Compactors: FAQ

I’ve just laid pavers that are a little uneven but I don’t want to break them, what compactor do I need?

Either a single direction or smaller reversible plate compactor will let you compress the pavers without the direct force of trench rammer. OMC also offers a specialized paver roller compactor, or special side wings for compacting of laid pavers.

I’m building a narrow path that will need to be compacted, which compactor is better?

It depends on what material you’ll be compacting, but either a trench rammer or a reversible plate compactor will be your best option. A reversible compactor will let you get in and out easily, but if you’re compacting coarse rock then a trench rammer will give you the greatest force. If you are doing pathways commercially, a single direction compactor will be more affordable than a reversible, but still offer a reasonable width for efficient compaction.

I’m laying asphalt on a driveway, which size of compactor will I need.

We’d suggest a reversible compactor because they’re the most versatile in this kind of commercial application. The size of it will depend on the size of the jobs you’re doing and your budget, so feel free to get in touch and we can figure it out.

Asphalt keeps sticking to the bottom of my compactor plate, how can I get rid of it?

A scraper should do the trick but try applying kerosene to the bottom before getting underway next time. Keep it on hand in a spray bottle on hand for when it dries out. For our smaller single direction plates, we also offer a unique water sprayer kit which mounts easily on the front to keep the incoming material wet and prevent sticking.

What’s the difference between single direction and reversible?

These features refer to the direction your compactor can travel. A single direction compactor can only go one way, so in a tight space you’ll have to lift and turn it, and you’ll notice the base plate only curves upwards at one end.

Reversible plate compactors, on the other hand, can go in reverse as both ends of the plate curve upwards and the handle can be rotated over the other side of the machine to help control it.

Typically, single direction plates are offered between 75-100kg weights, whereas reversible compactors are generally around 100-600kg for larger scale projects requiring better compaction.

I didn’t buy my compactor from OMC. Can you still service it?

Possibly. We service most brands; however, parts are most affordable and accessible for top quality brands like Weber MT. Bring it in to our store and our staff will see how we can help.

I’m working with a lot of larger chip and aggregate on a commercial site, what type of compactor would you recommend?

It sounds like you’re after a trench rammer or jumping jack compactor. They’re the most powerful in terms of compaction, so they work best on larger materials although they can be used on smaller chip and stone.