Small Plate Compactors - side by side test

[Stonehenge]

Despite my efforts to have redundant equipment at the ready in case of a break down (or large jump in staff), I've had 2 compactors (our only two at the time) break down within a day of each other. This resulted in a hasty purchase of a 3rd compactor, along with ordering 2 Honda power plants for the 2 broken ones. The one I just bought is the Wacker 1550. After using it for a day, I liked the speed, but was very impressed with compaction. With that, I thought I'd comment on the compactors we have, and their strengths and weaknesses. I'd love to hear others with experience with several brands to volunteer their observations, too.

Our first compactor - a Stone S-28 - 5hp Briggs. Very heavy, and slow travel, but with that speed it's easy to steer. Rated compressive force is around 3,300#, pretty much the same as the rest. Compaction is good. Though right now, the power plant has been disassembled for repair. Might fix it, might throw in a new Honda.

Second - Bomag - don't recall the model, but has a 5.5 Honda. Very fast, about 130 pounds. Approximately same rated compaction, and performs as such. One person can lift (with a little effort). Due to speed, a little hard to drive in tight spaces.

Third - Wacker 1550 - 5.5 Honda. Same rated compaction. Not as fast as the Bomag, but almost. And compaction! There was noticeable increase in difficulty of driving edge restraint spikes into the compacted stone, more difficult to pull pipe, much more difficult to rake out high spots. A little heavier than the Bomag, not as heavy as the Stone. I really didn't think compaction could vary that much given the same size engine, but it can.

How 'bout the rest of you hardscapers - any experience with different brands of reversible compactors? I had a chance to buy one of two used Wacker 3345's this summer, but they were both in a little rougher shape than I could look past. Might see about getting one this year, though new ones are $6-7K.

[Rex Mann]

Jeff,

I have wackers 1550's and one Stone compactor. They both have 5.5 HP Honda's. I do not know the model number of the Stone. I bought it used 8 years ago. It has better compaction then the Wackers but it has trade-offs. It is much heavier and its slower. When I lived in Ohio it was strange when it came to compaction equipment. Columbus and south everything was Stone compaction. North of Columbus everything was Wacker. I had to take my Stone to Columbus, 120 miles away for repairs. No one in Cleveland would touch it. "We only service what we sell" read as "if you did not buy it here were not going to help you out in a pinch and fix for you". Here in Az everything small is wacker.

I have rented the larger reversible diesel rammers. They are nice. Considered buying one until one of my guys said "how will we load and off-load that 400 pound thing in our trucks. Just a thought.

Peace,

[Stonehenge]

Yup. I hear you. I wasn't looking at the diesels, as they were $2-3K more than gas. Too rich for my blood...

As for loading and unloading, we'd only use them on projects where we'd also have a skid steer on site (which is most), and they usually have a nice spot to hook a chain to, to pick off a truck and set down.

[Paul]

For small stuff the 1550 is a nice machine, BUT I find them too light for sub-base compaction, that being said most 5-8 Hp units are too small for that anyway........ Ok you can do sub-base compaction with a 5-8 Hp unit but the time it takes is too long for the wages I have to pay. If you look really hard at your numbers (wages and are honest about them) you would look at the larger units or a mounted unit. An example would be the time it takes to compact a 1000 sq ft drive, My numbers are for 95% compaction it takes a 1550 4 hrs to achieve this, then put in the stone 6" with 2" lifts figure another 4 hrs...... this has cost most of you around $130 give or take. A roller mounted on your skid steer it would be done in 1 hr- 1/2 hr each operation saving you about $115 in labor this also follows for the plate compactors mounted on skid steers. If you figure that you will be installing your finial course faster you are saving even more. you might even be able to cut a 4 man crew to 3 men. Your savings are not as great with larger walk behinds but you will see some savings, more like a 2 year pay off versus a one year pay off.


