7 Types of Compactor Machines and Their Usage

In construction, compactor machines decrease the bulk density of dirt and soil by applying pressure in a direction toward the ground. This minimizes the available air gaps in the ground hence stabilizing it. This procedure makes it easy for the ground to bear the load and make the ground surface even for heavy equipment in construction.

In Heavy Equipment Machinery, there are many various kinds of compactors suitable for distinct forms of construction activities. In this part let us discuss twelve types of compactors normally employed in the private and government sectors for construction and building.

Power Rammer

Power rammers which are also known as trench rammers are hand-operated and easy-to-use compactors because of their small size and lightweight construction, that is why it is mostly used for trenches and ditches because they are not suitable for dense material and large surface areas. This handy and lightweight construction machine uses static force by physical impact to compress the soil rather than vibration.

Plate Compactors

There are two different types of plate compactors or vibrating plate compactors depending on the size, which can be of 100 – 300 pound weight. This machine moves up to 10000 vibrations per minute and is mostly used in compacting products like sand and clay. This type of compactor is applied in landscaping, sidewalks, and small projects, offering stability and level of the surface at the same time.

Smooth Wheel Roller

A smooth wheel roller has a large, smooth steel drum for applying static pressure for compaction of materials and it is ideal for crushing rocks, sand, and asphalt layers with smooth finished products. This kind of compactor is applied in highly accurate tasks for instance constructing highways and airport runways as a way of creating a clean stable, stable, and even surface.

Single Drum Vibratory Roller

This type of roller is driven by the workers and operators at the work site, it has a vibrating drum at the front which compresses the soil, and the attached rear tires at back maintain the ample balance. The compaction procedure is carried out smoothly by the operator driving over the ground several times with the help of one drum. This type of compactor mainly offers support to different structures that require heavy foundations and it is used in laying foundations for bigger projects that are to be developed in an area.

Multi-Tire Pneumatic Roller

This type of roller consists of multiple tires on two axles at its front and back because of that this roller provides efficiency on thin soil particles with an ample amount of cohesion. Moreover, it can easily apply pressure on a large surface which prevents soil from rippling and collapsing along with that it can carry finer particles to the surface of an asphalt mix. While it is used preferably on highways, airstrips, and also in large construction projects, the appearance or the texture of the surface is important. This machine provides efficient and smooth operation in no time.

Sheepsfoot Rollers

Sheepsfoot Roller has a steel drum along with rectangular steel protrusions, that is lugs or feet that extend from its surface which is suitable on fine-grained soil and clay. However, compaction quality depends on the weight, dimensions, and the number of lugs. Sheepsfoot rollers are normally applied in large projects such as dams, pavements, railroads, and embankments. Further, it provides an excellent compaction for cohesive soils and improves the stability which is very important for strength and durability but not for surface dressing.

Self Propelled Rollers 

Self-propelled rollers or you can say walk-behind rollers are a type of roller that can be operated manually and consist of one or two drums. These hand-guided or operated ample-size compaction machines. It is suitable for compacting asphalt and soil in smaller areas where big machines can not be able to approach which improves efficiency. With its ample width of two feet, it is not as powerful but more efficient and flexible than big heavy-duty compactors. In construction, it provides a good base for structures especially in building also, for repairing and patching work which is the most crucial part of construction. It maintains power and portability for medium-scale tasks providing limited speed and coverage for better output.

Overview

The compactor machines which are commonly used in construction offer a leveled, stable, and firmer terrain for other loads and structures. Various compactor types are intended for specific purposes. From close control of power rammers in trenches to high-capacity multi-tire pneumatic rollers for large jobs. The smooth wheel rollers are used to ensure that the ground is flat while sheepsfoot rollers are good for making sure that cohesive subsoils are well compacted for longer durations. 

Single drum vibratory rollers and self-propelled rollers have been found to be useful and applicable in many constructions. Thus, contractors obtain the best of their skills, and consequently, select appropriate tools that will enable them to perform their tasks efficiently, effectively, and for a long time. There is nothing as underlying in a waste management business as getting it right in the selection of a compactor, big or small project.