Wacker plate hire

A wacker plate, also called a vibratory plate compactor or compactor plate, is a machine used to compact soil through removing air from it, hence increasing its density and stability. This is required when preparing a base, for example after using a mini digger for doing the groundworks for a greenhouse, pavement, driveway or a path. The compaction is achieved with a vibrating baseplate. The term wacker plate originates from Wacker Neuson, a German company that developed the first electric vibratory plate compactor in the 1930s.

When hiring a compactor plate, you should consider the following characteristics:

• Base plate width: Ranges from 300mm to 1000mm.
• Compaction force: Determines the power of the vibratory plate compactor. Heavy-duty jobs require a higher compaction force.
• Reversible: Some wacker plates can go both forwards and in reverse, while others can only go forwards.
• Comfort handles: Certain compactor plates have comfort handles that reduce strain on the muscles of the operator
• Engine type: Wacker plates can be powered with a petrol/diesel engine or with an electric engine. Be careful with using a fuel-powered wacker plate indoors as this might cause carbon monoxide poisoning. It's better to use an electric engine indoors.

Before starting, ensure the area you want to compact is cleared of any other tools or equipment, ensure you are wearing the right safety equipment, and if the soil is very dusty, spray it with water to avoid too much dust coming up. Start the wacker plate (more info below), increase the throttle to its maximum, and manoeuvre the wacker plate a few times over the area you want to compact. Make sure you have a loose but firm grip on the handles. In combination with a wacker plate, use a hand tamper to finish the corners and areas against a fixed wall to ensure these areas are also correctly compacted.

For petrol wacker plates, make sure the engine switch is in the "on" position. Open the choke valve and pull the cord as with a lawn mower. Now the wacker plate engine should start. When it has started, close the choke and increase the throttle of the wacker plate.
For electric wacker plates, make sure the wacker plate is plugged in and turn it on using the switch.

When using a wacker plate it is recommended to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Recommended safety equipment for a wacker plate consists of the following: protection goggles, protective footwear, ear protection and hand protection.