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The idea of a plate compactor may seem simple. However, there’s more to this gear than meets the eye. No two jobs are different. So, there are many variations and different sized compactors, each with unique benefits and considerations for use. Plate compactors, padfoot rollers, drum rollers, the list goes on. If you don’t hire the equipment that is best suited for your job, you may create a big time-consuming mess.
At Hirepool, we have a range of compaction equipment that helps tradies to work smarter. This advanced guide will unpack everything you need to know about plate compactors, compaction rollers and tamping rammers. After reading, you’ll know which option to hire and how to use it properly. Here’s what we’ll cover:
How to know you need a compactor
Safety equipment for using a compactor
The range of compactors at Hirepool
Why hire a compactor instead of buying one
Let’s get into it!
Starting with the basics, what is a compactor used for? A plate compactor compacts ground materials to make a solid base for whatever you’re planning to build on top. Whether you’re laying a new driveway, pathway or foundation for a building, soil compaction is vital. A plate compactor works to remove void space between soil or metal. Once done, you’ll be left with soil or metal with a higher unit weight that is more solid. As well as that, after using a compactor or padfoot roller, you’ll have a more even surface to work with. For a piece of hire equipment that serves a seemingly simple function, a compactor is a crucial machine for many industries.
For those working in trenches or trenching, you’ll know how vital a compaction roller or plate compactor in NZ is. Regarding trenching, a compactor is used to create a sturdy and level surface to work on. In this case, you’d probably use a specialist tamping rammer. This piece of gear is easier to operate in tight spaces. If you need to hire earthmoving equipment for trenching, read our guide that covers what excavator you need for your job.
Just like if you were to lay a new driveway at home, soil compaction and compacting base course are also essential beneath new roading. If the ground beneath a new road or pathway isn’t compact and level, it could cause the tarseal or concrete to crack or move. This would happen over time as the ground beneath moves under the weight of the road.
Many great landscaping and garden ideas can benefit from soil compaction. Yes, plants generally thrive in looser soil. However, if the soil is too loose, it can settle over time which causes damage to plant life. A plate compactor or drum roller can be used to tighten up soil. But, be careful, as if the soil is too compacted, it won’t allow enough moisture and oxygen to reach roots. A compactor can also be helpful to level the ground if you’re laying a new lawn or garden.
Especially if you’re about to lay a new foundation for a building, compaction is essential. If you skip this step, water can easily get underneath the foundation. As well as that, the soil beneath may settle under the load of the building. As you’d expect, over time, these issues can cause a big headache and cause damage to both the foundation and the building. It’s also worth noting that if you’re a civil engineer, you’ll need to follow guidelines and conduct a soil compaction test.
Despite padfoot rollers and plate compactors in NZ getting a lot of commercial use, many home DIYers also benefit by choosing to hire a small compactor. As we’ve already mentioned, using a compactor is essential if you’re planning to lay a new pathway, patio or driveway. There is some great inspiration available online if you are considering laying a new driveway. For practical advice, read our guide on how to lay pavers and paving stones for your path, patio or driveway.
If you’re a civil engineer, you’ll need to follow strict standards and conduct a compaction test. For other tradies, it’s best to take a better safe than sorry approach. Suppose you’re planning to lay a new foundation or driveway, you’ll most likely want the soil, base course or bitumen to be as compact as possible. If you want to avoid a plate compactor, padfoot roller or tamping rammer, you can usually carry out an eye test. If the soil or base course looks too loose, it probably is.
When considering compactor hire, there are many different options and sizes available at Hirepool. Each piece of equipment is different, whether a tamping rammer or a larger compactor. However, the idea is the same across the board. To remove the air from soil or metal, a compactor uses a large plate normally made from steel. This plate vibrates fast. The vibration forces soil to move closer together and push out air. Most plate compactors, drum rollers and tamping rammers at Hirepool are petrol and pull start. This means you may need to keep a jerry can handy for top-ups on bigger jobs. It’s also worth noting that there are compactors that are better suited for different jobs. For example, reversible compactors are great for ease of use. And tamping rammers are perfect for smaller spaces.
If used correctly, like with any hire equipment, a plate compactor is a very safe piece of equipment. In saying that, safety needs to be top priority at all times, and it’s vital to wear the specified personal protective equipment. That way, you’ll avoid a nasty injury to yourself or those around you. Each piece of equipment for hire from Hirepool comes with unique safety instructions and specified PPE. Generally, for compactors, you’ll need to consider safety gear, including:
Top tip: Before using a compactor, it can be a good idea to wet the area you’re working with. That way, you can reduce dust as much as possible.
So, how do you actually use a plate compactor? Well, each piece of compacting gear is varied and is slightly different to operate. However, you can rest assured that each plate compactor, tamping rammer or roller is simple to use. Each compactor for hire will come with its own operating instructions, so it’s important to follow them in the first instance. However, we’ve broken down operating instructions for our most popular plate compactor in this guide.
We don’t mean to sound like a broken record, but each compactor for hire will come with its unique pre-start safety checks. In saying that, you’d be right in assuming that with most of our compactors, the pre-start safety checks are similar. Pre-start safety checks are to be carried out before you even power up your gear, and include:
If you are picking up hire equipment for someone else, you must get these to read all of the safety instruction for use and prestart safety checks. Avoid inexperienced people from using this gear.
