This tool reduces the material size like sand, waste, gravel, soil, and sloped or asphalt surfaces to improve its density via compaction. Selecting the plate compactor will mostly rely on the necessities of the task to be performed. Take a quick glance at the following key factors before investing in a plate compactor to make a correct buying decision.
Engine Power –
The engine power is like a heart of a plate compactor, which will give a clear idea of its performance. It can compress the material (or soil) at the job site properly and make it more compact. Most of these compactors are gas-powered, in which their engine power is measured in horsepower (HP). A model with a higher HP will offer better performance to the user.
Engine Capacity –
A plate compactor with a larger engine capacity (90 CC) will offer better performance compared to a model with less engine capacity (60 CC). Also, it results in a higher engine HP rating for more power and high fuel consumption. So, ensure to pick a model offering a perfect balance between fuel efficiency and performance.
Centrifugal Force –
The compaction force produced by the machine will make a huge difference. In general, the plate compactor with a greater centrifugal force will provide higher efficiency. Yet remember that high-force compactors might overkill the task unless it is a heavy-duty job. So, we suggest you choose a model with 3000 – 4000 pounds for performing your work. For more information on these plate compactors and to ease your selection process, we came up with a detailed “Buying Guide”. Using the same information, we have compiled some Best Plate Compactor with a brief review of each product, features, pros, and cons. Read thoroughly to know how to select the best option, as per your requirements.
Best Plate Compactors 2023 List
Top Plate Compactors: Reviews
1. Stark Usa Force Construction Plate Compactor
When compared with other brands out there, Stark is a small brand of plate compactors but still offers a decent option for a lot of users out there. Stark’s plate compactor is present in the 2nd position in this article as it is the cheapest option here. Despite its low price tag, it is able to offer various kinds of features and options to the user. In other words, you get a high value for money while buying this plate compact for your home usage. Talking about its performance, you get a 2000 pounds compressing force with this plate compactor that is quite high. This is possible due to its 2 HP gas engine that is quite efficient. While it is not the most powerful option, you get a 79 engine CC capacity in it for high fuel efficiency. Best features:
Engine power rating of 2 HP Outputs a total 2000 pound compaction force 1-year long warranty Engine capacity of 79 CC Decent build quality and construction materials Comes with a high fuel efficiency engine
Pros:
Quite an affordable price tag with high value for money Decent performance for the given price Great build quality for longevity
Cons:
Only a 1-year long warranty Slightly on the expensive side
2. WEN Force Plate Compactor
WEN is a brand of power tools that is mainly known for making affordable power tools but even offers a few high-performance parts and products. The WEN 56035T plate compactor is present in the 1st position in this article as it is the most powerful option present here. It is able to offer high levels of performance due to its high compaction force of 4500 pounds that is way higher than other options out there. This is possible due to its gas engine that generates up to 7 HP of power. You get a large 212 CC gas engine in this plate compactor that comes with CARB compliance for peace of mind. It is able to generate a vibration speed of up to 5400 blows per minute that is quite high for most users out there. Another great thing about this gas engine is that it comes with a 2-year long warranty for peace of mind. Best features:
Engine power rating of 7 HP Outputs a total 4500-pound compaction force 2-year long warranty Vibration speed of 5400 blows per minute Engine capacity of 212 CC Great build quality
Pros:
Offers best in class performance for ground compression Comes with a highly powerful gas engine Great build quality for longevity
Cons:
A bit on the expensive side Controls could have been better
3. Tomahawk Honda Vibratory Plate Compactor
Tomahawk is a popular manufacturer of outdoor power equipment. The brand’s products are known for their reliability and long lasting performance that offer value for money. Tomahawk’s plate compactor runs on a 5.5 HP Honda engine that delivers enough power to compact over 3,000 lbs per square feet. With this power, you can compact cohesive, granular soils, and clays up to 22 inches. Furthermore, the plate compactor offers a travel speed of 79 feet per minute that allows you to compact large gardens and lawns within a short period of time. You also get 6400 blows per minute. The plate compactor comes in a compact size with dimensions of 17 x 21 inches. This size allows you to maneuver the plate compactor easily around cramped and narrow spaces and make tight turns making it one of the ideal choices for small gardens. Besides, it weighs only 220 lbs for easy handling. The plate compactor is reinforced by a steel exciter box that provides maximum protection. It features a 1-gallon fuel capacity tank so that you don’t have to refuel often. It has a quiet operation with a noise level of just 2 dBA so that you don’t disturb your neighbors while compacting your lawn. The plate compactor is compliant with CARB and EPA standards. Tomahawk backs this plate compactor with a 3-year warranty on the engine and 1-year warranty on the product. Best Features
