Who has the best selection of plate compactors in the Amarillo, Texas area?

Concrete Products PRO is known in the Amarillo, Texas, area for having the best selection of plate compactors offered to concrete contractors. At Concrete Products PRO a concrete contractor has choices. A concrete contractor will find a great selection of plate compactors and more. Visit with the staff at Concrete Products PRO for all your plate compactor needs.

What is a plate compactor?

A plate compactor is a concrete machine used to compress various types of soil, sand  and gravel before concrete is poured. There are several types of plate compactors. Most used on a job site are walk behind. Some can be attached to a backhoe or other larger machines.

A plate compactor has a heavy metal plate on the bottom of the machine. The plate sits on the ground, and the machine makes the plate move very fast in a side to side vibrating motion. Because the machine is heavy and with the plate compactor's quick upward and downward movement, the impact on the soil forces the soil and particulates underneath the machine down and compacts the base that concrete is poured onto.

A plate compactor is made in several ways. It comes in different sizes and shapes. Some come with different accessories. The machine is heavy, and as a result, the machine’s side to side vibrating motion is suitable for compacting almost any type of soil or base used underneath a concrete structure. Plate contractors utilize an engine that is either gas or diesel.

Why do you need a plate compactor when pouring concrete?

As mentioned above, the plate compactor will pack the loose soil. In construction projects where concrete is poured, the subsurface must be stable and not move. Unpacked soil has pore space between the particles of soil. When you compact soil, the pore space is significantly reduced; using a plate compactor will increase the density of the soil.

The compaction of the soil also greatly reduces the rate at which water infiltrates the soil underneath the concrete after it is poured. Unpacked soil has large pores that water can enter. Smaller pores in the compressed soil underneath a concrete pour reduce the drainage rate.

How do you use a plate compactor?

Before using a plate compactor on any project, the worker must have proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Using the correct PPE will reduce the chances of injury resulting from using a plate compactor. Concrete Products PRO has a complete line of PPE equipment used on all your projects using a plate compactor.

To begin, the ground being packed must be level. A worker can use a raker to ensure the ground is level. Using a plate compactor will be easier when the ground is leveled as the worker pushes and walks the plate compactor.

Next, the ground cannot be soaked or in a muddy situation. Plate compactors will not work correctly in this situation. If the soil is too muddy, the plate will need to be cleaned with a water hose and a scraper to ensure the plate is clean.

It is best to start at one corner of the area needing to be compacted. When you start the engine, make sure you hold on to the plate compactor machine. As you compact the soil area, the machine will move over the soil’s surface. When you make the first pass of the plate compactor over the soil, it is best to move back and forth in straight lines. For the second pass over the soil, start at the same spot you started from, and this time move the plate compactor perpendicular to the first pass.

Concrete Products PRO can assist with all your concrete plate compactor needs.

With all the various types of plate compactors on the market today, choosing the plate compactor for your specific project is essential. Just remember that Concrete Products PRO can order any type of plate compactor on the market today and have it delivered directly to you. Call or visit Concrete Products PRO, and we will help you with everything you all of your plate compactor needs.