For every construction or landscaping project, you need a plate compactor to prepare a solid base. A plate compactor or wacker plate helps to rearrange soil, gravel, or sand material in order to increase their stability and load-bearing capacity.
There are different varieties of plate compactors. They range from small machines used for simple yard work to heavy duty diesel plate compactor models used for more complex projects such as highway construction projects. Considering the variety of options available, picking the best compactor plate to buy or a wacker plate for hire near you can be a little difficult. In this post, we’ll review 5 of the best compactor plates of 2022 to use for different types of projects.
WACKER NEUSON DPU2550-Heavy Duty Reversible Diesel Plate Compactor
This wacker plate is a heavy-duty unit suitable for compacting paving stones, parking lots, roads, and other types of construction and landscaping projects. The machine features Wacker Neuson vibratory plates with a 5600 – 8000lbs compaction force. The plates are very reliable and versatile which makes them suitable for different types of projects.
The machine is designed to be quite steered with a handle shock mouth which has a lateral guiding system that ensures the precision of your work. It is a mobile unit, with a robust integrated wheel set that makes it easy to move from one job site to the other. It also comes with an automatic locking system which ensures the safety of the unit when it is being transported.
WEN 7 HP 4500-Pound Compaction Force Plate Compactor
This powerful and reliable plate compactor has a compaction rate of 4,496 pounds thanks to its powerful 7hp motor. The machine delivers vibration at the rate of 4,500 VPM, compacting different types of soil materials quite effectively.
In addition to being fast and efficient, this machine is also designed to be easy to use. It features a swing-over handle which can be used to move the unit forward and backward quite easily. However, this unit is a bit limited in mobility. It has no wheels which means it has to be loaded manually to move it from site to site.
YARDMAX YC0850 Compaction Force Plate Compactor
The YARDMA YC0850 is an affordable and high-quality compactor plate suitable for simple landscaping projects and lightweight construction use. The unit has a compaction force of 1,850 pounds and can deliver at a rate of 5,900 blows per minute thanks to a 2.5 HP self-propelled engine. In addition to being affordable, this unit is also designed to be economical, helping you save money in the long run.
It has a three-point handle which makes it quite maneuverable. However, the handle can be folded and tucked in to prevent the unit from taking up excess space. YARDMAX YC0850 also features foldable transport wheels which makes it easier to move the machine around when you need to.
MBW GP1600 Vibrating Wacker Plate
The MBW GP1600 is a petrol-powered compaction plate designed specifically for asphalt application. It features a Honda GX160 engine that allows the unit to deliver excellent performance and optimal productivity.
The MBW GP1600 vibrating plate delivers a vibration force of 1030 Kilogram-force (kgf) and a travel speed of 25 meters per minute. The portable design of this unit means it can be used in confined or narrow spaces quite easily. One of the best things about the GP1600 is the isolated design of the upper mass from the vibrating components. This reduces the vibration of your hand when you’re making use of the vibration plate.
TOMAHAWK 5.5 HP Honda Vibratory Plate Compactor
If you want a top-quality unit and you don’t mind a high price point, this TOMAHAWK 5.5 HP Vibratory Plate Compactor is a great option to consider. The high-performance unit features a vibratory plate that delivers a compaction force of up to 3000 pounds per square foot. This means it can be used for both simple landscaping projects as well as professional construction projects.
The Tomahawk has a robust design that makes it quite durable. This includes a steel exciter box that protects the unit’s internal component. It is made from durable steel which ensures your compactor lasts for a very long time to come. Although a heavy-duty unit, this machine comes with wheels that improve mobility.
Conclusion
The wacker plates included in this review are some of the best in the market. However, considering their price tag, buying one may be a little costly. A simple way to get the compactor plate you need for your project is to go for a wacker plate for hire near you. Whether you need an electric wacker plate or a diesel plate compactor, you can hire a wacker plate for your project at an affordable price. This is a convenient approach, especially for a unit you need for a single project or occasional application.
