A plate compactor is an indispensable piece of construction equipment that is used to compress different types of soil and gravel. Although each plate compactor is a story for itself, mainly they all consist of a heavy steel plate which is mounted to the base of the machine and bears (resembles push-style mower). Plate compactors have various designs and attachments, however, the core is a flat and heavy plate which is driven or vibrated up and down with either gasoline or diesel powered engine. Plate compactors are very versatile and highly used both by homeowners and business as well.
There are many plate compactor models, which differ in size, power and operating mechanism. For instance, tamper compactors are designed to lift and lower the plate by applying an extreme force and extra vibrating units to force air pockets out of the soil. A rolling compactor is usually used at a jobsite where a house or other larger construction structure is being built, because it is too big for a small project. The walk-behind units feature a lawn mower and are used for smaller areas, while larger units have greater force and power, but are also more expensive and difficult to operate. To conclude, the larger the plate compactor, the greater the force it produces.
Plate compactors find their use in various outdoor projects, like compacting soil before paving. Also, plate compactors are perfect for compacting gravel, loose stone and sand during road or driveway paving. Another feature of plate compactors is that they can make smooth small patches of fresh asphalt or tighten up dirt in a utility trench. Plate compactors increase productivity because they provide most optimal performance. This machine can force the soil to compact, which means it will push out air and eliminate the risk of future settling. Plate compactors are very easy-to-use and they work straightforward. Once the machine is turned on, flat, heavy plate starts to move up and down as quick as the operator wants. Plate compactors make a combination of rapid impacts and plate weight, which force the soil to compact and pack together more tightly.
