If you’re new to the world of compaction, you’ll realise just how tricky compactor plate hire can be. Although it is convenient and saves you money, picking the perfect compactor plate for your project means you have to learn the nuances of the wacker plate hire process. There are loads of options to choose from and many decisions to make.
Generally, the quality of the plate you get and how well you manage the nuances of the wacker plate hire process will determine the outcome of your project. In this post, we’ll explore how to select and effectively use compactor plates to ensure optimal ground preparation and compaction.
Tips for Choosing the Right Wacker Plate
Let’s start with how to choose the right wacker plate for your project. Wacker plates vary in terms of their size, fuel requirements, and how they operate. You must ensure all of these factors are well-suited to your unique project requirements to achieve proper soil compaction. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a wacker plate for your project.
Size Matters
The size of your wacker plate determines the compaction depth and how much coverage you’ll get. It may also influence how fast the compaction will progress. For a small project in your backyard, you can make do with a mini plate compactor that fits right into tight spaces. They typically weigh about 50 kg and are around 300mm wide. This type of compactor can give you up to 10 KN of compaction power. However, if the goal is to achieve deep compaction on a large-scale project, you’ll need to get a larger, heavy-duty wacker plate. Some of these weigh in up to 160 kg and can deliver up to 25 KN of compaction force.
Consider Fueling needs
Generally, there are two types of wacker plates based on how they’re powered. Electric wacker plates are powered by electricity, and this makes them quiet and emission-free. This is the type of plate compactor to get if you’re working in indoor or enclosed spaces. Diesel or petrol-powered plates offer more power, which makes them perfect for large-scale outdoor projects.
Consider Reversible Plates
Conventional wacker plates only move in one direction. Reversible wacker plates are more manoeuvrable than forward-only plates because they can move forward and backwards, which makes them particularly useful for projects in confined areas.
Compactor Plate Hire Hacks
Hiring the best compactor plate for your project goes beyond choosing the right type or size of compactor. The equipment hire company and the hiring terms and condition matters just as much. Here are a few tips and hacks to keep in mind during the compactor hiring process.
Compare your Options
When it comes to hiring any construction equipment, it’s good to have a lot of options. That way, you can conveniently compare rental rates, equipment quality, and rental conditions before making a final decision. Take your time to research rental options near you and thoroughly compare them to make the right choice.
Consider Rental Rates & Duration
Consider the duration of your projects and how much you’ll have to pay to keep the wacker plate with you. While some companies will charge you by the hour, others let you pay daily, weekly, or monthly. Hourly or daily payments may work for short-term projects, but for larger-scale projects, it helps if you can pay weekly or even monthly. Be sure to plan your project timeline and book the wacker plate well ahead of time as this can help you save cost significantly.
Delivery, Pickup Fees and Other Charges
Some rental companies will handle transportation, delivery and pickup of your wacker plates for a small charge. With others, you’ll have to handle these all on your own, which might be costlier and inconvenient. You should ask questions about delivery and pickup and find out how much it’ll add to your overall cost. Some rental companies already add fuel and cleaning charges to your total rental fee, but in some cases, you have to clean the machine by yourself and send it back with a full tank. All of these smaller charges will be indicated in the rental agreement. Be sure to check it before you hire.
Equipment Inspection
It makes sense to inspect the wacker plate before you start using it. This allows you to determine the condition of the compactor plate at the time of delivery so you can document it. It’ll help prevent disputes when you eventually return the equipment to the rental company.
Operator Training and Qualifications
Wacker plates are generally easy to use. However, the operator still needs to have some basic training to use this equipment. Some rental companies offer basic training services for operators or require you to provide proof that the operator you’ll use is qualified to handle the machine.
Usage Restrictions
Ask questions about usage restrictions. It isn’t uncommon for rental companies to specify the specific materials and applications that the wacker plate can be used for. Ensure that these restrictions do not conflict with your project requirements.
Emergency Contacts & Customer Service
When you hire a wacker plate for your project, make sure you have the rental company’s emergency contact information. This makes it easier to contact the company in case the machine malfunctions during operation. You should also inquire about how the company handles issues like this (some companies handle repair or send a replacement while others don’t). Having reliable customer service can help resolve problems quickly when they arise.
Conclusion
As a contractor or DIY enthusiast looking to hire a wacker plate for your project, the tips covered here are essential to ensuring the effectiveness of your compactor plate hire process. You can be sure of an excellent outcome on your project when you work with a reliable equipment rental company like easyToolhire. Contact us to learn more about our services and get help picking the perfect wacker plate for your next project.
