Plate Compactors

[Pappy]

I have several projects coming up over the next year where I need to use a plate compactor. Rental is $71 a day from HD and I have ben watching CL for one. Figured I could resell it later. The few I have seen range from $600 to $1300 depending on brand and accessories (water tank / wheel kit) and generally look to be pawn shop listings, meaning WELL used.

HF has 2 listed. The more expensive has the water tank / wheel kit. The picture shows a Predator motor but the write up lists a Robin/Subaru. Don't have any knowledge of the Predators but I know Robins have been around a long time. We converted a 5,000 gal tanker into a runway foamer / nurse truck when I was in Iwakuni around '78 and used a Robin to power the pump system.

Opinions?

[tfischer]

I rented a Wacker from HD about 9 years ago. Seems like it was closer to $50 a day but prices have gone up I'm sure...

[Pappy]

Highr than the last time I rented one. That is a current price.

[capncarl]

The current price in my RS means cost data says $32.50 / day for a 21" Vibratory plate compactor. This will be from a contractor rental place, not a HD style. Have you got a young man to operate it? The sorest I have ever been was using a whacker packer (rammer/packer) in the bottom of a swimming pool hole, It about killed me, shook ever bone in my body loose. Good luck.

[twistsol]

If you buy it used from Craigslist, the depreciation is already built in to the value of the machine, so you should be able to sell it for close to what you paid for it in a year. If you buy new from HF, I think you'll take a bigger hit at resale.

As far as options go, definitely get the wheel kit, these are a bear to move without it and not much fun to move with it. The water tank is a nice to have feature, but can be accomplished equally well if you have a helper misting the area with a garden hose.

Regardless of what you choose to do, plan on having your bones shaken nearly out of your body.

[JimD]

I have never used a compactor but when I needed scaffolding I checked multiple sites and got the best deal from a little bit out of the way place that deals mainly with contractors. Their paperwork was a bit different but not at all worse than renting a insulation blower at HD. Their price was about half some of the other places. Equipment was fine.