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Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2012 12:14 pm
by 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?
Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2012 12:46 pm
by 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
Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2012 1:43 pm
by 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.
Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2012 2:22 pm
by ringi
Thanks for the help so far, would a Wacker 1540 Plate Compactor be a good option?
Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2012 6:01 pm
by msh paving
ringi wrote:Thanks for the help so far, would a Wacker 1540 Plate Compactor be a good option?
that would be fine MSH 
Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2012 6:08 pm
by Pablo
yup that's a perfect plate for you.
Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2012 6:11 pm
by 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.
Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2012 7:03 pm
by 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
Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2012 7:17 pm
by DNgroundworks
Its not....but i aint gonna argue about it :p
Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2012 7:28 pm
by 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
Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2012 8:02 pm
by Carberry
Not had any problems with my Belle 450, not impressed with it's turning circle though.
Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 3:07 pm
by 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!