Walk-Behind Plate Compactor (Base) | Small construction sites, residential landscaping | Honda GX series 4-stroke engine (5.5 HP) 12 kN compaction force▲ 75 dBA noise (quieter than lawnmower) Gasoline-powered | Lightweight (110 lbs) Cost-effective Easy to maneuver | Lower compaction force for heavy-duty tasks Limited runtime on gasoline |
Walk-Behind Plate Compactor (Advanced) | Commercial construction, large-scale projects | Honda GX series 6.5 HP engine▲ 15 kN compaction force▲▲ 70 dBA noise (with muffler tech) Dual fuel (gasoline/diesel)▲ | Higher compaction force▲ Quieter operation▲ Flexible fuel options | Heavier (125 lbs) Higher upfront cost |
Industry Standard Plate Compactor | General construction, medium projects | Generic 4-stroke engine (5 HP) 10 kN compaction force 80 dBA noise (comparable to chainsaw) Gasoline-only | Affordable entry point Widely available | Lower durability Noisier operation Limited power for heavy materials |
Ride-On Vibratory Compactor | Large infrastructure projects | Diesel engine (15 HP) 20 kN compaction force▲▲ 85 dBA noise (louder than leaf blower) | High compaction force▲▲ Faster coverage | Expensive Requires training Less maneuverable in tight spaces |
Hand-Held Vibratory Compactor | Tight spaces, fine grading | 2-stroke engine (2 HP) 5 kN compaction force 60 dBA noise (similar to vacuum cleaner) Battery/electric options | Ultra-portable (40 lbs) Quiet operation Low environmental impact | Minimal compaction force Short runtime for large areas |
Diesel-Powered Plate Compactor | Heavy-duty commercial use | Tier 4 diesel engine (7 HP) 18 kN compaction force▲ 78 dBA noise (with ISO 9612 certification) Heavy-duty frame | High torque for compacting gravel/concrete▲ Long runtime | High emissions Noisier than gasoline models Higher maintenance costs |