For every construction equipment you hire to get things done on your site, there are basic rules you should follow. These rules are unwritten, and some of them may vary from one job site to another. But following these rules ensures that your work progresses smoothly and without delay.
Maintaining the best plate compactor usage practices also ensures the safety of your workers and can help you save time or cost on your project. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the recommended best practices to get the best from your plate compactor hire.
Read the Rental Agreement Before Signing
Before finalising the rental deal, the equipment hire company you’re working with will send you an agreement detailing the terms of your plate compactor hire. You should read this agreement and get familiar with the terms of the deal before you consent to it.
That’s because this document might include terms that you may not find convenient in the long run. This may include details about additional costs, transportation arrangements, repairs and maintenance of the machine during the hiring period, and so on. Make sure you read between the lines and review all the terms before finalising the deal.
Get Familiar With the Plate Compactor
Even if you’re already familiar with plate compactors in general and how they work, you should still read the user manual and check the controls before you start using them. Each compactor plate model is unique, and the operating procedures might vary for each one.
If you’ll be operating the plate compactor yourself, you should read the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations provided in the user manual. After reading the manual, you should still check out the machine to see how it works. Getting familiar with the vibrating wacker plate this way helps you figure out the controls, safety features, and proper handling.
You may also need to adjust the compactor based on the manufacturer’s specifications for the job at hand. This means setting the engine speed and compaction force to suit the type of soil you’re working with. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for adjusting the throttle and vibration settings to achieve optimal compaction results.
Prioritise Safety
This is standard practice when operating any heavy-duty machine or equipment, whether for construction or landscaping projects.
Regardless of the type and scale of your compaction project, you should prioritise safety by always wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment. This includes safety glasses, gloves, steel-toed boots, and hearing protection. All workers operating the plate compactor or working in the vicinity must also be properly geared up.
Following safety instructions keeps everyone safe and ensures your project progresses on schedule without delay.
Site Preparation
Before you begin compaction, you should mark out the work area and demarcate it if possible. You should also get rid of rocks, debris, and other obstacles in the area you’re trying to compact. Basically, any object that can interfere with the compaction process or damage the machine should be removed from the work area. You should also try to level the area as much as you can before you start compaction.
Use the Right Technique
Compacting soil correctly requires using the right equipment and getting the technique right. You should stand in a stable position behind the machine while holding the handle firmly. Walk behind the compactor, keeping it in a straight line as you operate.
Turn the machine around when you get to the other end of the work area. Make sure you overlap each pass by a small amount (usually about 10-15 cm or 4-6 inches). This helps to ensure uniform compaction across the entire area.
For optimal compaction, it’s generally recommended to compact the soil in layers. The thickness of each layer will depend on the type of soil you’re working with and the specifications of your compactor.
Wet the Soil
Wetting the soil before using a plate compactor is recommended, especially when working with granular or sandy soil. Adding a small amount of water to the soil helps to bind the particles and improve the efficiency of compaction. Wet soil particles are also less likely to shift or settle during the compaction process.
The right amount of water to add mostly depends on the soil type and the nature of your project. Generally, you want to avoid excessive moisture. This creates muddy soil, which makes compaction difficult, if not impossible.
Avoid Over-Compaction
Although unlikely, over-compaction is a real possibility when working with wacker plates. You must be careful during the wacker plate operation so you don’t over-compact the soil. This is particularly important when you’re working with granular materials. Over-compacting granular soil can cause densification, which reduces its ability to drain water properly. You should be familiar with the compaction specifications for your project and follow them accordingly.
Maintain and Clean the Machine
After using the hired wacker plate, it is recommended that you inspect it for any signs of damage or loose components. Doing this helps you catch issues in time, so you can fix them accordingly.
In addition to regular inspection, the wacker plates should also be cleaned after each use. This prevents a build-up of dirt and debris that can affect the performance of the machine during subsequent usage.
Conclusion
Following the best practices highlighted above helps you get the best results from your hired wacker plate. You can also get additional recommendations on proper wacker plate usage and handling when you work with reliable equipment hire companies like easyToolhire. Contact us today to discover our range of products and how to get the best from your hired plate compactor on your site.
