reverse. - **More lightweight than reversible models** Single plate compactors are easier to move onto site and although you don’t need to push them when working, you do still need to steer them which will be easier with a lightweight model. ##### Reversible plate compactor - **Good for larger jobs and work sites** A reversible compactor is great for long driveways and road work as being able to pull the machine backwards is easier than turning it around. to reverse saves time with adjusting positions. - **Great for lowering costs** A reversible compactor also saves you time by allowing you to pull the machine backwards and removes more laborious activity, by eliminating the constant need to adjust positions. Wide base plates and deeper ‘spot’ compaction on reversible plates, allow for higher productivity and therefore lowering the overall cost of labor. - **Good for heavy duty jobs** Materials that require more weight for compacting are benefited through reversible models as they are higher in weight. ##### Tamping rammer - **Good for smaller patching jobs** Tamping rammers are smaller in size, so are perfect for smaller patching jobs where downwards force is needed in a small area, as opposed to back and forth motions. - **Good for trenches** Trenches consisting of more cohesive soil, will benefit from ramming as the soil type will require the downwards force in order to effectively compact. - **They need to be steered** Unlike single and reversible plate compactors, rammers are more of a hand held compaction machine which you will need to hold upright. ### Selecting the right compactor model for your job To choose the right type of plate compactor, you will need to think about a few different factors: - **The type of ground material you are compacting** The first thing you need to do is establish whether you are working on cohesive or granular ground. Ensure you check the ground material you are working on in advance, or check the material you will be laying to ensure you hire the right gear. - **Force rating, width and weight** Each model of plate compactor will have a force rating, known as the centrifugal force. High ratings provide more force for compacting. If you are using material that requires a lot of force to compact, you should check the rating of the compactor ion machines you are looking at using, to ensure it will work effectively. Too much centrifugal force and you’ll destroy what work you have already done. Too little centrifugal force and you won’t get the job done. Granular ground needs a higher vibrating frequency while cohesive ground needs a lower frequency as it requires a force such as impact or pressure. The width of the plate plays a simple yet important part too. Wider plates cover more ground in one pass. The weight of the machine also plays a big part in the process. Plate compactors come in different weights from 45kg – 500kg. Generally, the harder the ground material it is to compact, the higher the weight of the compaction machine you need. ### How to use a plate compactor (reversible compactor) 1. Turn the ignition switch on 2. Move the throttle lever to half throttle 3. Ensure the Forward/Reverse lever is in the neutral position 4. Turn the ignition switch to pre-heat and hold for 20 seconds 5. Turn the ignition switch to start the machine 6. Move the throttle lever to the idle position 7. Allow the engine to warm up 8. Hold the compactor firmly with two hands and move the throttle lever to the desired speed 9. Move the compactor around the area by moving the forward reverse lever in the desired direction - at the end of the compaction line move the forward/reverse lever in the opposite direction or place in neutral to stop 10. When you are done, idle the engine, turn the ignition switch off, then turn the fuel tap off ### How to use a tamping rammer 1. Turn the ignition switch to the on position 2. Turn the fuel tap on 3. Engage the choke 4. Move the throttle lever to full throttle 5. Pull the starter cord with short sharp pulls until the engine fires or starts 6. Open the choke as soon as the engine starts 7. Restart the engine if required 8. Move the throttle lever to the idle position 9. Allow the engine to warm up 10. Move the throttle trigger to full throttle 11. Proceed to steer rammer around the area to be compacted 12. When you are done, idle the engine, turn the ignition off, turn the fuel tap off ### Using compaction equipment safely It’s really important when using any machinery to use good safety practices to ensure not only the safety of yourself, but anyone else on site. - Always wear the correct [PPE gear](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/safety.md) - this includes steel cap boots, [hearing protection](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/consumables/safety-ear-wear/empyts-python-slim-line-earmuffs.md), eye protection, dust mask and [gloves](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/consumables/safety-gloves/be417pb-pro-leather-cotton-knucklebar-gloves-l.md) with