How To Use A Plate Compactor - Part 1

The plate compactor is one very useful piece of compaction equipment. It is used for different kinds of compaction tasks and jobs. It is specially designed to be used for compacting granular or loose soils, gravel and paving stones. Generally there are three types of plate compactors : single direction plate compactor, reversible plate compactor and heavy duty/high performance plate compactor. Each one is intended to be used for a particular compaction task. For example the single direction plate compactor is always an ideal machine for compacting small areas covered with asphalt. The plate compactors are extremely useful machines because they are specially designed to be used in confined and narrow areas. But in order to get the desired compaction results, it is essential for every operator to know how to use this compaction machine properly and in the right way. The following text will help you to understand and to learn how to use the plate compactor in the most appropriate way.

The plate compactor should not be used for compacting soil that consist heavy clay content. This machine shows best result when it is used for compacting cohesive and granular soils, and also when the machine is used on paving stones. Run the engine of the plate compactor at maximum thorttle and enable the compactor to pull itself on the ground. When operating the compactor on tough terrains it may be necessary to push the plate compactor to move forward slightly. When using the plate compactor on downhills, you need to hold the compactor if it begins to pick up speed. Depending on the compaction task and the type of soil being compacted, usually three to four passes are enough to achieve effective compaction results. Although certain level of moisture in the soil is required, too much moisture can cause the particles in the soil to stick one to another and to prevent effective compaction. In cases when the soil is very wet, wait for the soil to get dry before using the plate compactor. On the other hand if the soil is extremely dry, dust cloud will emerge as the plate compactor moves on the ground. Therefore appropriate level of moisture should be added to the ground for best compaction results.

When compacting areas covered with layers of hot asphalt, the plate compactor needs to be equipped with a water tank. The water creates some sort of fence between the asphalt and the plate base, and prevents the hot asphalt from sticking to the plate. Here two to three passes are usually enough to ensure effective compaction. A special polyurethane pad needs to be attached to the plate when the plate compactor is used on paving stones. This pad prevents the plate from grinding the surface of the stone. It is very important to avoid using the plate compactor on very dry or hard surfaces. On such surfaces the compactor will rather jump instead of vibrating, and this jumping can damage not only the plate but also the engine of the compactor. 

Continue to part 2...