ForConstructionPros.com

Light compaction equipment is fairly simple in concept. You turn on a rammer, plate or trench compactor, the machine’s vibration settles the soil until it’s stable and that’s the end of the story. Right?

Yes and no. It’s true the concept of compaction is simple at face value, but proper and productive operation of rammers, plates and trench compactors is more complex and deserves a healthy dose of respect.

While there are many pieces of equipment that are more obvious in their hazard potential -- the humble chainsaw comes to mind immediately -- light compaction does involve a relatively heavy machine vibrating at high frequency to pound the earth into submission. Let’s just say you wouldn’t want a body part to get in the way of that action.

The basics

Whether your customer is renting a rammer, plate or trench compactor, there are certain rules that apply in all cases. Renters of light compaction equipment should always be supplied with an operator’s manual for the specific piece of equipment they’re renting.

Furthermore, they should be strongly encouraged to read and understand the material. “From a performance and safety standpoint, this is the number one priority,” says Peter Price, product manager with Bomag Light Equipment.