Plate Compactor

[CurlyDave]

I am planning enough small projects that I can forsee the need to compact clay, decomposed granite, and 3/4" minus crushed rock, several dozen times over the next few years.

Areas would usually be ~100-200 sq. ft. at a time, with a one-time need for ~2000 sq. ft.

My experience with this kind of thing is that it is usually much less expensive to buy a machine than rent if the forseeable number of uses is greater than ~ 6 times. (Once I own the machine, I usually find quite a number of other uses for it.)

Anyway, I have no experience at all with plate compactors, but they seem to be the right tool for this application.

Does anyone have any recommendations? If I look at the Northern Tool website, there seem to be 3 or 4 in the $1000-$1200 range. I am not really price-sensitive in that range, but would definitely like to keep anything I buy under $1500, including shipping.

Is there another tool which would do this job?

 

[Egon]

Curly, the plate tamper should work for all your needs except clay. I believe it will stratify the clay as it is added in layers.

Clay needs a sheepfoot type packer for compaction.

 

[NewHollandDLR]

Dave

I like the multiquip MVC-88. It produces 3,450lbs of centrifugal force and had a removable water tank. Unit comes with a honda motor or a Robin motor. With a honda you would be looking around 1900 to 2000. In your travels you can stop by and pick one up. I am right in between grants pass and woodside on 5.

I like the MQ line not just because I am a dealer but that is all I used while I worked in equipment rental. I was in the rental industry for 15years. I did 8 years of that at San Mateo Rentals which is pretty close to Woodside. While there we went away from the Wacker brands and stayed with the MQ brands for durability and ease of maintenance.

JD Dlr

 

[AlanB]

We bought the HF unit and have been satisfied with it so far. B & S Inteck (I think) on it, had one bolt come out of the pulley end and made a heck of a racket, other then that it has paid for itself many times over.

This one. Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

I wish it had a roll bar / lift cage on it. another project I need to do.

Usually on sale for $500 and then hunt for the 15% off cupon. Have never seen one cheaper, even used.

 

[CurlyDave]

Dave

I like the multiquip MVC-88. It produces 3,450lbs of centrifugal force and had a removable water tank. Unit comes with a honda motor or a Robin motor. With a honda you would be looking around 1900 to 2000. In your travels you can stop by and pick one up. I am right in between grants pass and woodside on 5.

JD Dlr

Thanks for the offer, but I think the Multiquip is a bit out of my price range. Probably higher quality, as it would have to be for rental use, but I think I can get by with a lighter-duty compactor.

For instance, this one from Northern Tool Northern Industrial Single-Direction Plate Compactor with Water Tank and Honda Engine |Compaction Equipment | Northern Tool + Equipment looks like it would be comparable at $1100. Probably not as durable, but I bet it would outlive me.

And, if I get it shipped to Oregon, I can give California a big, fat one-finger-salute on the sales tax. This would be enough to persuade me to join Northern's club, whatever the name is, and get free shipping.

 

[Airsafety]

A few years ago, I also needed a plate compactor for a number of small projects and had to weigh the cost against rentals. I found a Wacker in good condition on ebay for about $600 plus $125 freight. Compared to rentals, I've gotten my money back several times, plus the convience factor.

Used it just yesterday to backfill a little trench I'd dug for a drain in the driveway. If I didn't have one I'd have just run over it a few times with the tractor and probably had a washout later. Nice to have around.

And BTW, I'm in clay and a jumping jack would probably do a better job, but a jumping jack is kind of tough on pavers which is what I really got it for. While not perfect for clay, it is better than nothing and works fine if you keep the lifts thin. 3 to 6 inch lifts get well compacted. As you probably know, the moisture content is critical in working clay. As long as you realize the shortcomings, a plate contractor is sure handy to have around.

It seems like it is HF that has a Robin for six something that I'd look closely at.

Best,

John

 

[CurlyDave]

It seems like it is HF that has a Robin for six something that I'd look closely at.

The only one they have right now uses a Briggs & Stratton engine. If they had a Robin I would get one today.

Since I won't need one until spring, I think I will pick one up at Harbor Freight then. Maybe they will have the Robin one back in stock by then.

 

[schmism]

check your local rental places....

they may be looking to change out some equipment. Id rather have used comercial heavy duty version for the price of a new HF one.

 

[BTDT]

Dave, would a little sheepsfoot roller on your backhoe attatchment work. I know they use these for compacting soil over pipelines on occasion. It attatches where your bucket is, then you use downpressure from boom, and roll with crowd. Felco Industries-Compaction Wheels | Excavator Attachments | Compaction Attachments

 

[CurlyDave]

I had never seen one of these before, and I am certain that one would work. An absolutely great-looking piece of equipment.

The only problem is that I almost fainted when I saw the price -- $3600 to $4600 for the ones suitable for a compact TLB.