The 6 Best soil compactors (2023 reviews)

Stark Usa has been making great compactor for years, thanks to a combination of clever design and high-end materials. This soil has many large stones so it does not typically compact well. It packs well, is easy for one person to load and unload, and actually (as it is slightly narrower than others) it is easier to use along foundations or other tight spots than most of these type units. It maintains a heightened clearance for added protection.

It works great for small lifts and proper soil types. It is easy to maneuver, yet powerful tamper. It is an automatic shut off when it senses it is low or out of oil. It is almost light enough to not need it.

Why We Like This:

Works great, very little to assemble, free spare parts
Narrow enough to fit in a ditch
Compact enough to reach compact areas

Best For pavers: Stark USA Plate Compactor

Buy on Amazon

Compared with other compactor in this category, the stark usa plate compactor has a convenient design. It is great for compacting pavers and sub base. It has rollers to move easily. It works well and is able to self-propel up. It is used for compacting dirt and stone. The wheels make it easy to move. There are loose screws and nuts inside. It is easy to maneuver around the construction area. It is also used for finishing asphalt, sand, and sloped surfaces while working within narrow confined areas.

Why We Like This:

Lightly used but starts very easily and dependable
Very handy to have a small compactor available all the time
Good investment for long term

Best For dirt: Bilt hard soil Compactor

Buy on Amazon

Bilt Hard has been making great compactor for years, thanks to a combination of clever design and appropriate materials. 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 is nice and heavy which is what you want. It has a specially designed shock absorption system, improves operator comfort and reduces fatigue. It is perfect for compaction of all fill materials however, you’ll find that sand is almost fully compacted already. It is also very quiet, much quieter than a lawnmower.

The folding transport wheels kit makes it easy to move around your workplace and store it. It comes with wheels to make transport a breeze. It is good helper for soil compacting. It is built strong with heavy gauge steel, so should last a long time.

Why We Like This:

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

Best For cohesive And granular soils: Tomahawk Power soil Compactor

Buy on Amazon

Not everyone likes to purchase compactor for their regular usage, but the tomahawk power soil compactor would be an anomoly. 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 comes with long lasting materials, parts, and more. It is great for cohesive and granular soils such as gravel, clay, silt, clay, or mixed soils. It is perfect for any small landscaper or some one looking to tamp in small places.

Why We Like This:

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

Best For asphalt Compaction: Tomahawk Power forward Plate Compactor

Buy on Amazon

The tomahawk power forward plate compactor's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. This plate compactor has a centrifugal clutch. It is great for cohesive souls such as subbase, clay silt, clay, or mixed soils. It is easy to start and run if maintained properly. The subaru engine works great no repairs yet and starts on every pull.

This plate compactor has a 17'' width and travels at about 70ft a minute, and the TPC80 is also ideal for sidewalks and compacting granular soils. It is perfect for asphalt compaction. The walking speed is reasonably quick depending on the density of the soil and it's fairly maneuverable going in and out of tight spaces.

Why We Like This:

Works exceptional on gravel and dirt
For projects involving landscapes, hardscapes, road repair, and more
Good investment for long term

Best With roller: WEN soil Compactor

Buy on Amazon

Compared with other compactor in this category, the wen soil compactor has a convenient design. 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.

This compactor starts easily and runs very well. It is also surprisingly fuel efficient compared to a mower or pressure washer of similar engine size. It is great for a medium size driveway. The surface looks nearly glass smooth in places. It is easy to locate as is the on/off switch.

Why We Like This:

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