Best Vibratory Plate Compactors

The forward plate compactor from Tomahawk power is a regular-sized device that will be suitable for all kinds of projects that include landscaping.

Thanks to GX160, a 4-stroke, 5.5HP motor from Honda, the device is able to compact cohesive and granular soils down to 12 inches deep. Furthermore, this little but powerful compactor is capable of delivering a compaction force of up to 3,400 lbs/ft² at 5,400 vibrations per minute. The model has a curved 22” x 20” cast iron base plate with seamed edges that are self-cleaning. The edges help when it comes to minimizing the build-up of dirt and rocks on the body of the device.

Unlike many other compactor models, this one has a big 3.5-gallon water tank for moisturizing the surface below the plate so the process of compaction would be more efficient.

The device features a convenient handlebar that absorbs the vibration from the motor and the compactor itself, which adds an extra level of comfort during use. On top of that, the handle is foldable and that makes transportation of the tool a much easier task. As for the transportation means, the compactor has a special hook on top of the housing just above the engine, so you can lift it with a pickup crane.

All in all, the TPC90H is a versatile and reliable tool that will handle the landscaping projects of any difficulty without breaking a sweat.

First things first, this model from YARDMAX weighs 110 pounds, meaning that the transportation of the device can be difficult without any additional help. Fortunately, the tool features two wheels on the back of the handle, so you can fold them beneath the device and conveniently move it around the construction site or to your car when you don’t need it. With wheels attached, the compactor can be easily transported even by one person.

The vibratory plate compactor is able to deliver a force of 1,850 lbs/ft² at around 5,900 blows per minute within the 12.5” and 20” plate area. The plate itself is a single piece that has no welding beads. This design solution prevents the device from rusting and provides additional stability for smoother and flatter results. Thanks to its self-propelled, 79cc (2.5 HP) Yardmax engine, the device is capable of traveling with the speed of up to 75 feet per minute on debris, soil, and aggregate, which creates a perfect foundation for all of your paving projects.

This particular model requires no assembly, all you have to do is just screw the handle and the wheels with the provided screws to the body, pour some gas and oil into the compactor, and the device will be ready to do its job. Simple and reliable, the plate compactor from YARDMAX will deliver when it matters most.

The plate compactor from WEN is an ideal choice for both professional builders and DIYers alike. Modestly priced, this 207 lbs tool packs a real punch. With a powerful 212cc engine on board, it is capable of driving the plate with the compacting power of almost 5,000 lbs/ft² at 5,400 vibrations per minute. On top of that, a single 24" x 17.75" plate has what it takes to travel with the speed of up to 82 feet per minute. As for the plate itself, it has contoured edges that prevent the device from digging in the surface.

Some users may find that the cap of the gas tank is positioned somewhat inconveniently. To be more specific, the cap is placed directly below the crossbar that features a pick support, so you will have to pour the fuel with caution to avoid spilling the gas over the tank itself.

As for the convenient features, the compactor has several vibration isolators between the engine and the steel plate that significantly reduce the vibration from the engine. On top of that, they prolong the service life of the motor itself. In addition, two lift handles in combination with a central load bar make this model relatively easy to transport.

In conclusion, despite its heavy weight, the WEN 56035 is an exemplary landscaping device that can compete even with premium models on the same level.

The CORMAC C60H features a rubberized padding that makes the operation of the device more comfortable and reduces the overall vibration of the engine. Moreover, the padding is quality-made and designed for heavy duty, so it will last you for a long time. Plus, the handle can be folded at any time for an easy transportation.

The single cylinder engine of this model, which is air cooled and operates in 4 cycles, has what it takes to compact the surface with a stunning force of 3,000 pounds per square foot at a frequency of 7,000 VPM. With so much power at your disposal, you will be able to compress soil, dirt, sand, and even asphalt with ease.

This particular model weighs almost 140 lbs and transporting it could prove to be a problem for most users. Thankfully, the tool has a lifting hook that will allow you to lift the compactor when you need to use it elsewhere.

Thanks to an open plate, the device requires little to no cleaning even after the most complicated jobs on the construction site. On top of that, the radius base plate allows for accessing difficult corners and places you simply cannot reach with a regular jumping jack compactor. To sum up, the plate tamper from CORMAC is a high-quality tool and a viable alternative to some of the more expensive models.

Although the JPC-60 from NorthStar looks a little bit small compared to other similar models, it weighs 152 lbs, which in combination with its size makes it perfect for all regular landscaping projects.

The base plate dimensions (13.2” x 14.75”) of this model may seem relatively small as well to some users, however, the small plate allows for compacting the surface in spots that are otherwise hard to reach when using regular-sized devices. On top of that, the handle of the tool can be moved to a vertical position, which simplifies the operation of the device in close quarters.

This electric plate compactor features a 163cc (5.5 HP) Honda engine that is capable of producing a compacting force of 2270 lbs/ft² with a frequency of 5700 vibrations per minute. Moreover, the base plate is able to compact the materials such as soil, gravel, dirt, sand, and fresh asphalt that is 14 inches deep with a travel speed from 65 to 82 feet per minute. The engine has a cast metal cylinder sleeve that maintains its high power operation and keeps the fuel consumption minimal.

To wrap things up, the NorthStar JPC-60 is a budget-friendly plate compactor that will be suitable for both experienced and beginner landscapers who don't feel like wasting their money on an expensive device or a subpar alternative.