The 9 Best compact Plate compactors (2023 reviews)

The stark usa compact plate compactor's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. This stark plate compactor comes equipped with a folding wheel kit that helps keep your compactor safe when moving it from place to place. It is intended to pack and level the base materials under the pavers. It is quiet while running without the vibrator plate engaged. It can be used in multiple jobs such as working on paving, landscaping, sidewalk, patio project, providing professional results. It is easy to maneuver, yet powerful tamp.

The exciter is siezed and although the engine runs fine it can't turn the exciter and thus no vibrations just a burning slipping belt. It is automatic shut off when it senses it is low or out of oil. It works well for smaller areas.

Why We Like This:

Compact enough to reach compact areas
Small, affordable and does the job
Have fun,wear proper footwear and clothing,ppe, have fun
Works great, very little to assemble, free spare parts

Best For gravel: Bilt hard compact Plate Compactor

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We know from years of feedback from readers, customers and amazon sellers, what most people want in a convenient and appropriate compactor. The bilt hard compact plate compactor is exactly that - it's a simple compactor that hits all the right notes. It’s been a great tool for doing a paver brick project at home. The propelled plate compactor has a 196cc/6.5hp engine, delivering 10 inch compaction depth of 2, 500 lbs of compaction force and 5,500 vibrations per minute. It has a specially designed shock absorption system, improves operator comfort and reduces fatigue.

The folding transport wheels kit makes it easy to move around your workplace and store it. It is perfect for compaction of all fill materials however, you’ll find that sand is almost fully compacted already. It is built strong with heavy gauge steel, so should last a long time. The wheel system doesn’t want to stay out at times. It comes with wheels to make transport a breeze.

Why We Like This:

Comes with engine manual and operating instructions
Runs smoothly and easy to start and maneuver
Packs well enough for homeowners to handle and store when not used

Best For sand: Yardmax compact Plate Compactor

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The yardmax compact plate compactor should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. It is ideal for residential paving projects. The Briggs and Stratton engine is quiet and dependable. It is solar powered, goes right in the ground and omits vibrations every 30 seconds. The upturned edges on the plate really help keep the machine from digging itself into the ground when turning. It self propels which makes compacting pretty easy.

The Compactor itself works well and has no issues through out the project. It is good for small yard leveling, meets expectations. A fuel stabilizer additive is recommended for storage, however it’s better to run it dry to prevent any varnish buildup. It is a dependable medium duty machine that is perfect for the home owner.

Why We Like This:

Assembly is easy, transport is easy and it has lots of power
Good quality machine and wheels are very helpful for moving the machine around
Great for homeowners and paving projects

Best For The money: Northstar compact Plate Compactor

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The northstar compact plate compactor's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The compacting plate on this close-quarters compactor is smaller so that it can be used in smaller areas. You can run the machine nearly right against a wall, and making a U-turn is easy, even if you are against a wall. It is used to use hand tampers so this is faster and it starts on the first pull every time.

The handle swings up to a vertical position and the machine is still easy to guide, even in like this. It is also much quicker than a hand tamper. The compactor itself does an excellent job and is easy to use.

Why We Like This:

Delivers 5, 700 vibrations per minute
Lot of satisfied buyers

Best For paver: WEN compact Plate Compactor

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The wen compact plate compactor is satisfactory and appropriate and fits well with your regular usage. This type of foundation extends the life of your project as it reduces water seepage, swelling and expansion. It is larger than most in its class, producing 4, 496lbs of force at 5,400 blows per minute. Vibration isolators between the welded Steel plate and the engine reduce vibration extending the engine's life. It provides ample work time and reduces vibration to the user.

Designed to work with the Construction Zone 56035 Plate Compactor, this pad can be easily installed and lasts job after job without needing a new replacement. The thick and durable design ensures that pavers will remain completely unscathed during even the toughest compaction jobs. It measures up to 27.5 x 17.25 inch. The high density foam in the handles also reduces vibration to the user. It is a must have tool for anyone working on walkways, patios, paver installations, landscaping or small asphalt projects.