Engine power rating of 5.5 HP Delivers 3000 pounds compaction force 3-year warranty on engine and 1-year warranty on the product Engine capacity of 163cc Reinforced steel exciter box for durability Comes with a large 1-gallon fuel tank
Pros
Powerful plate compactor Suitable for large and small gardens Quiet operation Compact, lightweight, and easy to maneuver Long warranty period
Cons
No assembly instructions Exhaust blows directly onto the wheels
4. Stark Pro-Series Gas Compactor
The next product on our list is from Stark Store which is well-known for providing high-quality products. Their plate compactor is a combination of performance and practicality. It is the perfect product for compaction of landscapes, trenches, paving stones, and other maintenance tasks. It is mostly used for sand, sloped surfaces, and asphalt surfaces. This compactor is equipped with 4-stroke gasoline engine which is efficient enough to handle even heavy-duty tasks as well. It also comes with fold-up transport wheels which can used as per the requirement. Best Features:
Versatile equipment Built-in foldable wheel kit Easy transportation Fast repositioning Can also be used within narrow confined spaces Durability
Pros:
Powerful engine Less vibration Can be used on sloped surfaces as well Efficient base area
Cons:
Customer service is not up the mark
5. SuperHandy Plate Compactor
SuperHandy uses premium-grade components to develop products with the robust build quality and ergonomic design. Some of its popular product categories include power tools, pneumatics, leaf blowers, log splitters, and industrial & scientific products. The reason that the SuperHandy plate compactor makes it to our list is because of its high maneuverability. The plate compactor is made of a high-strength steel base plate with curved edges that allow you to make hard turns smoothly without upsetting its balance. This makes the plate compactor perfect for small to medium yards with tight corners. It has a powerful Alphaworks 7HP 4-stroke single cylinder OHV gas engine with a power output of 5kW that offers you a centrifugal force of 4200 pounds, exciter speed of 5500 VPM, and maximum rotation speed of 3600 RPMs. The plate compactor is designed with a shock absorption system resulting in an anti-vibration handle that reduces the vibration by 50%. Even if you operate the plate compactor for long hours, you won’t have any fatigue. Thus, it is great for concrete and outdoor projects and has great mobility on surfaces in narrow confined areas. For proper and safe usage of this plate compactor, you have to follow the instruction mentioned in the user manual, and ensure to wear appropriate ANSI standard hand and eye protection. Furthermore, this plate compacter has EPA certified and CARB compliant. It can be supported by a tank with a capacity of 0.7 gallons that allows you to run the machine for long hours. Yet the product does not have any warranty information. Best Features
Engine power of 7 HP with 4-stroke cylinder Offers a centrifugal force of 4200 lbs Maximum forward speed per minute of 115 feet Comes with an anti-vibration handle Easy to maneuver and operate Made of high-strength steel base plate
Pros
Powerful 7HP 4-stroke single cylinder OHV gas engine Ideal for concrete and outdoor projects. Can move easily in narrow confined areas. Durable, sturdy, resistant, and longer lifespan Perfect to use for small yards with tight corners
Cons
Expensive No information on its warranty Not a most durable option.
How to Choose the Best Plate Compactor:
Let’s get into the details of what factors to consider while shopping for the plate compactor.
1. Engine:
The engine is a crucial part (like a heart) of the compactor. Usually, an engine with a higher vibration rate will deliver higher performance. So, ensure the engine of a particular compactor can easily handle your specific task before making its purchase. It is quite common to handle a compacting gravel task by most plate compactors. Generally, most compactor models are gas-powered, in which their engine power is measured in horsepower (HP). An engine with higher HP offers better performance and completes the task quickly and efficiently.
2. Engine Capacity:
The engine capacity of these gas-powered plate compactors will let you know its performance. Naturally, a plate compactor with a larger engine capacity of 90 CC offers better performance than a model with a 60 CC gas engine. Also, it results in a higher engine HP rating for more power. Although, larger capacity gas engines will result in a high-fuel consumption that reduces the range of a plate compactor. Therefore, you should get a plate compactor that offers a balance between fuel efficiency and performance.
3. Plate Material:
A plate compactor consists of either an iron-casted or steel plate. Both these materials are equally good, yet iron offers a bit more durability, compacting force, and sturdiness. So, iron is the most preferred and suitable plate material for the compactor to perform various demanding projects.
