Hiring a compactor near you? We take a look at your options.

If you’re working on a job and you need a compactor, you have 3 types of compactor equipment to choose from. That’s rammers, plate compactors, and rollers. Each tool is designed with a different type of compaction job in mind, so it pays to pick the right compactor to hire for your job. In this article we’ll take a look at plate compactors and rammers, and explore your Hawke’s Bay hire options with Allways Hire.

What’s a rammer and what is it used for?

Vibratory tamping rammers like this one are great for when you need a strong compacting performance in a tight space.

Rammers are also known as tamping rammers, jumping jacks, compaction rammers and trench rammers. They’re a versatile and easy to manoeuvre tool that’s great for compacting to depth especially with cohesive soils (clay, silt etc.).

Rammers use percussive force to compact the material you’re working with. Due to their size and power they’re great in trenches, for foundations, and anywhere where you need strong compacting performance in a tight space.

Do I need to hire a vibrating plate compactor?

These 60kg vibrating plate compactors are suited to a wide range of compacting jobs, including compacting asphalt – they have a water tank that can be fitted for this task.

Vibrating plate compactors are a versatile compaction tool that can be useful for small and larger compaction jobs – perfect for residential and commercial projects like roadworks, driveways and building foundations.

Plate compactors can vary in weight so it’s important to bear that in mind when you plan how you will get them to your work site. Heavier compactors will mean you need more than one person to get them into place and back on your truck or ute again afterwards. Some lighter compactors can easily be moved by just one person.

What’s a reversible plate compactor?

A powerful 300kg reversible plate compactor is great for compacting in areas where a roller won’t fit.

A reversible plate compactor is just like any other vibrating plate compactor except it can move both forwards and backwards. That can make a big difference for jobs in small spaces with limited turning space, and also on big jobs when you want to cover a large area in the easiest way possible.

How do I transport a plate compactor?

Most hand operated compactors can be transported by ute or truck, but it’s worth considering the weight of the compactor to make sure you have the right facilities to lift or move the compactor. Larger compactors can come on their own trailer, making it easier to get them to and from your job site. They’re often fitted with a winch and tipping deck to make it easier to get them on and off the trailer.

Find out more about how to transport a compactor or roller.

What kind of fuel does a plate compactor use?

Most plate compactors operate using either diesel or petrol as fuel. The general rule is: if your plate compactor or rammer is under 200kg it’s probably powered by petrol, while those over 200kg tend to have a diesel engine. Don’t forget to check with your hire company or operating manual to make sure you get it right before you fill your fuel tank.

What compactors does Allways Hire have available to hire in Hawke’s Bay?

Allways Hire has a range of 6 hand-operated compactors available to hire from either our Napier or Hastings Branches. Check out their features below or take a closer look on our website, which also includes our range of 12 different types of roller available to hire. Ask our team if you need help picking the best machine for your next compaction job.

Hire the 64 kg Mikasa Tamper Trench Rammer Compactor
Hire the 66kg Weber Tamper Trench Rammer Compactor
Explore the features of the 65kg Mikasa Plate Compactor
Find out about the 70kg Weber Vibratory Compactor
Upgrade your hire to the 298kg Weber Reversible Plate Compactor
Opt for power and hire the 505kg Belle Reversible Plate Compactor

Hire from Allways Hire and enjoy the Hire Ready difference

We pride ourselves on only offering our customers well maintained machines and a young fleet of the right type of equipment. That means you can rely on our equipment to get the job done – however tough the task on hand.

Hire ready means when you arrive to pick up your hire it’s fully serviced and ready to go. We know your time is valuable and that’s why we make it our job to help you get back on the job as quickly as possible.

Our advice is always available if you need it. If you’re wondering if another machine would do the job better, or you want some tips for easier operation: just ask our team. We take time to know how all of our equipment works and we know which piece of kit is best for the jobs you need to do. We’re also open to creating or sourcing equipment if you need something we don’t have.

Visit our website and browse our range or contact our team today. All of our equipment is available for hire from either our Napier or Hastings branches.