A plate compactor is a machine used in construction projects to compress gravel or soil to prepare a construction surface that is stable for a specific project. Plate compactors engines run on gasoline, diesel, and some are electric. The choice depends on the available power source at your construction site.
Whether you want to repair a street or pave a walkway, or a driveway, the foundation of your project has to begin with compressing the soil or any other foundation material that you use. This article highlights some of the factors that affect your choice of a compactor for your project.
The purpose of compacting is to provide a stable and even surface to prevent shifts. Compactors work by exerting force or pressure on the surface using a vibrating steel plated base. The pressure compresses the material together and removes pockets of air to provide tight compaction.
To get a suitable project foundation, you must use the right plate compactor. Different plate compactors can handle different types and sizes of compaction work. Below are some factors you should look at when selecting a plate compactor for your project requirements.
The compaction force
The compactor’s compaction force is in pounds. A compactor with a higher compaction force can compact more easily and exert a deeper compression than one with a smaller or lower compaction force.
A high force compactor is also called a heavy-duty compactor. A lower force compactor is called a light-duty plate compactor. The type of soil or surface material and the type of project will determine whether you need a light-duty or heavy-duty compactor.
The capacity of the engine
The performance of a compactor depends on its engine capacity. The measure of the engine’s ability is in units called cc. The higher the cc value, the better the performance and vice versa.
The plate compactor price in Kenya also depends on the engine capacity. A compactor with a high engine cc is more expensive. For instance, a compactor with a 90cc engine is more costly than one with a 50cc engine.
The power rating of the engine
The plate compactor’s performance also depends on the power rating of its engine. The rating of the engine’s power is in terms of horsepower. A higher horsepower indicates that the compactor has a higher compaction force. The power rating also affects the plate compactor price.
Ergonomic features
Plate compactors vibrate while operating to exert pressure on the foundation of construction. The vibrations are likely to affect the operator and can cause extreme fatigue. There is a need for enhancing features that can protect the user. A better compactor, therefore, should have ergonomic features for reducing vibrations transferred to the user.
Conclusion
Compactors are very vital in preparing stable foundations for construction projects. However, to select the correct compacting machine for your project, you should consider factors such as the available source of fuel or power and the size of the project. For more information, visit platecompactor.co.ke