Given that the compactors and tamping rammers at Hirepool are petrol driven, you’ll need to follow the starting procedure carefully. Like other petrol equipment for hire, start by turning on the ignition and fuel tap. You’ll also need to engage the choke if you're starting cold. Then, move the throttle to about halfway and pull the started cord like a lawnmower. Once the compactor is started, release the choke and adjust the throttle to the idle position. Let the engine warm up a bit before getting started.
Using a compactor or tamping rammer is relatively easy to do. In saying that, you need to follow instructions carefully and keep children away for safety reasons. After all, this is a very heavy piece of gear. Always be aware of ground subsidence with the transfer or vibrations when operating a compactor. Hold gear with both hands and maintain firm footing. Move the throttle to the level you prefer and steer the compactor where you want it to go. Generally speaking, if the area you’re working is flat, you shouldn’t need to push or pull the compactor. The vibrations of the machine will slowly pull the compactor forward. You just need to guide it where you want it to go. Remember, there are reversible options. However, with other compactors, you will need to turn around for each line of compaction you complete.
Depending on how compact you want the ground to be or the material you’re compacting, you may need to complete more than one pass. It’s best to use your eyes to see whether the soil, bitumen or base course isn’t compact enough as you go. In most cases, there’s no harm in going over another time if you’re unsure. If you do carry out another pass, simply repeat step three. Some gravel may even require up to four passes.
When you think you’re finished, you may want to carry out a soil compaction test, especially if you’re a civil engineer. This test finds out the maximum dry density that’s attainable for your soil and whether you can compact it further. Turning off a plate compactor or post-rammer is very simple. Firstly, idle the engine by turning down the throttle. Then, you need to turn the ignition switch to the off position. Once that’s done, simply turn off the fuel tap. And there you have it! For more advice for using a compactor, drum roller or rammer, read our guide that covers plate compactor tips and tricks.
Large compactors for hire, tamping rammers for hire and even the ability to hire a small compactor. At Hirepool, we have you sorted when it comes to compaction equipment. Each compactor and tamping rammer is suited for certain jobs based on its design and weight.
Our general plate compactors come in various sizes and weights, depending on the job at hand. If you’re only working with a small area of soil at home, you may prefer the lighter option. You may decide to go larger if you’re carrying out commercial work. These plate compactors are non-reversible and include:
|
Plate length |
420-480mm |
|
Plate width |
292-300mm |
|
Width |
292-300mm |
|
Centrifugal force |
7.2-8kN |
|
Plate length |
500-570mm |
|
Plate width |
330-350mm |
|
Width |
330-350mm |
|
Centrifugal force |
10.1-11kN |
|
Plate length |
525-570mm |
|
Plate width |
450-500mm |
|
Vibration frequency |
93.3-100Hz |
|
Centrifugal force |
13.7-15kN |
Reversible plate compactors are a great option if you’re operating where you won’t be able to turn around easily after completing a line. Reversible compactors are normally heavy-duty, both figuratively and literally. We have a range of reversible compactors in different sizes, including:
|
Plate length |
585-590mm |
|
Plate width |
400mm |
|
Width |
400mm |
|
Centrifugal force |
22.5 - 23.5kN |
|
Plate length |
450-860mm |
|
Plate width |
445-604mm |
|
Vibration frequency |
65-73Hz |
|
Centrifugal force |
40-49kN |
|
Plate length |
898-967mm |
|
Plate width |
500-650mm |
|
Width |
500-650mm |
|
Centrifugal force |
50-59kN |
|
Plate length |
900-930mm |
|
Plate width |
500-710mm |
|
Vibration frequency |
55-69Hz |
|
Centrifugal force |
65kN |
Especially for small patching jobs and backfilling trenches, a tamping rammer is perfect. Its small size makes t maneuverable, and it can fit into tight spaces. We have several tamping rammers available to hire at Hirepool, including:
|
Plate length |
336-340mm |
|
Plate width |
280-285mm |
|
Vibration frequency |
11.3-11.5Hz |
|
Impact force |
13-14.9kN |
|
Plate length |
340mm |
|
Plate width |
265mm |
|
Vibration frequency |
10.8Hz |
|
Impact force |
13.6kN |
Generally speaking, the harder the surface you’re working with, i.e. soil vs base course, the heavier you’ll want your plate compactor to be. In saying that, there are other factors to consider when choosing a plate compactor. The weight of your compactor is also a big implication. At the end of the day, you’ll need to transport your plate compactor, and your worksite may not be that accessible. As well as that, force rating has a big role when choosing a compactor. Force rating is essentially a measurement of how much force is needed from the machine to dent the metal plate. Force rating basically highlights the machine's strength. Centrifugal force, on the other hand, is a measurement of the force that’s created by the compactor’s vibration.
For most, a compactor is a heavy piece of machinery that is pricey to store and maintain. Because of this, a plate compactor or tamping rammer often makes sense to hire instead of buy. As well as this, each job you attend may require a different type of compactor. So, it’s easier just to hire exactly what you need each time. At Hirepool, we’re proud of our large range of compaction equipment. View our selection online and then pick up your gear from your nearest Hirepool branch. For more advice for tradies, head over to our Trade Hub.
