Plate compactors

[Big Chief]

Constructing my 3rd and final paver project. 2 previous ones 600 sq ft each I rented a compactor from the depot. Worked great but only have it for a limited time. Local craigslist has been tough most over 1k.

Anyone have any experience with the online ones... no name brands. in the 500 to 600 range.? Except the harbor freight one, been there done that and returned it.

Looking for actual experience with the units........

 

[RustyA]

I've owned the harbor freight one for 5 years. It's built two barns for neighbors, compacts my 1/4 mile driveway everytime i get new gravel and done several paver projects for myself and neighbors. I strap an old piece of carpet to it to finish leveling pavers. Has started on first or second pull everytime and is just the right size for me to move by myself. I have referred this machine to a number of people that have also been pleased with it. Maybe you got a dud? I would buy another one in a heartbeat. Good machine for me.

 

[AWSubie]

I bought a Wen 56035 to compact a pool pad. I thought it worked very well (this model does not have reverse) when I was done I sold it for about $150 less and figured I was breaking even considering rental fees.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Having never used one other than the HF one that I have, I can only say that the HF has served me just fine.

 

[orezok]

Ive had a HF for 6 or 7 years with no problems other than replacing the drive belts. Motor is starting to get weak as it sometimes had trouble getting the vibrator up to max speed. Once there it holds. I might repower it with a new Predator engine. $100.

 

[riverpro]

I purchased the honda powered plate compactor that Northen Tool carries. Engine has been great and the rest of the unit has held up fine as well. Like the fact that it has a cabled throttle on the handlebar. Put alot of miles on it and other than slower at full throttle vs. others I've used in the past it was a no brainer for a house and shed build over renting.

 

[TMGT]

I bought the Powerhorse plate compactor from Northern Tool last year. Have done a lot with it and seems to work well.

 

[Raspy]

I bought a Harbor Freight unit used. Built my house with it and re-sold it for what I paid. I did have to replace the belts once. This is a big house on a slab and we did a lot of compacting. I also used a jumping jack for more serious pounding where we set the (30) 36" square footing forms.

 

[Cord]

These compactors come in different capacities and compaction depths. Based upon experience, you'll want to get one that is capable of compacting to a greater depth. Mine is a MBW that I scored off of CL. It has the rare Yanmar diesel that I really like.

 

[crashz]

I just bought a Dirty Hands plate compactor for some project around the house. Specifically I have a large area of our pool patio that I want to expand with pavers. Also want to expand parking along the side of my garage.

Bought it on Amazon. Might be the last time Fedex ever comes to my house.