4. Plate Size:
Different plate sizes are available for different plate compactors, in which the bigger plate will allow you to cover an extensive area at a time. The available plate sizes for these compactors will range from 15″ – 25″. Small plates are an ideal option for tight spaces and smaller tasks, while large plates are suitable for more demanding tasks, where it has to cover an extensive area for quick and efficient completion of the task.
5. Power:
More power is required to compact the firm structure. Plate compactor can be powered in either of these ways – compressed air, gas, electric, or diesel. Each source has its set of pros and cons. Knowing about them in detail will help you to grab the correct option that suits your requirement.
Electric –
Corded (runs on electric wall outlet) and cordless (runs on battery) are two types of electric plate compactors available. Both are equally performing well and robust, yet cordless models are heavyweight and noisy due to the presence of a battery (24-volt). The cordless compactor is the best option to use in harder or tighter spaces, whereas corded is an ideal option to use mostly in areas having a nearby power outlet.
Compressed Air –
A plate compactor that runs on compressed air is always a special choice, why because its air hose will make it cumbersome. But they are the best option to use in certain places, such as inside buildings (where diesel or gas models won’t), trenches (where fumes accumulate), or in other places (where sparks are dangerous).
Gas –
The gas-powered engine is considered the cost-effective and convenient option for light-medium duty plate compactors. These models offer a wide range of applications, which means a quite commonly used power source.
Diesel –
Since diesel fuel is more cost-effective than gas and the motors are more durable, these diesel engines are mostly used in heavy-duty or large machines. The initial expense is due to the reason that they are found only on commercial equipment.
6. Compliance:
The motor needs to be CARB compliant based on the area/location you are living. Most of these models are not compliant. Another indicator is EPA compliance, which indicates reduced emissions. This means the motor is eco-friendly, more efficient, and thereby uses less fuel.
7. Handle Design:
The vibration from the engine to the handle will certainly limit the control and reduce productivity. So, use a model featuring anti-vibration handles to limit the vibrations to your hands and grab more control while operating. However, the handle’s position might affect your maneuverability. These swinging handles are positioned at the back or the center. Here the center-positioned handles are preferred for their comfortability, maneuverability, and outstanding swinging height.
8. Fuel Consumption:
Comparative to performance and time, you have to know the amount of fuel your plate compactor will consume while operating. Therefore, you have to select a model that offers a low fuel consumption (energy-saving models) to save a lot of money spent on the fuel.
9. Transportation:
It is not an easy task to move these hefty plate compactor machines, a lot of effort is required to move them around. So, to get rid of this problem, most manufacturers incorporated some features in the design of their product to aid in its ease of transportation. For example, some models come with lift handles, while other models include fold-up wheels for easy transportation. So, we suggest you know how you would transport the unit before making its purchase.
10. Water Tank:
The water tank will create a barrier between hot asphalt and cold compaction plate. A plate compactor without any water tank will make the plate get stuck to the hot asphalt. Yet, apply water to the plate for preventing this issue from happening. So, plate compactors that come with water tanks are the most preferred option to handle asphalt jobs.
11. Maintenance:
You have to follow some regular maintenance of a plate compactor to enhance durability and longevity. If a gas-carbureted engine won’t get its regular service, then it gets gummed up and shortens its lifespan. Few models are specially designed to lessen their need for regular maintenance, while others always do require their regular maintenance (based on the design and construction material). Make sure to follow the instructions mentioned in the user manual regarding types of oil, their quantities, and intervals.
12. Plate Shape:
The performance of the machine will be affected by its plate shape. In general, the plate has to be curved slightly to prevent extorting the surface where you are compacting. While contoured plates are an ideal option to work in confined, tight spaces. Hence, check the bottom of your specific compactor to know whether its plate is slightly curved or not before buying them.
13. Directional Plates:
A single-plate compactor or a bit complex-reversible plate compactor is available for directional plates, in which you can choose either option based on your work requirement. Single-Plate Compactors – This is the most common type that is ideal for easy and simple tasks (like light-medium duty works). They move only forward but not reverse for compacting the material. Reversible Plate Compactors – This is a bit advanced and complex type that can move forward and reverse. It offers you more freedom to perform the job in whatever way you want to do. A high-force plate compactor is not acceptable unless you are doing heavy-duty jobs. So, opt for a model that weighs 3000 – 4000 pounds to grab the best without spending extra money.
15. Beats Per Minute:
The vibrations or beats per minute is another deciding factor while shopping for this plate compactor. However, these numbers will range from 4000 – 6000. The lighter machines will quickly work and are effective when working with fine gravel.