Why We Like This:

Powerful 212cc /7 hp engine delivers 4, 496 lbs
Fuel tank provides ample work time
Tough powder-coat finish keeps the product rust-freewen

Best For asphalt: Stark USA Plate Compactor

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Not everyone likes to purchase compactor for their daily purpose, but the stark usa plate compactor would be an anomoly. This stark plate compactor comes equipped with a folding wheel kit that helps keep your compactor safe when moving it from place to place. It is used for finishing asphalt, sand, and sloped surfaces while working within narrow confined areas. It is ideal for smaller jobs like trenches, retaining walls and other tight areas that don't require as much compaction. It maintains a heightened clearance for added protection.

The compactor features an adjustable control throttle, cushioned handlebars, and engine. It is easy to use, and well worth the money. It is also allows for quick repositioning of the compactor on any job or project site. The integrated design means that it won't get in the way during your project or work.

Why We Like This:

Oil drain tube, and attached wheel kit for easy transportation
Easily deploy or retract the wheels for quick and efficient transport
One of the new comers and featured product

Best For cohesive And granular soils: Tomahawk Power compact Plate Compactor

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The tomahawk power compact plate compactor should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. This compactor is easy to transport to and from your jobsite. It is designed with a 17”x13” plate, maneuver around narrow, cramped spaces and master any project including walkways, patios, artificial turf, and more. It can be carried by one guy and the handle folds down making it easy to move. It is great for cohesive and granular soils such as gravel, clay, silt, clay, or mixed soils. It comes with long lasting materials, parts, and more. It is perfect for any small landscaper or some one looking to tamp in small places.

Why We Like This:

Achieve unmatched power and reliability with the compactors honda engine
For projects involving landscapes, hardscapes, retaining walls, trenchwork and more
Compaction of granular soils up to 8 in

Best For Construction: brave pro compact Plate Compactor

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Next on the list, we've got yet another compactor that manages to win our hearts. It's the brave pro compact plate compactor and it's widely considered as compactor that has the most suitable features. Reverse travel safety protection ensures the plate automatically reverts to slow forward travel if the operator releases the travel control leve while reversing. It provides easy transportation and protects against dirt and damage.

Why We Like This:

Impact-resistant and open self-cleaning base plate
Hydraulic adjustment control lever for easy direction change
Infinitely variable hydrostatic forward and reverse motion
Fully sealed lubricated wear resistant cast iron vibrator assembly

Best For dirt: WEN welded steel Plate

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The wen welded steel plate is suitable and reliable and fits well with your daily purpose. Choke setting and fuel setting switches are easy to locate as is the on/off switch. It is larger than most in its class, producing 4, 496lbs of force at 5,400 blows per minute. This type of foundation extends the life of your project as it reduces water seepage, swelling and expansion. It is also surprisingly fuel efficient compared to a mower or pressure washer of similar engine size.

The weight of this machine combined with compaction force is quite effective. The flat part that makes contact with the pavers is 17” wide by approximately 17” long. This compactor starts easily and runs very well.

Why We Like This:

Fuel tank provides ample work time
Compacting soil for garage and driveway
Exceptionally well made and very capable

The 9 Best compact Plate compactors (2023 reviews)

Our Top Picks:

Best Overall: Stark USA compact Plate Compactor

Best For gravel: Bilt hard compact Plate Compactor

Best For sand: Yardmax compact Plate Compactor

Best For The money: Northstar compact Plate Compactor

Best For paver: WEN compact Plate Compactor

Best For asphalt: Stark USA Plate Compactor

Best For cohesive And granular soils: Tomahawk Power compact Plate Compactor

Best For Construction: brave pro compact Plate Compactor

Best For dirt: WEN welded steel Plate

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