10 Best Vibrating Plates

Updated: 02/11/2021 15:11:36

Expert: Andrey Nikolaevich Kuznetsov

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

The construction of roads and sidewalks is a very pressing topic for our country, as is carrying out repair work. Vibrating plates have become an indispensable modern piece of equipment for road workers. It is capable of performing a range of operations, from sand compaction to asphalt laying. The technology replaced wooden “headstocks”, which builders had to work with manually. The vibrating plate is driven by a motor; the operator’s task is only to guide the unit and monitor the quality of compaction. Since the device is used for different operations, you should listen to the advice of our experts when choosing the most suitable model.

Vibrating plate rating

Tampers of domestic and foreign production are presented on the market. Experts studied user reviews, opinions of road workers, builders, publications in specialized magazines and selected models that are in demand among buyers. The main attention was paid to the following parameters:

Engine type – affects cost, performance, ease of use;
Sole area - affects maneuverability;
Compaction depth – opens up the possibility of compacting different materials;
Reverse – simplifies maneuvering, reduces time;
Irrigation system – wets the surface to be treated;
The weight of the equipment has a positive effect on the compaction depth.

Equipment with defects in the frame and sole, or interruptions in engine operation were excluded from our rating.

The best reversible vibrating plates with a gasoline engine

Gasoline engines are easy to start in any weather, light in weight, and easy to maintain. The engines are economical, but poorly tolerate vibration loads. It is recommended to buy a gasoline vibrating plate for a personal plot and summer cottages. The equipment will cope well with laying paving slabs in a small area and laying garden paths.

Diam VMR-115/5.5H 630036

A gasoline model equipped with a Honda engine, which is characterized by an increased resource, efficiency, and reliability. The main feature is a long, narrow sole, which allows you to comfortably work in small trenches, when laying paths in the garden, in close proximity to the foundation of a building. The compaction depth makes the technique effective on soil, crushed stone, sand, and asphalt mixtures.

Switching the direction of movement and controlling the engine speed are located on the handle, which makes maneuvering convenient. The moving components are protected by a metal casing, which ensures the safety of the operator. Users note the convenient location of the tank, which makes refueling easy.

Advantages:

Cost-effective;
Good maneuverability;
Robust frame design;
Capacity 500 sq.m. at one o'clock;
Wheels for moving around the site;

Flaws:

Not detected.

The vibration unit is mounted on bearings; rotation is transmitted to the coupling pulley using a reliable, easy-to-maintain V-belt drive. The design is designed for intensive use and professional use.

DDE VP125-HK

Vibrating plate for compacting soil, gravel, sand in conditions of limited free space. The elongated platform simplifies work near the building wall, in trenches. Equipped with a Honda engine, which starts using a manual starter. Reinforced motor mount increases service life and allows intensive use during the working day.

The steel elements are made of sheet metal, 6.5 mm thick. A casing is installed to protect against sand and crushed stone. Transport wheels are provided for moving around the construction site. The greater weight increases the depth to which compaction is possible, and the reverse makes the equipment maneuverable. The control handles are reliably protected from vibration loads.

Advantages:

Convenient control location on the frame;
Durable design;
The belt drive is protected from dust and dirt;
Three-jaw reliable clutch;
Informative oil level sensor.

Flaws:

Overcharge.

Wacker Neuson BPU 2540A 5000008758

Equipment from Germany is equipped with a four-stroke Japanese engine from Honda, consuming 0.8 liters of fuel per hour. The design provides high centrifugal force and good thrombus quality. The model is designed for compacting viscous and granular mixtures; according to user reviews, it copes well with asphalt. Transport wheels are made of heat-resistant material.

The vibration reduction system increases the level of comfort during operation. The presence of a reverse and a narrowed plate increase maneuverability in cramped conditions. The frame is made of high-quality steel, ensuring the reliability of the structure. The transmission of torque is protected from sand, crushed stone, and dirt by a metal casing.

Advantages:

Cost-effective;
Folding guide handle;
Cast iron sole;
Rotating lifting eye.

Flaws:

Not detected.

Sand compaction process

Essentially, a vibrating plate is a steel or cast iron plate equipped with a motor. The surface is compacted under the influence of the vertical component of the centrifugal force, which occurs in an electromechanical vibrator.

Today, this is the most optimal, mobile and affordable road construction equipment for compaction. They are used where the presence of heavy equipment is impractical.

The best vibrating plates with a gasoline engine without reversion

The absence of reverse simplifies the design, reduces the price, but makes the equipment less maneuverable. This type of tamper is used to compact soil in open areas. A distinctive feature is its low weight, making it easy to move. The technical characteristics of vibrating plates make them a good choice for dachas and solving local problems when arranging the landscape near the house.

