A wacker plate is one of the heavy-duty equipment you’ll find on virtually all construction sites. That’s because compaction is a universally recommended step on most projects. It doesn’t matter if you’re working on regular soil, gravel sand, hardcore, or tarmac. You need to compact the soil to get it ready for the load you’re about to build on top of it.
Wacker plate hire from a reliable equipment rental company gives you access to the best plate compactor for this stage of your project. In this article, we’ll do an in-depth analysis of the wacker plate hire process and how to maximise efficiency on your project with the strategic use of wacker plates.
Wacker Plate Selection Process
Maximising wacker plate hire begins with choosing the right machinery for your project. Like every other heavy-duty equipment, there are several types of wacker plates. The best one for you depends on the size and scope of your project. Here are some tips to keep in mind for selecting wacker plates for your next project.
Size of the work area
To choose a suitable wacker plate for your project, you must consider the size of the area you’ll be working on. If you’re working on a large area for instance, you either get a large machine to cover more ground in a single pass or several small compactors to cover the entire area. Measure the size of the job site and choose a machine that will cover it effectively to maximise productivity while saving costs.
Consider access to your site
The type of wacker plate to get may also depend on access to your work area. For instance, if you’re working on a patio construction project in your backyard, you’ll have a difficult time fitting a large compactor into your yard. It’s the type of job you’ll need a mini compactor for. On the other hand, open construction sites or large-scale roadside projects have enough room for the biggest wacker plate possible.
Types of material you are working with
The wacker plate to hire also depends on the nature of the material you’re compacting. Generally, materials like sand, gravel or dirt can be handled with light plate compactors since they don’t require significant force. But for heavier materials that are less responsive to compaction such as clay, you may need a wacker plate with more power.
Wacker plate type
You have to choose a wacker plate type suitable for the size of your project and the nature of the material you want to compress. A single-plate wacker plate is the lightest and most agile type of plate compactor, perfect for compacting sand or gravel material in a small confined area.
Reversible platform compactors can move forward or backwards and can deliver a higher compaction force compared to a single plate unit. You may also go for larger and higher-performance units known as heavy-duty compactors for large-scale projects or more difficult materials.
In choosing the wacker plate type you may also have to consider how the wacker plate is powered. Electric wacker plates are mostly used for indoor projects where the fumes produced by diesel-powered alternatives might be a problem. However, this type of plate compactor can only be used on sites with a 110v site power supply or suitable generator.
Compaction force and frequency
You should also inquire about more technical specifications like the frequency and centrifugal force generated by the plate compactor. The ideal compaction force depends on the type of material and the desired compaction thickness.
The relationship between frequency and material thickness is inverse. Units that deliver low frequencies of about 3,000 to 4,000 vibrations per minute are best used for thicker soil layers. Conversely, units that deliver up to 5,700 vibrations per minute work better for thinner soil layers.
Operational Best Practices For Using A Wacker Plate
When using a wacker plate on your site, operational efficiency depends largely on how well you follow best practices. Plate compactors are relatively easy to operate, but you still need to know how to properly handle one for the best result. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Read the manual
If you’re new to operating a wacker plate, you might want to go over the operational manual to learn more about the compactor and how it works. Not all compactors are the same. The controls will vary widely for different units which is why you should consult the manual for specific instructions regarding the unit you rent.
Inspect the compactor
It’s recommended practice to inspect the compactor prior to using it for work. This includes physically inspecting the unit for damages and checking the fuel and engine oil levels. This helps to identify any issues so you can fix them before you start compaction. You should also inspect the safety features to ensure they’re all functional before you start work.
Inspect and prepare the work Area
Next, you should mark off the work area to make it obvious to other workers on the site. You also have to inspect the area for debris, rocks and obstacles in the path of the compactor. Get rid of these before work begins to reduce the risk of accidents.
Pay attention to safety
Safety is an important consideration when you’re handling any heavy-duty construction equipment. Pay attention to the safety instructions as recommended by the manufacturer or equipment hire company you’re working with. You should also make sure you’re properly geared to reduce the risk of injuries during the compaction process.
Conclusion
Hiring a compactor is a straightforward process. You just have to find a reliable equipment hire company that has the specific type and size of plate compactor needed for your project. Some rental companies like easyToolhire will provide expert guidance to help you choose the most suitable wacker plate based on the peculiarities of your project and provide assistance to maximise your wacker plate rental. Contact us to learn more and get started with the wacker plate hire process.