good grip - Two people should lift it when moving (if the machine is suitable for manual lifting) - Always check the fuel + oil are topped up - Check for loose nuts, bolts and screws - Ensure there are no foreign objects on ground - Always hold the compactor with both hands - Make sure you have a firm footing when operating - Ensure hands, feet and loose clothing are kept clear from the moving parts of the compactor - Ensure the work area is clear of any obstacles, steep gradients or uneven ground [Hire a trailer for easy transport](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/trailers/standard-low-side-trailers/611a-trailer-standard-single-axle-up-to-1-8m-x-1-2m.md) ### Common compactor questions answered #### Can you use a plate compactor on dirt? You can use a plate compactor on dirt, however you should ensure you have checked the type of dirt you are wanting to compact before starting as there are different types of dirt. A dirt that is more granular won’t be able to be molded in the same way as something like a cohesive clay dirt. You should ensure the dirt has the right moisture content, as too little can stop the particles from coming together for compaction, and too much can create voids reducing ground strength. Top tip: Wet the dirt, grab a handful and see how it holds together. Too crumbly means it’s too dry, if you can squeeze out the water it may be too wet. If it holds together, that should be right for compacting #### Should I wet gravel before compacting? You don’t necessarily need to wet gravel before compacting, however a light amount of water can help to keep dust levels down. Just be sure not to make the area too wet. #### How do you use a plate compactor on gravel? Once you have dispersed your gravel onto the area, it’s important to level the gravel as much as possible to ensure the finished product is even. To do this, rake out your gravel until an even layer is ready for compaction. You can wet the area slightly to keep dust down, then work in sections to compact. Depending on your purpose for laying gravel, you may need to prep the ground beforehand, for example when you are [working on a driveway](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/6-things-to-consider-before-digging-up-the-driveway.md) you may need to remove the topsoil down to the [subsoil layer](https://teara.govt.nz/en/soils) otherwise the driveway may become unstable. #### Is a plate compactor necessary on pavers? Compacting outdoor pavers helps to settle them at the end of the project, however if you have done the right preparation work, you don’t necessarily need to. You should only use a plate compactor not a rammer, and be careful not to use something too powerful as it can damage the pavers. [source](https://boarhogtools.com/products/esi-slab-paver-roller-compactor?variant=33153042219143) ### Check out the range of plate compactors at Hirepool Work smarter not harder and [hire a plate compactor from Hirepool](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/compaction/plate-compactors-rammers.md) for your your next project. Drop into your local Hirepool [branch](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/branches.md) for advice on choosing the right model or go check out our [range](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/compaction.md) and make an online booking. ## Useful products for this guide - [Plate Compactor 45kg to 50kg](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/compaction/plate-compactors-rammers/291a-plate-compactor-45kg-to-50kg.md) - [Plate Compactor 60kg to 80kg](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/compaction/plate-compactors-rammers/291b-plate-compactor-60kg-to-80kg.md) - [Plate Compactor 80kg to 100kg](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/compaction/plate-compactors-rammers/291d-plate-compactor-80kg-to-100kg.md) - [Plate Compactor Reversible 350kg](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/compaction/plate-compactors-rammers/293b-plate-compactor-reversible-350kg.md) - [Plate Compactor Reversible 410kg to 450kg](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/compaction/plate-compactors-rammers/293c-plate-compactor-reversible-410kg-to-450kg.md) - [Plate Compactor Reversible 480kg to 500kg](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/compaction/plate-compactors-rammers/293d-plate-compactor-reversible-480kg-to-500kg.md) - [Plate Compactor Reversible 100kg to 130kg](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/compaction/plate-compactors-rammers/292a-plate-compactor-reversible-100kg-to-130kg.md) - [Tamping Rammer 60kg to 65kg](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/compaction/plate-compactors-rammers/295b-tamping-rammer-60kg-to-65kg.md) - [Tamping Rammer 66kg to 75kg](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/compaction/plate-compactors-rammers/295c-tamping-rammer-66kg-to-75kg.md) Source: https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/trade/plate-compactor-tips-and-tricks