Wacker Neuson Compactors

Under a foundation the soil is compacted to a greater depth, so reversible machines of about 200–500 kg work well — they compact 30–50 cm layers and work on the spot. For light foundations and backfills a 100–160 kg plate is enough, while footings and foundation slabs call for a 300–500 kg machine. Compact in layers — a thinner layer and several passes give a more durable result than one thick pass.

A single-direction compactor moves forward only and is lighter (usually 60–160 kg) — for paving stones, pavements and layers up to about 20–25 cm. A reversible one moves both ways and works on the spot thanks to a hydraulic eccentric; it weighs 200–500 kg and compacts 30–70 cm layers, so it is used for roads and foundations. It costs more but is more efficient on thick layers.

A plate compactor has a flat steel plate vibrating vertically — it compacts wide strips of soil, paving stones and sub-bases. A tamping rammer (jumping jack) strikes a narrow foot with high energy and "jumps" forward, reaching where a plate cannot. A rammer of about 60–90 kg compacts cohesive soils and narrow trenches to even 40–60 cm. For trenches choose a rammer, for open yards a plate.

Wacker Neuson compactors weigh from about 90 kg (light plates) to over 500 kg (heavy reversible machines). Match the weight to the layer: 100 kg for 15–20 cm (paving stones, pavements), 200 kg for 30–40 cm (foundations, roads), 300–400 kg for 40–55 cm (sub-bases, yards), and 500 kg and more for 50–70 cm (road works). The depth also depends on the type and moisture of the soil.

Battery compactors from the AP and APS series (e.g. AP 1850, APS 1030, APS 1135) work without exhaust fumes and more quietly, so they can compact in halls, garages, tunnels and trenches where exhaust gases are dangerous. The "we" versions run on a replaceable battery, "e" on the mains. Combustion models (Honda petrol or diesel) give longer continuous work without charging and come in reversible classes above 200 kg too.

For paving stones you choose light single-direction plates of about 90–120 kg with a protective mat (polyurethane or rubber) that guards the blocks against scratches and chipped edges. A machine above about 150 kg can crack the blocks, which is why heavy reversible ones are not used on paving. Quiet electric AP/APS plates also work well here, especially in residential areas.

The symbols describe the type and drive. WP, MP and BPS are single-direction plate compactors with a petrol engine (most often Honda), moving forward. DPU denotes heavy reversible plates with a diesel engine, e.g. DPU 6555, for roads and deep layers. AP and APS are electric and battery plates (zero emissions), while rammers are marked BS (petrol) and AS (battery). The number in the model name grows with the machine's weight.

The price of a new Wacker Neuson compactor depends mainly on the type and weight. The cheapest are light single-direction plates of about 90–120 kg, then reversible ones of 200–400 kg, and the priciest are heavy reversible DPU machines above 500 kg and diesel versions. Drive and equipment also matter. We show current price ranges on the product pages — check them regularly, as they change with promotions.

A lack of forward travel usually points to the exciter or the reverse control. Common causes are too low an oil level in the exciter (eccentric), whose oil is changed about every 300 running hours, air in or misadjustment of the hydraulic reverse, a worn eccentric, or too low an engine speed. First check the exciter oil level and set full throttle, at which Honda engines run at about 3600 rpm, and on reversible machines check the reverse lever. Single-direction machines (about 60–160 kg) move forward only by design — that is not a fault.

A compactor needs two systems serviced: the engine and the exciter. Honda petrol engines use SAE 10W-30 oil, diesel engines usually 15W-40, changed about every 100 running hours (first change after about 20 hrs). The exciter runs on a dedicated oil — changed about every 300 hrs or once a season. Air filter cleaning about every 25 hrs is also required. We stock Wacker Neuson oils and parts in the plate compactor accessories.