Zitrek z3k50 Loncin 154F

The model has a narrowed platform made of steel. High vibration frequency made it possible to increase productivity to 750 sq.m. at one o'clock. Used when working with sand, granular soil, crushed stone. Large transport wheels make the equipment maneuverable. The folding handle and low weight make it easy to transport equipment in the trunk of a car.

Good reviews of Zirtek vibrating plates are associated with an increased service interval. The manufacturer managed to achieve this by installing a shock absorber, which reduces the load on the motor, and increasing the reliability of the vibration unit. The drive belt is protected from accidental damage and dirt by a steel casing. The oil level in the crankcase is controlled using a sensor.

Advantages:

Low fuel consumption;
Durable frame;
Easy start;
Simple controls.

Flaws:

Weak muffler mounting.

Loncin 200F, 6.5hp Zitrek z3k81w 091-0216

The tamper is designed for soil, loose soil. Equipped with an easy-to-maintain Loncin engine that starts with a manual starter. The fuel tank is conveniently located; the capacity is sufficient for two hours of intensive work. The control is located on the handle. The presence of a water tank allows for pre-wetting, which allows you to cope with viscous materials and reduces the amount of dust.

The slab is made of thick sheet steel and has a narrowed shape, which is convenient when laying paving slabs on garden paths. Users note the good balance of the platform. The vibration unit has a reliable fastening, which prolongs its service life. The frame design reduces vibration loads.

Advantages:

Easy start;
Long service intervals;
Durable protective casing.

Flaws:

Increased fuel consumption.

Honda GX160 4.8HP Splitstone VS-246 E12 143246

The dimensional model has increased weight compared to other tampers in its class. This allows you to compact sand, soil, and gravel. The plate steel platform has an elongated shape, which simplifies maneuvers. The Japanese gasoline engine is economical, does not require complex maintenance, and is equipped with a manual starter.

The design includes a water tank; pre-flooding improves the quality of compaction and reduces dust levels. The belt drive is protected from crushed stone and dirt by a steel casing. The handle fits comfortably in the hand, the use of anti-vibration materials reduces stress and fatigue. The transport wheels move and do not interfere with compacting the soil.

Advantages:

Headphones included;
Large wheels make it easy to move around the site;
Increased power;
Compaction depth is the same as heavier models.

Flaws:

Small fuel tank.

Recommendations for use

Despite the simplicity of the design, a vibratory rammer for soil compaction requires a responsible approach when working with it and compliance with safety regulations:

How to properly compact asphalt with a vibrating rammer

The operator is only allowed to be behind the vibratory rammer.
An electric vibrator for soil compaction requires periodic breaks, with simultaneous disconnection from the power grid.
Do not run the machine on rocky surfaces to avoid damaging the sole.
Don't forget to regularly clean the air filters on your vibrating rammer.

It is mandatory to use protective boots with metal-reinforced toes, glasses and gloves, and when working with a diesel device, headphones.

A deep vibratory rammer is not used when working with asphalt pavement or paving slabs - this can destroy them. Only a vibrating plate is suitable for such work.

The best vibrating plates with an electric motor

Electric models are powered from the mains, which reduces maneuverability. They use equipment near the house, when compacting soil inside a constructed building, in tunnels. The advantages of the technology are low noise levels, no harmful emissions, unpretentious electric motors that do not require regular maintenance, and low price. Power characteristics do not allow solving complex problems.

Vibromash VU-11-75

Powered by a 220V household power supply, it copes well with compacting sand, bulk mixtures, and asphalt concrete. The platform is made of sheet steel, balanced, and has an elongated rectangular shape. With a low electric motor power, it has professional compaction depth indicators.

The handles are made of anti-slip material that absorbs vibration. The frame with control handles is connected through insulators, which reduce the load. The switch is conveniently located on the handle. Double unbalances allow you to adjust the force of impact. The Vibromash electric vibrating plate is equipped with a vibrator with an increased service life.

Advantages:

Asynchronous electric motor;
Mobility;
Low noise level;
Squirrel-cage rotor.

Flaws:

Rubber mat is not included.

Bison ZVPE-5 G

Lightweight model for working in confined spaces. Designed for compacting soil, sand, asphalt. The platform is small in size, made of carbon steel, and has an increased service life. The handle is adjustable in length, rubberized handles reduce vibration. The electric motor is protected from mechanical impact by a metal frame. The motor is unpretentious and runs on 220V.

The manufacturer managed to select the optimal centrifugal force, this has a positive effect on the quality of compaction of bulk materials. The shape of the plate ensures good maneuverability in the absence of wheels and reverse. Shock absorbers have an increased service life and effectively reduce the load on the operator.

Advantages:

The handle is completely removable;
Low noise model;
Simple controls;
Increased productivity.

