A wacker plate or compactor plate is an essential tool for construction, maintenance, and repair projects. This machine is used for compressing or making sand, gravel, asphalt, and soil more compact, especially in places where large rollers cannot be used.
There are several brands of wacker plates out there. The right one to choose often depends on the requirements of the project and the type of material you intend to compact. You also need to consider other factors such as the size of the plate, fuel consumption, power source(electric, diesel, or petrol), and engine capacity. Here are 5 of the top brands of wacker plates for compacting asphalt and sub-base of parking lots.
Stark Plate Compactors
Stark is a maker of industrial tools and equipment that has been in existence for over a decade. Although a relatively small brand, it is still a decent option suitable for most purposes. Stark Plate Compactors are among the cheapest options you can consider. The brand offers both jumping jack plate rammers and walk-behind plate compactors.
One of the most dependable engines from this company is the 6.5HP gas-powered walk-behind vibratory plate compactor for concrete, asphalt, and soil. Despite being quite affordable, this wacker plate brand offers a lot of impressive features and delivers high value for your money. Stark plate compactors deliver on performance, and efficiency and are designed to be quite durable as well.
WEN Plate Compactors
The WEN brand has been designing and distributing various types of high-quality power tools since 1951, making it one of the most reliable brands you can trust for your compactor plates. WEN produces power tools that are most notable for their low price tag and high performance.
The company’s most popular brand of wacker plates is the WEN 56035T plate compactor which is one of the most powerful compactor plates out there. This 7 HP plate compactor delivers a compaction force of 4500 pounds at a vibration speed of 5400 blows per minute. The brand also offers a second product; the WEN56035M with similar specifications and a slightly bigger size.
Tomahawk Vibratory Plate Compactor
Tomahawk is one of the most popular makers of outdoor power equipment. The brand’s range of vibratory plate compactors is known for their reliability, performance, and durability with a guarantee of good value for money.
Tomahawk’s 5.5 HP Honda vibratory plate compactor is one of the best options to consider for compacting asphalt. It is suitable for dirt and gravel compaction as well. It delivers a force of up to 3,000 pounds per square ft. at a vibration speed of 6,400 blows per minute. Tomahawk plate compactors are all powered by high-performance Honda and Kohler engines. They have durable parts and the engines are covered by up to 3 years of warranty.
Multiquip Plate Compactors
Multiquip Inc makes high-quality, premium-grade power tools including a range of plate compactors known for their high-quality build and ergonomic design. The company’s best-selling product is the Multiquip MVC88 most renowned for its high manoeuvrability which makes the plate compactor suitable for different terrains including tight corners and small yards. You can make hard turns easily and smoothly without losing balance thanks to the curved edges of the solid steel base plate. One of the most impressive features of this plate is its advanced anti-vibration handle which you only see on advanced plate compactors. The MVC88 delivers a force of about 3000 pounds at the rate of 5,600 blows per minute.
Wacker Neuson Plate Compactors
Wacker Neuson invented the world’s first electric rammer as well as the first internal concrete vibrator. This innovative brand is still at the forefront of delivering innovative tools for the construction industry including a line of high-performance vibratory plates that delivers unbeatable compaction for various types of jobs.
The company offers both light and heavy-duty vibratory plate compactors. The DPU 3050H US for instance is a reversible heavy duty diesel plate compactor suitable for compacting soil, asphalt, and pavement among other surface types. It delivers a centrifugal force of 30KN with an engine speed of 2800 blows per minute.
Conclusion
A plate compactor is a piece of valuable and handy equipment for construction site projects and other similar uses. There are several brands of quality compactors out there all with different features and varying levels of performance. Whether you’re purchasing a new compactor or renting one, it is important that you compare your options in order to ensure you’re choosing the most ideal product for you.
