Modern construction and landscaping projects rely on heavy-duty equipment like wacker plates. Also known as vibratory plates or plate compactors, this useful equipment has a base plate that vibrates vigorously to compact the soil and increase material density. The vibratory power of a plate compactor is generated by a powerful engine that can either be powered by fossil fuel (diesel and petrol) or electricity.
To hire a wacker plate these days, many construction businesses and DIYers throughout the UK now favour electric wacker plates for a wide range of reasons. Not only is it a safer and greener way to compact the soil, but electric wacker plates are also energy-efficient and can help reduce project costs.
This guide will walk you through the entire process of hiring electric wacker plates, from choosing the right model for your specific project needs to operating the equipment effectively and safely.
Electric Wacker Plate Selection Process
Just like buying a new plate, selecting an electric wacker plate for hire has to be done carefully. You won’t always have the luxury of returning a rented wacker plate even if it does not meet your project requirements. To hire a wacker plate that gets the job done effectively, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Project Scale and Scope
Electric wacker plates are perfect for small-scale domestic projects and large-scale professional projects. The trick is to ensure you have the right plate for the specific scenario of your project. Before hiring an electric wacker plate, consider the overall scale and scope of your projects.
For small to medium projects such as patios, walkways, driveways or trenches, a mini or medium-sized plate compactor would be perfect. These wacker plates have a base plate size that ranges between 18” to 24”, which makes them easily manoeuvrable in tight spaces. Similarly, if you’re working on larger-scale projects like building foundations and road construction, large compactors with a baseplate of up to 36” or over may be more suitable.
When it comes to wacker plate size, your choice may also depend on the timeline and other unique peculiarities of your project. For instance, since larger plates cover more ground in each pass, you may choose a large compactor for a small-scale project because you simply want it to progress faster than usual. Conversely, you may use a small wacker plate on a large-scale project with limited access space.
Materials
Next, you should consider the nature of the materials you’re working with. Base materials like gravel, crushed rock or clay don’t need a lot of compaction weight. You also don’t need heavy-weight compactors for interlocking pavers. For such projects, a light to medium-weight unit (between 50 to 130 lbs) would be just perfect. On the other hand, if you’re working with heavy-duty materials such as compacted aggregate or asphalt, you’ll need a heavy-duty electric wacker plate ( up to 300 lbs or more).
The material will also determine the compaction force of this electric wacker plate to choose for your project. For loose soil and gravel, for instance, a small compaction force of about 1500 – 2500 lbf would be ideal. However, for heavy materials like asphalt or clay, the wacker plate should deliver a compaction force of 3500 lbf and above
Ease of use
Finally, consider the ease of use and handling of your wacker plate. Some electric wacker plates have additional features or accessories that can make your work easier. You can prioritise these features in choosing the right wacker plate for you.
For instance, some compactors have a forward and reverse travel mode which can make it considerably easier to manoeuvre the plate, especially in tight spaces. Some units also come with water tank attachments which helps to keep the material moist while working. A feature like this would be useful if you’re compacting asphalt material and other similar materials but may not be necessary for compacting clay-based materials.
Operational Tips To Maximise Utility And Efficiency Of Electric Wacker Plates
Electric plate compactors have become quite popular for construction and landscaping projects mainly due to their reliability and high efficiency. However, the effective use and safe operation of this wacker plate depends on a clear understanding of how they work and the best practices for handling them. Here are a few operational tips that can help you maximise the utility of your electric wacker plates.
- Before you begin operation, learn the functions and controls of your hired electric wacker plate. You also need to understand the weight, size, and specific features of the model you get.
- Approach compaction slowly and steadily. Go over the entire work area in strips ensuring each strip of land gets appropriate attention. Overlap each pass to make sure you don’t miss anything.
- Pay attention to power rating. The typical supply voltage in the United Kingdom is 230V. You’ll need a transformer to power a 110v wacker plate from this type of electrical outlet.
- Consider the weather conditions as you plan your compaction project. Most materials will be difficult to compress if they’re wet or saturated which will result in uneven or unstable surfaces.
- Safety is important. Avoid pushing the machine beyond its operational limits and ensure operators are properly geared up to reduce the risk of injuries.
Conclusion
For the best results when you hire a wacker plate, start by selecting the right electric wacker plate for your project based on the recommendations in this guide. You should also ensure the machine is handled by operators with comprehensive knowledge of how to effectively maximise the unit. For advice, recommendations and to hire a wacker plate for your next project, Contact easyToolhire.
