How To Find The Right Compactor Plate For Your Needs

Searching for a compactor plate for your business? They’re not all created equal so it’s important to do your research before laying down your cash. That’s why we’ve put together this handy compactor plate buying guide to help you out.

What Is A Compactor Plate?

First off though, we need to explore what a compactor plate actually is. Essentially, this machine is used to “squish” soil or gravel to create a level surface for construction or other activities. They greatly reduce the amount of air bubbles in the soil or gravel, increase the amount of weight that the area can hold and make the surface more stable.

What Factors Should Be Considered When Selecting A Compactor Plate?

When selecting a compactor plate it is important to make the right selection the first time around to avoid running into issues with your machine, or worse, your project. That’s why you should always consider the below factors before making your purchase:

The Types Of Jobs You’ll Be Doing 

In order to successfully complete projects to the highest standard possible, you need the right tools. This goes for everything from the smallest nails or screws through the largest machinery on site. When selecting a compactor plate, it is important to consider the types of jobs you’ll be doing as this can impact which model is best for your needs. For example, someone who only works with gravel will find one model is most suited to their activities, while someone who works exclusively with soil could be better off with a different model of these machines.

The Size You Need To Complete Your Projects

There’s no point buying a larger machine if you’ll only ever be working in small areas. Not only will you be paying extra for nothing, but you may also find that a larger machine is too bulky for your needs. By the same token, while a smaller compactor plate is ideal for precision work, those who need to make large surfaces agreeable in the quickest, easiest way possible, would find a smaller machine to be rather inefficient. 

What Materials You’ll Be Working With

We touched on the materials you’ll be working with above but it’s worth having its own section as it is an important factor. This is because things such as the grade of material that you’ll be working with can be just as important to consider as the overall type. Rougher surfaces will obviously cause more wear and tear on machinery, and, by the same token, delicate ones can easily be misaligned or become too hard if you’re too rough with them. Because of this, it’s vital to match the type of compactor plate that you’ll be buying to the materials that you will most commonly be working with. 

How Your Compactor Plate Will Be Powered 

Finally, you’re also going to need to consider how your machinery on site receives its power. While some smaller models may be perfectly happy pulling their juice from a battery pack or compact generator, larger models need power to consume just like they need room to move. This one isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, as there are workarounds for power supply if needed, but you’ll certainly find that your life will be easier if you’re not constantly having to worry about how you’re going to get your machine to run. 

Construction projects, when you think about it, are actually quite delicate. All factors need to work in cohesion in order to get the desired result and you’re dealing with a rather significant ecosystem of people, tools and machines. That’s why it’s so important to select the right options for all parts, so that they don’t end up causing issues for others. Hopefully this article has helped you work out which compactor plate is best for you, but if you’re unsure, there’s no shame in asking a local supplier or expert.