16. Compaction Depth:
The compaction depth on the plate compactors will range from 8 – 24 inches. Though, it is subjective and depends on the type of compacting material. Perhaps, it is another way to differentiate between two similar machines, which helps for a proper buying decision.
17. Travel Speed:
Since these plate compactors are self-propelled, you have to find out the travel speed measured in feet per minute (FPM). It won’t be always the case that light machines (50 – 70 FPM) tend to be the fastest. This travel speed is essential to consider when laying/compacting large areas of asphalt rather than the base for a patio. Throttle control is quite basic that uses old-style thumb levers, which we find on lawnmowers.
18. Forward Speed Per Minute:
One has to consider and check the forward speed per minute of the compactor before making its purchase. In general, a machine with a higher speed will quickly and efficiently allow you to complete the job.
19. Price:
The price of these plate compactors will vary greatly, based on several aspects. The general price range of these compactors will be $500 – $2000 (or more). However, cheaper models available for $500 are perfect for compacting soil and loose material. Mostly, powerful general-purpose models (fitted with water tank) will range from $1000 – $2000. Professional equipment or premium models cost a bit more.
20. Warranty:
The warranty offered by a given plate compactor is also quite important to consider, as it depends on the purpose of usage (professional or household). When this compactor is used for a long time, it can face a lot of wear and tear over time. All these things will cause issues further with your plate compactor. Thus, you should get a plate compactor that comes with a long warranty and ensures durability to have peace of mind. While most of these models out there come with a 1-year or 2-year long warranty, some reliable options offer a 3-year long warranty. Also, check the customer service and the online reviews and ratings of the particular compactor before buying them.
Types of Plate Compactors:
The plate compactors are available in three different types – hydraulic, rammer, and vibrating. Each type is suitable to perform a specific task. So, you have to know about them in detail to select the right option as per your work requirements.
Hydraulic Plate Compactor –
This type of compactor works only when mounted on another tool like a tractor or digger. It is made to infect different materials and is capable to work properly in areas where other compactor types get short or unable to do.
Rammer Compactor –
You can connect this compactor type to road bases, footpaths, road checks, and installations. With their lighter and modest version, these compactors are ideal for the floor connection profession, where it is mostly used to fix highways, roads, and wide shoulders.
Vibrating Plate Compactor –
This type of compactor is used for weight granular soil connection and vibrational activities. They reduce the number of air voids via vibration and then it attaches the layers to the machine’s weight. With its small size, the machine can permit you to turn into a slightly limited zone, especially while utilizing other gears that are outlandish. In general, these machines generate a flat force for inducing into a forward move. Thus, it makes the hardware a bit simpler and easy to deal with and work with them.
Tips to Follow While Using a Plate Compactor:
Here are some simple and safety tips that you have to follow when using this plate compactor. This will ensure a perfect finishing for your work/project.
It is a must to understand and follow the instructions provided in the user manual while operating this compactor machine. Strictly follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for its daily routine and maintenance. Using a plate compactor on a fully compact surface will damage them. So, avoid using them on such surfaces. Clearing the dust and debris is the first thing you have to do beforehand using the plate compactor. Always operate this compactor in areas with sufficient ventilation. Before using the plate compactor, the operator has to wear protecting gear as a safety aid. Avoid operating the machine when high or drunk. Whenever the engine has cooled thoroughly, then it’s time to refuel the machine for its proper working. After finishing your project/work, you have to properly store the plate compactor by covering them. If you are a novice, then start using this compactor with less demanding jobs, yet not for heavy-duty tasks. Ensure that you hold the handle with both hands while operating this plate compactor for safe and effective usage. Never wait to refuel till the tank gets empty. Don’t wear accessories or loose clothes, which might caught by its moving parts.
Conclusion:
Whether you are a gardener or a construction site worker, a plate compactor can be quite handy to compress the soil or the ground of any area. It makes the ground more solid and viable for further constructor. Because these are highly useful and important, we are here with the best plate compactors. You can even find their major features and options, along with a detailed buying guide in this article. Since the buying guide had almost all of the factors and aspects related to these plate compactors, you must have already bought one for you. But if you want to save time, you can simply pick one of the following plate compactor recommendations:
The WEN 56035T plate compactor is the most powerful option present in this article. It offers a highly powerful 4500 compaction force with the help of its 7 HP engine that also comes with a 2-year long warranty. You can go with the Stark plate compactor if you are on a budget as it is one of the cheapest options out there. While its 2 HP gas engine offers only a 2000 compaction force, it is more than enough for the given price tag.
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