Buyer's Guide: Expert Tips to Buying Plate Compaction Equipment

When hardscaping is a regular part of your life, having the right tools is an important part of doing the job efficiently and effectively. In this article, we'll look at the plate compactor factors to consider when you're making a purchase, including types of compaction equipment, how they work, and your project needs.

Introduction to Plate Compactors & Compaction Equipment

Compaction equipment does a great job of ensuring that your project has a firm foundation to start on. By compacting the soil beneath the surface, a plate compactor, which you may also hear called a paver compactor, helps ensure that you won't have parts of your project sinking or settling below other parts, keeping everything level and stable. You could manage this type of work in very small areas using a hand tamp (handheld compaction tool), which would require more effort and take longer, making a plate compactor the top choice of professionals for quality and efficiency.

Understanding Plate Compactors

Definition and Function

But what is a plate compactor? A plate compactor is a machine that exerts force onto the ground or prepared materials through a vibrating steel plate. The combination of the vibrations and the impact of the plate striking the surface and the weight of the machine force materials and soils into closer proximity, removing any void spaces and providing an even consolidated layer of material. This creates a strong, level surface to build your hardscaping project on.

Types of Plate Compactors

There are four distinct types of plate compactors:

• Rolling Plate Compactors: This style of plate compactor is strictly for on top of your pavers. This tool prevents the cracking and scratching of pavers or slabs while consolidating joint fill and setting slabs into bedding material.
• Forward-plate compactors: This type of plate compactor is the most lightweight and is generally a decent option for dirt, gravel, asphalt, or even top of pavers. They generate between 2,000-5,000 CF/lbs (centrifugal pounds of force) of pressure on the surface of the soil and only move forward while you're working, limiting maneuverability.
• Reversible plate compactors: Exerting greater force than a single-plate compactor, a reversible plate compactor is also able to move both forwards and backward, making it easier to maneuver and control while under operation.
• Heavy-duty/high-performance compactors: Large projects with a large depth of soil need to be compacted. For this, you’ll need a plate compactor that delivers significant force to compact the soil which is where this type of compactor comes into play. This increases efficiency and speed on large projects, especially where the depth of the soil needing compaction is deeper than 6 inches.

Factors to Consider

Compaction Force

As was mentioned above, two aspects affect how effective the plate compactor is. Part of this involves taking the frequency of the vibration as well as the vibration amplitude into account. Overall, higher amplitude, frequency of the vibrations, and the heavier the machine will result in higher levels of compaction. Generally speaking, you want to take the time to match the compaction force being applied to the needs of the project.

Plate Size and Shape

When you're looking at the size and shape of your compactor's plate, larger plates will generally get the job done more quickly, while smaller plates improve maneuverability. Plates may also vary in weight, with heavier plates delivering more force and being better suited for dense materials such as clay or silt. You want to be sure that you're selecting a plate that will work well for your project's dimensions and scales.

Engine Type

Available with either gasoline or diesel engines, the fuel type can impact your work. Diesel engines tend to produce more force more efficiently, with engines that tend to be longer-lasting with lower maintenance demands. However, gasoline engines tend to be more easily available, the fuel is easier to find, and they're often less expensive, though they may require more frequent maintenance and may not last as long.

Maneuverability and Weight

Though it can be tempting to get the biggest, heaviest plate compactor you can, this can also impact the items that you're compacting. If you tend to use a lot of large, thin pavers, a big compactor could put too much pressure on the paver, causing damage. For this reason, you need to match the machine's weight to the surface you're compacting or settling. Similarly, how easy will a large machine be to maneuver and transport? Take these factors into account when purchasing your plate compactor.

Durability and Build Quality

There are a range of additional features that can impact how well your plate compactor will stand the test of time. To start, consider the materials it's made of. Plastic panels, thin metal, or similar materials are signs that the compactor isn't very sturdy. Look for robust plates, well-built Exciters, strong connections, and real-world examples of how it holds up to wear and tear. Water tanks, reversible plates, and folding handles are some additional options you may want to consider in your selection.

