Reversible Vibratory Plates

A reversible plate compactor is a vibrating plate that travels both ways — forward and backward — without turning the machine around. A pair of eccentric weights produces a centrifugal force from about 25 kN on light models to 100 kN on heavy ones, at a weight of 120–700 kg. The machine presses down layers of soil and aggregate to 60–70 cm and works in trenches and along walls.

A reversible plate compactor works thanks to two spinning eccentric weights that generate vibration usually around 60–70 Hz and a centrifugal force of 25–100 kN. The reverse, meaning the change of travel direction, comes from repositioning those weights with a lever: the plate moves forward, stands still or backs up. This lets it compact lifts of 60–70 cm without turning the machine in a tight trench.

A single-direction plate compactor travels forward only and has to be turned around after every strip; it weighs 50–130 kg and compacts lifts of 20–30 cm, so it suits paving and thin bedding. A reversible plate compactor travels both ways, weighs 120–700 kg and reaches a centrifugal force of 25–100 kN, which lets it press down lifts of 60–70 cm and work in trenches without turning.

The right weight depends on the task. For block paving and thin bedding a 120–200 kg machine with a rubber mat is enough. For roads, yards and service connections the 300–500 kg class is best for lifts of 40–50 cm. Foundations and deep trenches call for 500–700 kg units with a centrifugal force of 65–100 kN, pressing down lifts of 60–70 cm. The thicker the lift and heavier the aggregate, the more weight needed.

The price of a reversible plate compactor depends on weight, drive and brand. Light 120–200 kg models with a Honda engine usually start from a few thousand zloty net, mid 300–500 kg machines run into the low tens of thousands, and heavy 500–700 kg or battery units reach several tens of thousands. Current prices and promotions are shown on each product page.

A Honda petrol engine from the GX series gives easy starting, quiet running and low service cost — good for machines up to about 400 kg and mobile jobs. A Hatz diesel gives higher torque and lower fuel use, so it dominates 400–700 kg units for continuous work. For interiors and unventilated places choose the battery version, for example the Wacker Neuson APU3050E.

NORWIT.PL offers the battery-powered reversible plate compactor Wacker Neuson APU3050E running on lithium-ion cells. It falls into the light-to-mid class (approx. 120–200 kg) and presses down lifts of about 30 cm while producing no exhaust and running quieter than combustion units. It suits interiors, tunnels, garages and trenches with poor ventilation.

Effective lift thickness depends on the machine's weight. Light 120–200 kg models press down lifts of about 30 cm, mid 300–500 kg units up to 40–50 cm, and heavy 500–700 kg machines up to 60–70 cm. Thicker layers are compacted in stages of 20–30 cm with several passes; cohesive soils (clays, silts) require thinner lifts than sand and crushed aggregate.

Wacker Neuson, Bomag and Altrad Belle build professional reversible plate compactors of 120–700 kg that differ in drives and equipment. Wacker Neuson has a broad range including the emission-free battery model APU3050E. Bomag focuses on a central lifting point and compaction-degree measurement. Altrad Belle, in its RPC series, offers a choice of drive — Honda, Hatz or diesel (D designation). We service all of these machines and stock their parts.

A reversible plate compactor is used wherever soil, aggregate or sand must be pressed down in thicker lifts or a tight space: foundations and footings, embankments, road and yard sub-bases, trench backfill around pipes, and trench bottoms. Machines of 120–200 kg also lay block paving, while 500–700 kg units compact lifts of 60–70 cm under heavily loaded surfaces.