Plate compactor

Plate compactors for sand, gravel, hardcore and paving

A plate compactor compacts the sub-base before paving, slabs or a foundation go on top. An eccentric exciter under the plate strikes the ground many thousands of times per minute, the operating weight presses down behind it, the grains move closer together and the ground becomes load-bearing. Plate compactors are the machine for granular, non-cohesive materials: sand, gravel, grit, hardcore and mineral aggregate mixes, in landscaping, path construction, under patios and driveways and when preparing foundation areas. Depending on the manufacturer, the same machine is called a vibrating plate, compaction plate or vibratory plate. For cohesive soils such as loam and clay and for narrow trenches, the vibratory rammer is the right machine.

Compaction force, weight and plate size

Three values describe a plate compactor: the compaction force in kilonewtons, the operating weight and the plate size. Force and weight determine how deep the plate works; the plate size determines the working width and therefore how quickly an area is finished and in which strips the plate can still operate. Light plates under 100 kg compact paving beds, garden paths and thin layers, while heavy plates from 150 kg compact base courses and foundations in thicker lifts. Plate compactors are powered by petrol or diesel engines, small plates also electrically; the 4-stroke petrol engine is the standard in landscaping. Our PV90 sits in the light class with 78 kg, 13 kN and a 540 x 450 mm plate, and a heavier model will follow.

Forward-only or reversible

A forward-only plate compactor drives itself in one direction with its vibration. The operator holds it back and steers at the handle, and turns the plate round to change direction. That is enough for open areas where the plate runs in lanes. A reversible plate has a second exciter and runs forwards and backwards, so it does not need to be turned round in trenches, along walls and in tight areas, and it is usually heavier and more powerful. For paths, patios and paving beds a forward-only plate is sufficient; for base courses and confined spots a reversible plate is worth it.

Rubber mat, transport wheel and accessories

On paving stones, slabs and concrete blocks, a plate compactor must only be used with a rubber mat, otherwise the steel plate chips edges and surfaces. The mat is bolted under the plate and must be approved by the manufacturer for the machine. A transport wheel moves the plate across the site without carrying it, and an extension plate increases the working width. A plate compactor is carried by two people using the lifting handles or by crane at the central lifting point; on many models the handle folds down for transport.

Buying a plate compactor: which plate for which area

Before buying, consider the area, the layer thickness and the route to the site. For garden paths, paving beds and small foundation areas, a small plate compactor that two people can still carry is enough; for base courses, driveways and thick layers you need weight and force. The material is laid in thin layers and compacted in slightly overlapping passes. The right soil moisture helps, while too much water makes the plate sink in. Before starting, check that the ground can bear the load, especially on embankments and trench edges, and whether there are pipes or cables in the ground. Ear protection and safety boots are mandatory. Where the area is narrower than the plate, the vibratory rammer takes over.

Why buy plate compactors from Kernlochbohrer.com

Our plate compactors are available from stock, with operating instructions in German, and with a rubber mat and transport wheel as accessories. More than 5,000 professionals buy from us, and we are Trusted Shops certified. Whether the plate is right for your area or you need the rammer as well, just ask us by phone or WhatsApp.