The 7 Best Small Plate compactors (2023 reviews)

We consider a small plate compactor to be a worthy investment in the long run. We are here to help you choose the right one for your purposes from all the best available products in market today.

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Our Top Picks:

Best Overall: Buy: Stark USA Small Plate Compactor READ REVIEW

Best For dirt: Buy: Stark USA Plate Compactor READ REVIEW

Best For asphalt: Buy: WEN Small Plate Compactor READ REVIEW

Best For Great price: Buy: Tomahawk Power Plate Compactor READ REVIEW

Best For cohesive And granular soils: Buy: Tomahawk Power Small Plate Compactor READ REVIEW

Best With roller: Buy: WEN welded steel Plate READ REVIEW

Best For narrow areas: Buy: Multiquip Inc. Small Plate Compactor READ REVIEW

Best Overall: Stark USA Small Plate Compactor

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If you want nothing short of the best possible compactor for your daily usage, this stark usa small plate compactor is certainly a right investment. This is a lightweight easy to maneuver, yet powerful tamp. It works great for small lifts and proper soil types. The compactor manual shows fuel cock just down the engine block from the choke lever, and the fuel lever is the throttle on the compactor handle. It maintains a heightened clearance for added protection. It has a stark built motor.

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 does need to be topped off with sae oil before use and it also leaks a little bit of oil due to poor gaskets. The integrated design means that it won't get in the way during your project or work.

• Compact enough to reach compact areas
• Narrow enough to fit in a ditch
• Small, affordable and does the job
• Works great, very little to assemble, free spare parts

Best For dirt: Stark USA Plate Compactor

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The stark usa plate compactor should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. This little machine does an awesome job, easy to assemble and operate. It is used for finishing asphalt, sand, and sloped surfaces while working within narrow confined areas. It just shuts off the compactor when it tips over or it's at too much of an incline so oil doesn't get in the combustion chamber.

This machine is so compact and easy to maneuver around the construction area. There are two instruction manuals, one for the engine and one for the overall unit such as assembly, operating and maintenance instructions. The reasonable weight of the unit and compact form factor make it easy for any adult to use. It comes with a pad of fir pavers.

• Very handy to have a small compactor available all the time
• Lightly used but starts very easily and dependable
• One of the new comers and featured product

Best For asphalt: WEN Small Plate Compactor

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Compared with other compactor in this category, the wen small plate compactor has a convenient design. 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. It provides ample work time and reduces vibration to the user. Vibration isolators between the welded Steel plate and the engine reduce vibration extending the engine's life. It measures up to 27.5 x 17.25 inch.

This type of foundation extends the life of your project as it reduces water seepage, swelling and expansion. The thick and durable design ensures that pavers will remain completely unscathed during even the toughest compaction jobs. It is larger than most in its class, producing 4, 496lbs of force at 5, 400 blows per minute. 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.

• 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 Great price: Tomahawk Power Plate Compactor

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The tomahawk power plate compactor gives the top-tier compactor a run for their money by offering flagship specs at a much more affordable price. This forward plate compactor is perfect for professional applications requiring nuclear density testing and field compaction tests. It comes with wheel kits and also it is 176lbs dry weight. It comes with this compactor’s paver pad (optional) compatibility, to achieve markless compaction of pavers and bricks for decorative patios and walkways. It is easy to handle and really does a nice job of compacting the ground.

This compactor could easily be used on a daily basis out on a jobsite. The exhaust blows directly onto a wheel and melts it. It levels gravel no problem and packs nicely. This is a great compactor and the wheels are an extremely added plus.

• Great vibratory plate, compact and really effective
• Travel speed of 79 ft. per minute for greater productivity
• Assembly instructions and melts it’s wheels

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

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Best part: tomahawk power small plate compactor costs comparatively low and it is available to ship in 24 hours. 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 comes with long lasting materials, parts, 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 is not only great for creating a sturdy foundation, it is also perfect for paver and brick compaction.

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

Best With roller: WEN welded steel Plate

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Wen offers a variety of compactor for personal choice and yet maintaining quality in all the variants. It's like any standard small plate compactor. It is larger than most in its class, producing 4, 496lbs of force at 5,400 blows per minute. It is easy to start, easy to maneuver, and basically propels itself even up a slight incline. It provides ample work time and reduces vibration to the user.

The machine tampers 5/8" minus gravel very well. It is easy to locate as is the on/off switch. The surface looks nearly glass smooth in places. It is also surprisingly fuel efficient compared to a mower or pressure washer of similar engine size. The Tough powder-coat finish keeps the product rust-free.

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

Best For narrow areas: Multiquip Inc. Small Plate Compactor

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The multiquip inc. small plate compactor's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. This Multiquip, model MVC64VH, is a Plate Compactor, Honda GX120, No Water Tank, 14" Wide. It features an anti-vibration handle system, the extra-thick plate in back provides longer wear time, and solid, high-strength steel base plate with curved edges provides top performance, great for confined areas.

• 82 ft fuel consumption per hour
• Highly maneuverable, ideal for small jobs and narrow areas
• Solid, high-strength steel base plate with curved edges provides top performance