Graphical Construction Glossary >> Tools. >> Power Tools >> Plate Compactor

Plate Compactor

An engine driven vibrating steel plate for use in the compaction of back fill in trenches and other fairly small flat areas, say up to a house slab size.

Photo taken with permission of Coates Hire..

The flat plate compactor gives a smoother finish than a wacker packer and even though it can be used in quite large trenches, it is more suited for flat work like compacting sub grade for concrete slabs on the ground.

• Normal safety procedures should be carried out with regard to protective clothing but in particular safety steel toe cap boots should be worn.
• Never refuel any engine that is hot. Wait for them to cool down.
• Never start any compactor on concrete. Always have it on earth or sand or gravel to start it.
• Start on idle and holding the thing firmly gradually increase the revs. It should vibrating and slowly moving forwards.
• The machine can be steered by pushing the handle left or right.
• At the end of a section the handle can be flipped 180 degrees and the operator manoeuvre in tight spaces if required.
• As with all compaction machines the material being compacted must have the right moisture content.
• If it is too dry the the packer will just create dust but do no real work.
• If the fill material is too wet then the compactor will get bogged.
• As a rough guide, grab a hand full of the back fill material and squeeze it.
• When you open your hand it should all hold together and clearly show the imprints of your palm and fingers.
• Ideally the fill material should be placed and compacted in no more that 150mm 6" layers.
• The fill material should be raked or screeded to a flat surface as the final levels are reached.
• These machine are capable of producing accurate levels and it is always worth while to take the extra trouble know that extra concrete cost a lot more than extra fill.

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