For these figures I'm using $16 per hr as a base wage and 60,000 sq ft of brick a year. Adjust your numbers for as much brick as you do a year.

We timed what it takes to do a 500 sq ft job to reach 95% compaction and had a testing service out at the time to test compaction for both the sub-base and gravel.

[Stonehenge]

Thanks for the great info on the compaction, as always....

I have a question about the testing service - were the tools they used ones that could be reasonably purchased? And how much was it to have the testing service out?

I'd really like to be able to test the density of some of the bases we prep, so I can know exactly where we stand, but I have no idea even what kind of equipment to get to measure, other than using the 'nail through the base' test we've talked about before.

[Paul]

I don't really know what it cost they were on site to test a parking lot, so I had them test it for me while they waited around the park we where doing. As a note the sub-base read 87% compaction before we started. The equipment cost I don't know never even look into it. Services like this are best left to independent firms that have the insurance :) You don't want to be held responsible for a miss read reading or maybe a failure because your equipment was not up to par.

[Pelican]

I've got 2 Mikasa plate tampers I can't complain one iota about. I bought one used and was given the other by a contractor leaving the business. Both have the model numbers worn off (ID plate intact, no hot equipment here), but both have 5hp Robyn motors. I don't know the specs, but generally I can get complete compaction on a 4" lift in 3 passes.

I've used one for five seasons and it was purchased from a paving company who had used it hard. The only thing I've done to it is replace the belts, filters and oil changes. A very reliable machine.

The second I received last season from a large construction company leaving the business. It had seen obvious neglect and smoked severely when using it. The motor blew on the 5th job, I've got a new Honda to put on it and expect many years of service from it. The plate on this one is a bit bigger than the first and the speed is a bit faster.

Overall I'm very happy with the Mikasa machines, but finding parts is a bit difficult, dealers are hard to find.

[Stonehenge]

That's the thing I really like about all these machines - for the most part, even if you totally beat on the thing and destroy the engine, 1 pulled belt and 4 bolts later, you have a new engine and almost a totally new compactor ready to go.

When I worked for a company 15 or so years ago we had a Mikasa - it was on the small side, but was extremely reliable. It was light enough that one person could drive it up to a screed pipe and lift it over the pipe while running...I can still do that now with the Wacker 1550's, but it's a little tougher. Can do it with the Bomag too, but it's so fast that quick hands are more important than a string back. And it's impossible with the Stone. Just too darn heavy.

Pelican - you have any big compactors? Something like the Wacker 3345, with 9hp, reversible?

[Pelican]

I've been considering something like that, but presently don't have enough large projects to warrant the expense. Most of my jobs are 4' wide sidewalks which often have steps involved, so the smaller machines work better.

There's a residential housing boom in my area presently so that's where my market is. I have gotten a few patios and a couple driveways where the larger machine would work well, but it's hit or miss.

I've also been looking at a plate tamper for my 248 Cat skid steer for these larger jobs. I think they're a little less expensive than the dedicated units, but perhaps some maneuverability is sacrificed?

[Stonehenge]

That's what I'm thinking, too. I know Paul really likes them, but I think he tends to have more wide-open spaces to work with. Even a residential driveway for us, installed where there's a pre-existing home and landscaping, would be really hard to do with a skid-steer mounted unit - unless it was mounted far to one side, so that the tires wouldn't be straddling the thing everywhere we compacted. Plus, we would have to likely turn on the base to get complete compaction in every nook and cranny, and as you know turning would rip up that base.

I was also thinking about one of the bigger units for retaining walls, especially at new residences, where backfilled soils have not quite settled by the time we come in to do our work.

I'd be interested in hearing a side-by-side for anyone who's used a Wacker vs a Bomag at this size (are there others?)

[Paul]

You should have no problem with a plate on a skid steer on jobs like that you start at the top and finish at the end of the drive then make one pass across the edge of the drive. You don't make turns until you finish the pass. It's really not that hard to use them once you figure a plan of attack. Yes we do have large plate compactors do they get used as much since we bought the skid model........no but they have there uses.

