What is a plate compactor?

A plate compactor, also referred to as a vibratory plate compactor, is a type of ground compaction machine that utilizes a special steel base plate that vibrates to compact granular soil, sand, gravel, and other similar materials used in establishing the sub-grade and sub-base for road construction in the UAE. Because it produces the required compaction for these types of materials in order for all other materials placed on top of these materials to have a solid foundation, if they have not been compacted correctly, there can be a variety of [negative] impacts, such as: cracks forming in the surface of the asphalt or concrete when placed on top of improperly compacted materials; the possibility of asphalt or concrete sinking when placed on top of incorrectly compacted materials; and the shifting of interlocking concrete tiles.

In the UAE, there are numerous sites where contractors are specially required to meet certain specifications and have a third party inspect them during their construction projects. If a compaction test fails, then the entire work front will usually be shut down until those problems are fixed.

Questions to ask Suppliers prior to purchasing:

Confirm the centrifugal force and the depth at which the unit will compact soil material.

Request a technical datasheet that details the centrifugal force that the machine will produce (in kN) and the maximum effective depth at which the machine will compact.

Check to see whether the engine you are purchasing will withstand the climatic conditions of the UAE.

Confirm that your engine is designed to run continuously at ambient temperatures of +45°C. You may want to confirm this since not all technical datasheets clearly state this.

Make sure that repair parts for the exciter units, for engines, and for belts are available for purchase in the country of your choice.

Before making your final decision about buying an exciter, make sure that the parts are available before the first unit malfunctions.

Understand the warranty as well as what services you will receive from the supplier if you do experience a problem with your exciter.

Understand the warranty coverage, as well as the warranty claim procedure, before issuing your purchase order.