Flaws:

The electric motor takes a long time to warm up at subzero temperatures.

Similarities and differences between tools with similar tasks

On sale you can find devices similar in purpose, but with different names - vibratory rammer and pneumatic rammer.

The vibrating plate (rammer) is intended for compaction work on densely crowded construction sites, where there is no room for maneuver using the vibrating plate. The main difference between tools that have similar effects: the slab works in area, while the foot works in depth.

Vibrating foot (rammer) Allas Copco 6004 LT

It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of which is better - a vibrating plate or a vibrating rammer. It all depends on the specific conditions and nature of the work at the construction site.

Pneumatic compaction is a tamping tool that works on the principle of layer-by-layer impact compaction of various materials, including mixtures. It is in demand in production and repair work, when it is not possible to use heavy rolling machines. Vibratory rammer and pneumatic rammer differ in their operating principle . Vibratory rammer is based on the effect of vibration, and pneumatic rammer is based on the effect of layer-by-layer impacts.

Pneumatic rammer TPV 3A-M

A vibrating concrete compactor is a special tool used in construction work to improve the quality of the concrete mixture. The operating principle of such a manual or motorized device is based on the vibration effect on the liquid consistency for the purpose of uniform distribution. The device is used for concrete to eliminate the occurrence of voids and bubbles when pouring it.

Deep vibrator for concrete

The best vibrating plates with a diesel engine

Equipped with powerful diesel engines. They have a lot of weight and are used in the implementation of large-scale projects. Diesel reversible vibrating plates are used in the construction of highways, laying tram tracks, and laying paving stones in city squares. The equipment is economical, but requires regular maintenance.

Weber mt CR-6 100535309

The reversible vibratory rammer, manufactured in Germany, is equipped with a powerful, economical motor that provides high centrifugal force. The heavy cast iron plate copes with compacting any type of base. The sheet steel housing covers all important components and provides protection from dirt or gravel.

The platform has a rectangular shape, and rounded edges make working in trenches easier. The machine is heavy, equipped with a durable protective frame with a stop, behind which the equipment is moved by a crane. The compaction effect can be controlled using a lever on the handle that controls the throttle valve of the power unit. The cable displacement mechanism is reliably protected from mechanical impact.

Advantages:

Smoothly operating hydraulic reverse;
Automatic belt tension;
Electric starter;
High speed;
Possibility of installing a compaction control system.

Flaws:

High price.

TCC WP90TL 207195

It is recommended to buy one of the smallest diesel models for compaction on small construction sites. It has great power for its class, the compaction depth reaches 30 cm due to its weight and centrifugal force. Despite the lack of reverse, it is characterized by high performance and maneuverability. The shape of the slab allows working in trenches.

Control by adjusting the throttle valve, which is located on the handle. The base of the platform is open, which promotes effective self-cleaning. The casing protects all components from sand and dirt, shock absorbers reduce vibration. A durable frame, which has a special support for moving equipment with a crane, helps prevent accidental damage to the engine.

Advantages:

Built-in wheels;
Capacious water tank;
Easy start;
Folding handle.

Flaws:

Small fuel tank.

Device

Device diagram
The tool has a simple and technologically advanced design.

The base is a plate made of cast iron or steel, in the center of which there are 1-2 disc-shaped vibration mechanisms (eccentric unbalance).

It transmits shock vibrations to the slab, due to which the surface is compacted.

The moving part of the vibrating plate is a fuel or electric motor. With its help, rotational vibration movements are transmitted to the coupling and V-belt drive, becoming oscillatory. Depending on the number of unbalances in the tool, two types of devices are distinguished:

progressive _ They can only move in one direction, making them difficult to control and limited in maneuverability. They have one vibration mechanism in their design;
reversible . Equipped with two unbalances. They perform reciprocating movements in any direction, moving in different directions.

All structural elements are located in a special frame with a convenient handle-holder. Thanks to its simple design, the vibrating plate is not only easy to operate, but also easy to repair and maintain.

How to choose a stove

It is necessary to select equipment taking into account the specifics and scope of work. It is recommended to pay attention to the type of installed motor, the area of the sole, and evaluate the possibilities for compaction depth. The weight of the equipment and its dimensions affect the complexity of transportation, and in areas with complex layouts it is impossible to do without the reverse function. Only taking into account these characteristics can you choose the best rammer to solve production problems.

engine's type

Equipment with an electric motor is characterized by the absence of emissions of harmful substances into the air and low noise levels. The equipment is used in enclosed spaces, with a small amount of work in the country or in a personal plot. For a small construction team, the best choice is a gasoline model. The equipment solves any problem and easily copes with compaction under foundations or paving stones.