One point I should bring out here be very careful using the heaver plates near new foundations and fresh poured concrete, they can and will push walls and break concrete.

[Stonehenge]

Hrmmm.... What's the best solution in those cases then (new foundations)? Rammer? Excavate down to bottom of foundation? :doh:

[VoodooChile]

You guys still up on the Wackers? We're looking to buy.

That's the one I've liked most when I've rented, and sounds like its compaction is as good as any of the other small plate compactors.

We do mostly path/patio work with natural stone...a tad more forgiving than pavers.

[Bill Schwab]

We started using a Bomag Vibratory pad foot roller last year, 36" wide, reversable, and reversable vibration. We finish packing with a Mikasa powered by Honda. Time wise, that roller eats everything up and spits it out for lunch.

[VoodooChile]

Your scale of project dwarfs what I do Bill. The Wacker 1550 are only about 20" wide by 24" but still can be cumbersome around the obstacles we encounter when we do small residential patios and paths.

How handy is that Bomag in tight spaces? "Reversible" meaning I can run it right up to a foundation, and then easily send it the other way? Or "reversible" meaning a contortionist Mr. Olympiad can knock it off course?

Definitely a big drawback of the Wacker is difficult it is to turn. We usually have two guys on it in tight spaces, and still wind up with the base getting plowed up.

[Stonehenge]

Voodoo - the 1550 should do the trick. We run one and for it's size, it provides the best mix of speed and compaction of the machines we've tried.

As for plowing up the base - it's all in the wrist. ;)

In all seriousness, they can be spun almost on a dime without damaging the base underneath.

Just before the turn, place the handle perfectly vertical.

For a right turn, place your right hand a little lower on the handle than your left, and at the moment you want to turn, quickly apply force perfectly horizontally in a clockwise motion with each hand, the left hand pushing, the right hand pulling. It should spin pretty smoothly for you. If it doesn't, check the bottom of the plate - it might be gummed up with wet stone or maybe some mud from previous compaction of the subsoil.

[Bill Schwab]

For testing equipment all you need is a soils engineers template, a hand trowel, a cone and measuring bottle, an electronic scale and a hot plate to cook the water out of the soil. Soil weights for 90% are taken assuming soil weighs 110lbs per cubic foot. You scale that down to the amount of soil taken in the cone sample. The soil is weighed as is, then cooked and weighed again. I don't have the mathematical formula for weight testing for 90% but I can get them tomorrow if you like when I get to the crew trucks. We test soils while compacting so when we call the engineer out he is not wasting his high priced time. If we hit 90-100%, we know he will. Cost wise you an put all the stuff together for under $600.00, or if you like you can buy a nuclear testing device for around $6,700.00.

Voodoo:

Your wacker plate is the one I would get in your application. Reverse is very handy even in smaller plates but it will add an easy grand to the purchase price. The roller we use will get up very tight to the foundations, but you still need a vibraplate for that last 6". I guess size really does matter after all.

[klaaar]

We are looking to purchase a machine to compact bases for retaining walls, walkways, patios, and other projects (we will rent the appropriate machine for the sporadic driveways).

Reversible looks like the way to go.

Look here:

http://www.xgpower.com/index.php?p=product&id=114&parent=0

Is this a reputable machine? The price seems low for a machine of this description.

Any thoughts?

[TripleT]

I'm running a Dynapac LF90. I've run a wacker too and they are pretty close. I'm pretty happy with it and would buy another one. Just my two cents...

[neversatisfiedj]

I have a Wacker 1550 I have used for 2 years. I hear the ICPI has raised the required compaction force to 7000#. I just bought a used Wacker 2950. It pounds hard. I bought it for 2k from a rental shop. I think he has another he is looking to get rid of. It has 9HP gas motor and is reversable. I only use the 1550 to go over top the pavers now. Here is a link to this guy.
http://www.larrysrentall.com/used_equipment/index.cfm?requesttimeout=5000&categoryid=79&subcategoryid=79&start=6

[klaaar]

Thank you, neversatisfiedj.



