The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:41 pm**

I'm planning on hiring a vibrating plate this weekend and having searched the forums here I see folks are generally steered clear of the smaller types with around 80kg being the recommended size. I was going to hire an 81kg model but how would these specs compare.

Hauc Light Vibrating Plate
Compaction Force: 11kn
Engine: Recoil-Start 4-Stroke
Fuel: Unleaded Petrol
Plate Size: 320mm
Weight: 56kg

I'm not wanting to come across as ignoring what has been recommended by folks that clearly know what they are talking about but here's my problem. I can get a lift on & off my vehicle where I'm hiring the item but in between times I'll pretty much be trying to handle it on my own. A 56kg model I should be able to get in & out of a Ford Focus if I build a bit of a makeshift ramp to get it in and out but I don't think I could manage the 81kg version.

Am I wasting my time with a 56kg model to compact a sub-base and bedding layer on ground which is fairly settled. I'm prepared to spend a lot of time making sure it's compact but if a 56kg won't do it properly then I don't see any point in wasting time or money. The larger version of the specs above is 16kn force and 81kg weight.

As usual any advice is appreciated.

Posted: **Tue Aug 11, 2009 11:55 pm**

if you must use a smaller one make sure you do a lot of passes from different directions, and in no more than 100mm layers
TBH for domestic driveways what you have described is ok,its just not recomended
the same as saying ,you need a land rover to pull a trailer,but you can do it with a focus
if you get my drift
a roller would be best of all for compaction
LLL

Posted: **Wed Aug 12, 2009 12:25 am**

Is large really necessary? You would get the same comparison if you asked a woman that question :p

Posted: **Wed Aug 12, 2009 6:50 am**

Thanks LLL, forgot to say it's for my patio so there's not going to be the same loads as a driveway. That's good news though, I'll spend a lot of time going over it making sure it gets plenty of passes from various directions.

Irishpaving, I wondered why my wife always wore a look of dissapointment when she told me it was ok & size didn't matter. :laugh:

The Brew Cabin

Vibrating plate sizes - Is large really necessary?