Soil Compactors

A forward plate compactor (moves in one direction only) weighs 50–100 kg, generates 10–25 kN and compacts 15–30 cm layers — ideal for paving, gravel and backfill. A reversible plate compactor travels forward and backward, weighs 100–800 kg, reaches 25–100 kN and compacts 30–60 cm. Choose the forward type for home jobs and the more productive reversible machine for roads and deep compaction.

For block paving a light forward plate compactor of 60–120 kg with 11–25 kN works best, fitted with a rubber or polyurethane mat that protects the blocks. The base beneath (a 10–20 cm layer) is compacted with the same machine without the mat. Ready-made Husqvarna LF 75/80 (420 mm) and LF 100 (500 mm) kits are in the paving compactors subcategory.

Weight is matched to layer thickness and soil type. Machines of 100 kg compact 15–25 cm (paving, footpaths), 200 kg cover 25–40 cm (driveways), 300–400 kg handle 40–55 cm (residential streets, car parks), and 500 kg and above reach 50–60 cm (road sub-bases). Non-cohesive soils (sand, gravel) need plate vibration, cohesive soils (clay) a rammer, and higher force in kN means a deeper layer.

A vibrating plate oscillates at roughly 70–100 Hz and best compacts non-cohesive soils (sand, gravel) in layers of 15–60 cm. A rammer (jumping jack) compacts with a vertical foot impact of 40–85 mm stroke, so it handles cohesive soils (clay, silt), narrow trenches and work around pipes, over layers up to 70 cm. Use a plate for large areas, a rammer for trenches and clay.

For foundations and deep compaction choose a heavy reversible plate compactor of 500–800 kg with 60–100 kN, which compacts 50–80 cm layers in a single pass. Such machines (Hatz diesel or Honda engine) suit road sub-bases, hall foundations and industrial yards, and 600–800 kg models feature a hydraulic travel system. Here we mainly offer Wacker Neuson and Bomag.

Price depends on type, weight and drive. Light forward units of 50–90 kg start from a few thousand zloty, reversible 100–300 kg machines cost a dozen to several dozen thousand, and heavy 500–800 kg diesel units reach several dozen thousand zloty net. Brand, force in kN and engine type (Honda GX, Hatz) also matter. Current prices are on each product page.

Wacker Neuson, Bomag and Altrad Belle lead our range. Wacker Neuson is known for durability, a 50–800 kg span and battery solutions (the AS 50 e rammer). Bomag specialises in reversible and heavy machines with compaction measurement. Altrad Belle is valued for forward plates and RTX rammers, and Husqvarna for paving kits. The choice depends on the work and budget.

Ground for a driveway and paving is compacted in two stages. First the base (aggregate, a 15–20 cm layer) is compacted with a forward or light reversible machine of 90–150 kg and 15–25 kN, then the laid paving is bedded with the same machine and a rubber mat. A 90–120 kg plate suits a home driveway, 150–200 kg larger areas. Husqvarna LF paving kits are in the dedicated subcategory.

Choose a roller for large, flat areas — roads, yards and embankments — where fast compaction across a 60–120 cm width matters; it presses with drum weight and vibration and handles asphalt and aggregate well. A vibrating plate is more versatile at edges and on smaller areas. Above a few hundred m² a roller is more productive; below that, and for trenches, a plate.

Useful compactor accessories include a paving mat (rubber or polyurethane protecting the surface), transport wheels for moving a 100–800 kg machine, and a water sprinkler tank for asphalt work. Add wear parts — V-belts, filters and oil for Honda GX or Hatz engines — plus RTX wheels and service kits for rammers. All are in plate compactor accessories.