Anyone use the xg machine?

[jamesn162]

started out with stone ended up with wacker..........i swear by them! Wacker 1540a, wacker jumping jack72-2i and i have one more wacker that we rarely use becasue of the weight 3545a

[dvlscapes]

We have both a wacker 1550 and a 2050. The 2050 hits at 5000#. It is about 30 or so lbs heavier but still manageable. My next compactor purchas will be another 2050. We all seem to think it does a better job, and quicker.

[Stoneman705]

Wow another great thread that needs a bumping.

Around here, there is nothing but Wackers. I like the compaction of the Wacker 1550 but I really like the fact that the handle is mounted mid-way. Like Stonehenge says, to do a tight turn just hold the handle perpendicular and twist. This keeps the machine flat so that the sides don't bite.

Else I wonder about the 1550 for a 2050. It has better handles for two guys to lift. and it's extra 40 lbs makes for another 5KN or 1000lbs. compaction.

Sure a 1550 makes 3300 lbs when new. I wonder how efficient they are after a couple of years?

I bought mine from a rental company, had 1200 hours on it. I wonder if it would make 80% of compaction of new. Should I keep my lifts closer to 1.5"?

[Euroscapes]

We've been toying with the idea of getting a small reversible plate now to speed up installs and offer us another choice over a jumping jack for cohesive soils...
Since we have our Bobcat MT52 on site all the time loading/unloading shouldn't be a problem, any of you have experience with the smaller end of reversible plates that could chime in?

Thanks!
-Cam

[Squizzy Taylor]

any of you have experience with the smaller end of reversible plates that could chime in?

Thanks!
-Cam

I have had this one 3 years..maybe longer. ::: Dynapac ::: (http://www.dynapac.com/en/Products/?cat=54&product=78)

I got this model because the Wacker salesman was the biggest loser you ever met...and I saw an asphalt company I know who had abused one for 6 years..no service...it was so covered in asphalt you couldn't even see it was a Dynapac. That sealed it for me.:rolleyes:

The thing with hydraulic plateys is that from day 1 one its wearing out and ever so steadily reducing in performance. I've had hire ones that were nothing but slow moving smoothers. If I'm ever upgrading, whatever the model, it will have a Honda...or a Yanmar Diesel. I'm not keen on the Hatz.

[Stoneman705]

I think Honda is the best motor builder in the world. Here in Canada we have Yanmar diesels, not the Hatz though. I've also seen a motor made by Robyn, not sure where they come from tho.

Yea Squizzy, I wonder how much compaction I am getting from my little Wacker. I hope by the end of this year I can get a proper reversible diesel plate - smallest I can find.

[TonkaToy]

Hey Stoneman 705,
I am not a professional like you guys, but an amateur jack of all trades and have various equipment that I have acquired over the years, Whatever I buy, new or used, I usually consult a buddy of mine that has been working for years at a tool and equipment rental shop. They are very big on the Honda engines, and also pretty hot any Kawa's and Yamaha's. Not as crazy for Briggs, but say they are OK for machines that don't need to run under heavy load for long periods. Unless it's a Vanguard branded Briggs, these he and the boys at his shop like them a lot.

The Robin's you ask about, became Robins Subaru 10 years ago, maybe a bit longer. Previously they were called Robins Wisconsin and were known for their side valve engines, not sure about their design since going with Subaru. My buddy's shop does not have a lot of equipment with them, but they regard them as very good engines. He wouldn't put them up there with the Honda's, but says he would recommend them to anyone buying a piece of equipment with them. I guess it all depends who you ask because he's got a bit of a bias for Honda, but I have seen many Robin's on construction sites, so figure they must do OK.