Understanding Your Project Needs

To understand what kind of plate compactor you need for your project, you'll need to take a look at the scope of the project. This entails a large number of details, including:

• Do you specialize in residential or commercial projects? What are your typical project sizes and the surfaces you work with? These factors will determine whether you need a smaller or larger plate on your compactor, as well as the power that it can bring to bear in the compaction process.
• How frequently will you use the plate compactor? Do you need occasional or daily usage? If you only need a plate compactor a few times a month or year, you can get by with a less efficient unit, or rent the size machine you need. However, for daily use, you'll want to invest in a better unit.
• How portable is the plate compactor that you're considering? Will it be easy to maneuver around your job site? How well can you move it onto or off of your work truck or trailer? If you've got a big compactor but can't easily move, transport, or maneuver it, it won't work for your needs.

When you take these considerations into account, it becomes much easier to find the right type of compaction equipment that will work best for the bulk of your projects.

Best Plate Compactor Recommendations

Rolling Plate Compactor

For the delicate installation of large slabs and pavers, rolling plate compactors like the Weber MT VPR 450 or the Weber MT VPR 700 are excellent choices! Specifically designed for handling more delicate stones, these machines gently vibrate and press slabs into their bedding without causing excessive damage. Perfect for large slabs and porcelain.

Light-duty plate compactor

For light duty, a 14-inch plate compactor can work well to create a solid base for a walkway or patio that is smaller in size. These will require more lifts but will get the job done! We recommend several from our Weber collection including the Weber CR1 II, Weber CF 2 II, Weber CF 2 A, Weber CF 3 II, or the Weber CFR 90.

Medium-duty plate compactor

When you need to work on walkways or patios that are medium-sized scale and are looking for an efficient way to compact, these will allow as little as two lifts in a standard paver application. These plate compactors will also give you the ability to add a Paver Pad and compact on top of your pavers. We recommend the Weber CR 2, Weber CR 3 II, or the Weber CR 5.

Heavy-duty plate compactor

When you're working with driveways and other larger areas, a paver compactor featuring a 30-inch plate delivers stronger results, with superior performance and compaction allowing you to compact your soils in one lift. Some of the machines also offer compatrol which gives you a readout as an assurance that the area is compacted to the necessary amount, reducing wasted time compacting already finished areas. For this situation, we recommend the Weber CR 6 Honda/E Plate Compactor, Weber CR 6 Honda with CCD, Weber CR 7 Honda, Weber CR 7 Hatz, Weber CR 8, or the Weber CR 9.

Rammers

In some situations, you need a compactor that is capable of providing deep soil compaction while remaining within a narrow footprint, including trenches, repairs, and footings. In these situations, we recommend a series of quality rammers from Weber, including the SRE 300, SRV 300, SRV 590-11, or the SRV 620 11.

Finding Your Next Compactor

When considering the purchase of a plate compactor or equipment, there is a range of factors you need to take into account, including the type of compactor, the force it delivers, the plate size and shape, the engine fuel type, its maneuverability and weight, and the durability and build quality of the model. Investing in quality compaction equipment will provide you with better results on your hardscaping projects. Many of the top models we've recommended are available on our website, so why not take a few minutes to see what's available? As always, the friendly team at Pave Tool is ready to help you with any advice or recommendations that you may need - let’s get your project started!

Compaction Equipment FAQ

How often does my compactor need maintenance?

Plate compactors have different maintenance requirements, which are typically laid out in your owner's manual. Once you've found out what the requirements are for maintenance, create a checklist for regular review.

What size compactor do I need?

As mentioned above, the compactor that you need will depend on the frequency of usage, the type of projects that you handle most often, and similar aspects.

What’s the difference between a compactor vs. a large roller?

Whether a plate type or a roller type, both of these types of equipment are used as compactors. However, rollers are used more commonly as a highway, road, or large driveways, due to their large size and limited mobility, while a paver compactor works better and is more maneuverable in smaller spaces.

What size plate compactor do I need?

The best plate compactor size is the one that will work best for your specific needs and situation. If you mostly do residential walkways and patios, a 14" plate compactor is often sufficient, while someone who regularly handles driveways and parking areas may decide that a 30" compactor will work better for their situation.