Soil compaction is a complex art. While that might sound like a cliche that professionals repeat to make compaction sound more difficult than it truly is, the truth is that it takes a certain level of skill and understanding to compact the soil properly.
Untrained operators often end up over-compacting or under-compacting the soil due to various mistakes when utilising a vibrating wacker plate. That’s not to mention the risk of accidents or injuries due to improper handling of the machine.
Equipment rental companies offering wacker plates for hire may tell you about these common errors so you can avoid them while using the machine. In this article, we’ll list and explain 10 of the most common mistakes people make in utilising a vibrating wacker plate. It’ll cover mistakes people make in the process of renting a wacker plate and in operating the unit to get the job done.
Using the Wrong Size Plate for the Job
Wacker plates come in a wide range of sizes. The right size of plate to get often depends on the size and scope of your project. Too small, and your soil will not compact effectively. You’ll also end up wasting time on your soil compaction task, delaying your project significantly. Similarly, an oversized plate compactor will be difficult to manoeuvre around your site and may even damage the surface you’re trying to compact.
Using the Wrong Type of Plate
Size isn’t the only factor that matters when searching for a wacker plate for hire. The compaction force, power, frequency, and amplitude vary for different types of wacker plates. All of these factors will determine the compaction rating of the machine, which is a measure of how effectively it can compact the soil.
The ideal compaction rating depends on factors like the type of soil, the number of layers you’re compacting, what you’re building, and the desired level of compaction. You should be familiar with all these and how they affect your compaction rating when choosing the right wacker plate for the job.
Not Considering the Soil Type
To choose the right equipment, you need to understand the type of soil you’re dealing with. Generally, soils are classified into two categories based on how they respond to compaction. Cohesive soils such as clay and silt tend to bind better under compaction. Granular soils, on the other hand, are more difficult to compact as they’re difficult to mould together. The type of soil you’re dealing with determines the kind of compactor to rent and will also influence the compaction process.
Not Renting From a Local Rental Company
When renting a plate compactor or any other type of construction equipment, it’s always best to work with a local equipment rental company. First, renting from a company near you reduces the stress and cost of logistics and equipment transportation. Local companies are also more likely to be familiar with restrictions and legislation relating to soil compaction and other construction tasks and can help you work around them. Thankfully, it’s easy to find a local equipment rental company in your area these days. Simply search online for “wacker plate hire near me” for a list of vendors offering wacker plates for hire in your area.
Not Wearing Proper Safety Gear
A plate compactor is a heavy steel plate designed to vibrate at high frequencies. Needless to say, you need to take proper safety precautions when using a machine like this. While a wacker plate is generally safe and easy to use, you still need to be properly geared up when using this machine. That includes wearing appropriate safety accessories such as steel-toed boots to protect your legs, gloves for your hands, and hearing protection. Operators should also be aware of other safety instructions and adhere to them.
Not Reading the Instruction Manual
Usually, the equipment rental company you’re getting electric wacker plate hire from will provide a detailed manual that gives you all the basic information about operating, maintaining, and cleaning the wacker plate properly. Although there are general instructions for using plate compactors, the content of the user manual applies more specifically to the model or type of compactor you get. It’s unsafe to assume that you simply know all there is to know about plate compactors. Read the instructions in the manual and get familiar with how the machine operates before setting out to use it.
Not Inspecting the Compactor
When you get a plate compactor from a rental company, it’s always best to inspect it before use. First, a proper inspection will let you know the condition of the machine before you start using it. This makes it easier to make claims or complaints to the vendor if there are any.
Not inspecting the machine before each use can also cause damage during operation. You need to check the oil level, fuel, batteries, and other parts of the compactor before and after each use. This prevents damage and keeps the machine at optimal performance throughout the duration of your project.
Not Compacting in a Consistent Pattern
Even or consistent compaction is always recommended when compacting the soil. To do this, you have to ensure the wacker plate is properly set to the right frequency and amplitude. Also, avoid compacting the soil in a random pattern. Instead, move the machine in a straight line from one end of the work area to the other. Each pass should overlap the previous one to ensure even compaction on all sides.
Overfilling the Machine
This is a common mistake that happens when fueling or oiling your plate compactor. Wacker plates vibrate at high frequencies, which means fluids in the machine can get unstable. In refuelling or oiling your compactor, keep the fluids at the appropriate level to prevent spills and damage.
Not Cleaning or Storing the Plate Compactor Properly
After each use, you should clean your compactor to get rid of dirt, debris, and other materials that have accumulated during use. These materials can affect the machine’s performance or even damage the unit in the long run. When not in use, the compactor should be stored in a dry and clean place to prevent rust and damage.
Conclusion
Operating a wacker plate is relatively easy, even for non-professionals. However, it’s great to be aware of the common pitfalls to avoid in renting and utilising the machine. Knowing what to avoid and how to avoid them will improve productivity on your next compaction project. To learn more about proper soil compaction or hire the right wacker plate for your next project, talk to our experts at easyToolhire.
