ForConstructionPros.com

Equipment is a key element in paving and pavement maintenance. One key piece of equipment for almost all jobs is a plate compactor. Plate compactors can be used to compact sub base and asphalt on driveways, parking lots and repair jobs. They are also useful in confined areas where a larger roller may not be able reach. When it comes to selecting the right plate compactor, contractors have a few options to consider.

There are three main categories of plate compactors: a single-plate compactor, a reversible plate compactor, and a high performance/heavy-duty plate compactor. Which one a contractor chooses depends on the size and type of job he or she is doing, says Torsten Erbel, Multiquip's director of product management.

Single-plate compactors go in a forward direction only, and are probably the most popular choice for smaller asphalt jobs. Reversible plates can go in both forward and reverse, and some also operate in a hover mode, Erbel says. Reversible and high performance/heavy-duty plate compactors are often used for sub base or deeper depth compaction, he adds.

Plates on plate compactors are usually measured in width, and sizes can range from 15 to 25 in., says Wacker Neuson's National Product Specialist Jim Lewis. But width isn't the only measurement contractors should look for when purchasing a plate compactor. "Most of the small plate compactors generate around 3,000 to 4,000 lbs. of centrifugal force," Erbel says.

"Centrifugal force should not be interpreted as how hard a plate 'hits'. For many years the industry has used this term as comparative value and contractors have silently adopted it without truly understanding that the value of generated centrifugal force alone has no influence to performance," Erbel adds. "Other values such as amplitude and weight will contribute to the overall plate performance." Contractors should carefully review all the printed specifications when purchasing a plate compactor.