tamping rammer vs. plate compactor

Soil compaction is important for making the ground stronger and more stable. When soil is compacted, the particles lock together, which helps prevent settling, shrinkage, and water seepage. This is especially important in construction, where weak soil can lead to cracks and damage.

In construction and landscaping, using the right equipment for soil compaction is crucial. Two common tools are tamping rammers and plate compactors. Each tool has its own strengths depending on the project needs. In this article, BISON will compare both tamping rammers and plate compactors to help you choose the best one for your soil compaction needs.

Tamping rammer

How it works?

Tamping rammers, also known as jumping jacks, are compact machines designed for soil compaction in smaller or confined areas. They operate by using a powerful, repetitive vertical force from a piston that compresses the soil. The main parts of a tamping rammer include the engine, piston, and foot or shoe. The foot or shoe of the rammer makes direct contact with the ground, delivering the force needed to compact the soil. Tamping rammers are most effective on cohesive soils, like clay, due to their ability to exert high-impact pressure on the ground.

Advantages

• Compact and maneuverable: Tamping rammers are lightweight and easy to move, making them ideal for smaller jobs and confined spaces such as trenches or around obstacles.

• Effective on cohesive soils: They excel at compacting cohesive soils, especially clay, providing deeper and more thorough compaction in these materials.

• Affordable and fuel-efficient: Tamping rammers are generally more affordable than plate compactors and are available in various models, including 2-stroke, 4-stroke, and electric options.

• Ideal for DIY and smaller projects: Their small size and versatility make them a popular choice for DIYers and for use on smaller construction sites or landscaping jobs where larger equipment cannot fit.

Disadvantages

• Limited on granular soils: Tamping rammers are less effective on granular soils, such as sand or gravel, as vertical compaction force will not compact it properly. Instead, it removes the soil from both sides, drilling it down rather than compacting it.

• Limited coverage area: Due to their compact size, tamping rammers cover smaller areas compared to plate compactors, making them less efficient for larger sites or extensive projects.

• Physical demands: The repetitive vertical force can be physically demanding for the operator, especially during prolonged use, making them less ideal for large-scale operations that require extended periods of compaction.

Plate compactors

How it works

Plate compactors, also known as vibratory plates. Its main parts  include the vibrating plate, engine, and control handle. The plate is driven by a petrol or diesel engine, which generates a rapid up-and-down motion. This vibration agitates the soil, helping to lock the particles into a compacted, stable state.

A plate compactor comes in different shapes, sizes, and attachments, but the essential functions are the same. Plate compactors come in several types, including forward plates, which move in one direction, reversible plates that can go forward and backward, and high-performance options designed for heavy-duty compaction tasks. They also come in other types, including 2-stroke, 4-stroke, and electric models, each offering different benefits depending on the power source and environmental considerations.

Advantages

• Efficient on granular soils: Granular soil consists of visible fragments of rock, gravel, sand, and fine particles. Unlike cohesive soils, granular soils do not hold together when compacted and separate rapidly when disturbed. Plate compactors are ideal for compacting granular soils like sand and gravel, providing uniform and efficient compaction over large areas.

• Faster than tamping rammers: They cover more ground in less time, making them more suitable for larger projects. It is more efficient than a rammer because it can work three to four times faster.

• Variety of models: Plate compactors come in forward and reversible models, and available in multiple sizes and configurations, offering versatility for a wide range of applications, from small pathways to large paving projects.

• Smooth, even finish: The vibration creates a smooth, even surface, which is particularly beneficial for paving and other flat surface projects.

Disadvantages

• Less effective in tight spaces: Due to their larger size, plate compactors are less maneuverable in confined or narrow spaces.

• Ineffective on cohesive soils: Plate compactors do not perform as well on cohesive soils like clay, where deeper compaction is needed.

• Heavier and harder to move: They are bulkier than tamping rammers, making them more challenging to transport and store.

• Higher cost: Plate compactors have a higher upfront cost compared to tamping rammers, which may not be cost-effective for smaller projects.

Tamping rammer vs. plate compactor

Size and weight

Tamping Rammer: Compact, lightweight, easy to transport and store.

Plate Compactor: Heavier, requires more storage space, harder to move.

Soil types

When choosing between a plate compactor and a rammer, it's essential to understand the differences between soil types. 

Granular soils, such as gravel and sand, are loose soils that can be compacted regardless of whether wet or dry. Plate compactor is Ideal for granular soils such as sand and gravel, thanks to their vibratory action.

Cohesive soils usually have a high clay content and are tightly held together. They should contain a certain amount of moisture to help ensure proper compaction. Tamping rammer is best for cohesive soils like clay due to their high-impact force.

The terrain of the area to be compacted is another critical consideration. A rammer works best for trenches, banks, and other small areas as the small footprint and mobility make the rammer a great option.

Compaction depth and force

Tamping rammers provide deep compaction with high force, particularly effective in dense soils. Can compact up to 10 inches per pass.

Plate compactors offer broad, shallow compaction suitable for surface layers of granular materials. Small plate compactors provide 2,400 pounds of force per square foot with compaction up to 8 inches deep.

Physical demands

Tamping rammer: Requires more physical effort, especially on large sites, and produces considerable noise and vibration.

Plate compactor: Easier to operate on large, open areas but heavier and harder to maneuver.

Accessibility and maneuverability

Tamping rammers: Excel in tight spaces and challenging terrains due to their compact size and lighter weight.

Plate compactors: Less maneuverable in confined areas, better suited for open spaces. The large plate compactor allows you to cover a large area in a short amount of time.

Cost considerations

Tamping Rammers: Lower purchase or rental cost, with decent fuel efficiency.

Plate Compactors: Higher initial costs, but cover larger areas more quickly, potentially saving time.

What am I compacting?

Choosing between these machines isn’t as simple as one might think. While both can compact base materials, they compact different soil types in different ways best.

If you’re trenching in cohesive soils, a tamping rammer is often the ideal choice. Its shape makes it easier to maneuver, and its smaller, more focused plates allow for deeper compaction, so you don’t need multiple passes to adequately compact material in deep trenches or holes. Ideal uses:

• Cohesive soils: Perfect for compacting clay and other dense soil types.

• Trenches: Highly effective for compacting soil in narrow and confined trenches.

• Around foundations: Useful for compacting soil close to building foundations.

• Confined spaces: Excellent maneuverability in tight or hard-to-reach areas.

If you’re compacting granular soils over a large, flat area, a plate compactor is your best choice. Its generous plate size and vibrating nature create a more uniform layer over a larger area.

• Granular soils: Works best on sand, gravel, and other granular materials.

• Large flat surfaces: Efficiently covers expansive areas quickly.

• Asphalt work: Suitable for compacting asphalt layers in roadwork and driveways.

• Paving blocks: Ideal for leveling and compacting paving stones and blocks.

Conclusion

Soil compaction is key to improving the stiffness and bearing capacity of soils. Proper soil compaction ensures stability, longevity, and safety. The choice between a tamping rammer and a plate compactor depends on the soil type and project requirements. Let’s be honest, most contractors are faced with a situation where it would be ideal to have both.

As a leading manufacturer of tamping rammers and plate compactors in China, we know the importance of selecting the right tool for your project. Contact us for more information or help in choosing the best equipment for your next project.