How can i tell if this is a decent wacker plate?

[MsCabbage]

This is my first block paving project. I have a patio about 40m2 and have just finished getting levels correct and so just about put the sub base down and start wacking with a wacker plate.

My question is someone in my street who is a builder has a wacker plate he brought and said I could hire from him instead of hiring from a hire shop - saving me some money and giving me more flexibility cause I will be slow doing the job. Thing is I expect wacker plates vary in how manly they are and wondered how I can compare say his to that of my local hire shop? All I know is the builders one is a four stroke petrol. And the hire shop says their one is heavy duty.

Oh and any tips on using the wacker most effectively would be handy. It is only a patio with no vehicle access but the ground has been dug up for a new manhole and associated soil pipes. The neighbour had block paving but theres looks very ill due to many depressions all over it so I am very aware how important this stage is!

[GB_Groundworks]

ask him how much it weighs, four stroke would imply its old.(ignore got it wrong way rd, 2 strokes the older system)

decent sized whacker is hard to lift by one person unless you're strong 60kg plus etc



Edited By GB_Groundworks on 1279656104

[Dave_L]

Four stroke means it's old, Giles?????

[msh paving]

not seen a 2 stroke wacker plate before Giles........ MSH

[Dave_L]

Had a two stroke trench compactor, now that was a bastard to start!!!!!

[GB_Groundworks]

haha got it the wrong way rd oops

got a two stroke 350cc quad its loud and rough but throws out 48hp

[Dave_L]

Oh yeah two stroke fun things are good!

Oh Giles.......I've fallen in love with your sister........:p

[MsCabbage]

GB_Groundworks sounds good advice will ask him tommorrow.

[lutonlagerlout]

hire is around £25 a day or £50 for a week so dont let him take the mick
for your patio if it compacts till there are no gaps in the type 1 its probably ok
TOP TIP
level the type 1 as neatly as you can,wacker wont create new levels just wack to what you have laid
LLL