Buying a 2nd hand plate compactor

[ringi]

I am planning on some DIY block paving, as I have several areas to do and will be spreading the work over a few months, I am thinking that buying a plate compactor on ebay then reselling at the end would give me more flexibility than hiring. (When I hire equipment I tend to feel I must finish all the jobs in one go so as not to waste money on hire costs)

I don’t mind if it take a little longer to do the job due to a smaller base etc, but I need the compactor to be able to compact the sub base well. I will at least be doing 1 path about 1.5m wide and another path about 1m wide, most likely I will also be doing a driveway if I get a good result on the paths.

So what should I look for and how much should I expect to pay?

[Bob_A]

That's exactly what I done. When doing my projects rather than hire for long periods of time I bought a Wacker 1340 about 3 years ago from ebay. My mate is using it at the moment, I'm in no rush to get it back but when I do i expect to sell it for around the same price I bought it for.
As for price I'm not sure what the going rate is (i'm guessing £250 ?) but prices will rise as spring approaches.
I would definitely be prepared to pay the going rate for a quality name, anything else and you could lose when you resell.
Don't buy a very lightweight machine even if it is a good name.
As a diyer I think my 1340 is just fine but possibly not for the professionals on here who may use diesel compactors or vibratory rollers

[local patios and driveway]

Dont buy belle, they are crap. Buy a popular compactor and it'll sell easy. Bomag and wacker are the two that stick in my mind. I have an old benford, its old but reliable and is super wide.

[ringi]

Thanks for the help so far, would a Wacker 1540 Plate Compactor be a good option?

[msh paving]

Thanks for the help so far, would a Wacker 1540 Plate Compactor be a good option?

that would be fine MSH

[Pablo]

yup that's a perfect plate for you.

[DNgroundworks]

Wide isnt always best LPAD, i find the heavier and narrower the better they compact, ive had wide plates before, 18 inches +, sold them within weeks as i thought they were absolute shite, due to the massive surface area that is being driven by the same size engine that is in a narrower plate - no good.

I have 3 belle wackers, PCLX 320, PCX400 Hatz, RPC 30/40 Hatz top bits of kit.

Bomag, belle or wacker will be fine expect to pay say £250.00 - £350.00 - this should suit your job fine.

[local patios and driveway]

Nahh dan its all about compaction force, my benford compacts better than my old bomag which was a streetworks plate. Its a real thumper

[DNgroundworks]

Its not....but i aint gonna argue about it :p

[lutonlagerlout]

of yes it is
oh no it isnt
LOL
some wackers for no apparent reason seem to wack gear down better than others,if it works for you then do it
LLL

[Carberry]

Not had any problems with my Belle 450, not impressed with it's turning circle though.

[DBriggs]

I bought a Belle wacker from a local tool hire company. It's been a good machine but maybe that's because it was serviced after each hire. Anyway, I can't fault the Belle but then again I've not really used all the brands you lot are on about either! It does the job which is fine for me!