Tips to Use a Wacker Plate: A Guide for Beginners
A wacker plate is also known as a vibrating plate or compactor. This construction equipment has a motor or engine and a vibrating base plate of metal. You can use it to compact material on the ground to get a level grade and solid surface.
Remember, compactors are heavy and robust tools for proper compaction. You will find plate compactors in different sizes. These compactors need petrol to operate. Undoubtedly, this is an expensive piece of equipment; therefore, you can consider wacker plate hire. In this way, you can save money.
Why do you need a Wacker Plate?
In numerous construction projects, it is the initial stage. With the help of a wacker plate, you can compact hardcore, tarmac, gravel sand, and soil on the ground. Moreover, you will need it to lay a driveway, create a base for your shed or build a patio. Vibrating plates prove helpful in road repair and road work jobs, including filling in potholes.
Get Ready to Use a Wacker Plate
To use this machine, you will need some preparations. Make sure to ask for its manual from your tool hire to avoid possible problems. A manual will guide you about controls. Moreover, it will be good to hire a person who is experienced in operating a wacker plate. Here are some preparations to use this machine:
Plate compactors contain heavy pieces; therefore, a person cannot carry it to the right place. You will need two or more people to get it into the right position.
You have to wear safety equipment, such as suitable clothing, before operating this compactor. Make sure to use your personal protection equipment, including ear protection, heavy duty boots, safety gloves, etc.
The process to start a wacker plate may vary based on its model. Both petrol and electric wacker plates have different procedures to start. For this reason, carefully read the manual of your model to avoid possible hazards.
Start Using Your Wacker Plate
After opening the throttle, your wacker plate will move forward because of its vibration. Use a control handle to maneuver and direct the plate in one straight strip on a surface area. After completing a strip, you want to compact, turn your machine around and start the same thing with the next strip of the same area. Sometimes, you have to move through a spot several times to compact it properly.
Once you are done with your compact area, you should switch off this machine. On an electric plate, you can simply turn off the machine. For petrol powdered plate, you have to set throttle again to idle. It will decrease the vibration and stop the movement of this machine. Let the motor run on idle for several minutes to settle this machine. Now turn the on/off switch to the “OFF” position. Finally, close off its choke if it is partially open.
After turning off your vibrating plate compactor, you should store it in a safe and dry location, including a garage or shed. Make sure to use diesel or petrol wacker plates in ventilated areas instead of confined or indoor spaces.
