🏗️ Compactors

Compactors are essential construction machines used to increase the density of soil, asphalt, or other materials by reducing air voids through force and vibration. This ensures a stable, long-lasting foundation for roads, buildings, and other structures.

🔧 Types of Compactors

Type Description Best For
Plate Compactors Flat, vibrating plate; hand-operated. Small areas, granular soils, paving stones.
Rammer Compactors Uses high-impact, vertical force; also called “jumping jacks.” Confined spaces, cohesive soils.
Walk-Behind Rollers Small, dual-drum machines with operator on foot. Sidewalks, driveways, patchwork.
Tandem (Double Drum) Rollers Two smooth steel drums; used for asphalt compaction. Roads, highways, parking lots.
Single Drum Rollers One steel drum and two rear rubber tires; sometimes with vibratory action. Soil and sub-base compaction.
Pneumatic Rollers Multiple rubber tires provide kneading action. Finishing asphalt layers, soil compaction.
Sheepsfoot Rollers Steel drum with protruding “feet” to knead soil. Deep compaction of cohesive soils (clay).

📍 Common Applications

  • Road and highway construction
  • Parking lots and runways
  • Building foundations
  • Trenching and pipeline work
  • Landscaping and backfilling

✅ Key Benefits of Proper Compaction

  • Increases load-bearing capacity
  • Prevents settlement and shifting
  • Reduces water infiltration and erosion
  • Ensures durability of paved surfaces
  • Enhances pavement smoothness and rideability

🏷️ Top Compactor Manufacturers

  • Caterpillar (CAT)
  • Bomag
  • Dynapac
  • Volvo CE
  • Wacker Neuson
  • CASE
  • Sakai

📊 General Performance Specs (varies by model)

Feature Range
Operating Weight 150 lbs (plate) – 40,000+ lbs (rollers)
Vibration Frequency 3,000 – 4,000 vpm (vibrations per minute)
Compaction Depth 6 inches – 24+ inches
Drum Width 20 inches – 84 inches (50 cm – 2.1 m)