Gasoline engines are less demanding to maintain, but require high-quality fuel. Diesel vibrating plates provide high performance, but do not start well at subzero temperatures. This is the best technique for large-scale road construction.

Sole area

Affects productivity - the larger the size, the faster the equipment copes with the tasks set by the builders. Important features - an increase in dimensions leads to an increase in the weight of the platform. To operate efficiently, a powerful motor is required, which increases the cost.

With dimensions of 50x50 cm, a vibratory rammer can easily cope with compacting large areas, but with such equipment it is difficult on narrow garden paths. For trenches and summer cottages, it is better to choose a model with a 40x40 cm sole.

Weight and compaction depth

For laying paving stones on sidewalks and garden paths, a machine with a compaction depth of 15 cm and a weight of no more than 75-80 kg is sufficient. When arranging a personal plot according to a landscape designer’s project, it is better to use equipment weighing up to 90-95 kg. This equipment compacts the soil by 20-25 cm and works equally effectively with asphalt and bulk materials.

When building private houses and paving sidewalks on a municipal scale, machines with a capacity of 120-140 kg and a compaction of up to 300 mm are recommended. In areas with complex viscous soil or clay, heavier equipment is required. Road builders use asphalt pavers, but where this special equipment cannot maneuver, vibratory rammers are used - 250-400 kg, compacting the soil by 450-500 mm.

Machine weight

Plays a role during transportation and unloading. Equipment weighing 40-60 kg can be transported in the trunk of a car and unloaded alone. Models over 80 kg are transported in trucks and unloaded using cranes.

Availability of reverse

Reverse gear increases productivity and improves maneuverability. This equipment is indispensable in cramped spaces and in areas with complex layouts. Reversing increases the price of equipment. If you purchase equipment for working in open spaces, you can do without reverse gear.

The best deep-throat vibrators

Safety precautions at work

Compaction of soil with a vibrating plate must be carried out in compliance with safety precautions. Among the many recommendations, the following basic rules can be highlighted.

During work, it is necessary to use personal protective equipment
: appropriate clothing and shoes, glasses, headphones, and a hat.
Before starting operation, you need to check the equipment you are using for external damage: if any, they should be eliminated first.
It is prohibited to leave operating equipment unsupervised; the operator must be positioned behind it and promptly move behind the unit.
Every 40 minutes you need to organize a break of about 10 minutes to prevent operator fatigue.
You cannot further speed up the mechanism by applying additional force.
If you need to work on an inclined surface
(when the angle does not exceed the norm), then the operating personnel must stand above the unit, moving from top to bottom.
It is prohibited to operate the technical device near sources of explosive or flammable materials.
When overturning a vibrating plate
, it should first be turned off and only then put into working position.
The unit can be deployed with one hand.
To prevent injury, you should keep your feet and hands away from the working base of the stove.
If you collide with any obstacle, you need to stop the unit, and then eliminate the obstacle and possible damage caused by it.
It is required to be no closer to the edges of trenches, pits, ravines and other excavations than the minimum permissible distance, or better yet, further away.
It is strictly prohibited to allow people under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or psychotropic drugs to work.

It should be taken into account that the higher the center of gravity of the vibration equipment (and the smaller the support area), the easier it can tip over. This is very dangerous for the operator

You should also be very careful when turning on equipment that is not equipped with a soft start function.

The use of a vibrating plate is required when carrying out all construction activities that involve compacting loose soils. It is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the materials being rammed in order to achieve a high-quality result. It is necessary that the maximum depth of the poured layer corresponds to the thickness that the operating unit is capable of compacting. In any case, safety must come first. Failure to follow these simple rules along with inattention can result in serious injury.

Creating a dense sand layer is one of the main tasks of the stage of preparing the bases for screeds or foundation structures; it is important to use the right methods and tools to expel air and compress particles. The price when involving professional firms depends on the depth of processing and other factors and varies from 70 to 900 rubles per 1 m2

The choice of a specific method determines the purpose of the layer, the area to be captured and the budget.

It is carried out when preparing sandy and finely dispersed soils before building houses, backfilling a cushion under slab or strip foundations, forming a rigid underlying layer when arranging floors on the ground or laying a base for paving stones and fencing. Among the tasks are:

Protection of erected structures from frost heaving and removal of moisture from them.
Leveling the base and strengthening its rigidity.
Preventing deformation of structures under the influence of compression and bending loads, eliminating the risk of their destruction during shrinkage processes.
Obtaining a dense and stable layer separating the base of the foundation or screed and direct soil.
Elimination of voids and expulsion of air.

Which vibrating plate is better

The models presented in this review are the best in their classes. There is no universal equipment: a tamper for road work on laying asphalt concrete will not fit in a trench under the foundation of a summer house or bathhouse. The VyborExperta.ru team recommends: