You will have to first determine what soil you are working with and the size of your job before you will be able to know which compacting tool you should have. Like with most things in life, there cannot be a simple answer to this question but it is clear that plate compactor, also known as vibratory plates, are more versatile than rammers – which are also known as Jumping Jacks. Plate compacters are not as strong but can be used on larger areas and can also be used on all soils. Tamping rammers are stronger and will compact deeper with clay soils but can’t be used with granular soils.

Once you know all these details, you can find the perfect tool to meet your needs.

We will go into detail on how soil type and job size affect each tool and see why it is essential you have the right tool for the right job. If you are a tradesman or even a DIYer, then you know how important your tools are, and that making the right choice saves you time, energy and money. Consider your soil type and size of the job when choosing a tamping rammer vs plate compacter. Plate compactors are best for gravel, sand or silt and larger areas and compact through vibration. Tamping rammers are better for clay soils and smaller areas. But you may not know how to go about choosing the right tool for the job and what the tools even are? Have you ever filled in a hole and come back the next day to find a sunken area where your previously levelled ground was? If so, you probably learned a valuable lesson that day, compacting correctly is key.

Viber plate