Choosing the Right Compaction Equipment for the Job

Whether you're compacting granular base for pavers, prepping for a concrete slab, or backfilling around a foundation, the right compaction equipment is key to long-term jobsite performance.

At CMU Supply, we stock contractor-grade plate compactors, tamping rammers, and rollers from top brands like Husqvarna, Multiquip, and Wacker Neuson — and this guide will help you pick the right tool for your soil type, jobsite, and crew.

 

Why Choosing the Right Compaction Tool Matters

Proper compaction increases soil density, load-bearing strength, and long-term durability. Without it, you're inviting future settlement, cracking, or water damage.

Common applications:

  • Driveway and sidewalk prep
  • Asphalt repair
  • Backfilling around foundations
  • Trench work
  • Landscaping and hardscaping

 

A Contractor’s Guide to Choosing the Right Compaction Equipment

 First, Know Your Material

Material Best Tool Why
Clay / Cohesive Soil Tamping Rammer Delivers impact force to break up sticky, moisture-heavy material
Sand / Gravel / Granular Fill Vibratory Plate Compactor Needs vibration, not impact — over-compacting reduces strength
Asphalt Forward Plate or Roller Requires a water system and smooth finish
Backfill in Trenches Rammer or Reversible Plate Needs deep, concentrated compaction in a tight area
Large Open Areas Reversible Plate or Roller Wide coverage and consistent compaction pass to pass


Second, Know Your Equipment

Plate Compactors

Best For: Asphalt, granular soil, hardscaping bases

  • Forward Plate Compactors are lighter, easier to maneuver, and ideal for driveways, paver bases, or patch jobs.
  • Reversible Plate Compactors are heavier-duty. They travel in both directions and are better for deep compaction or compacting in trenches and over larger areas.

Top Picks:

  • Husqvarna LF 80 LAT – Smooth asphalt performance, optimized water kit, great for patching or small lots.
  • Multiquip MVH308GH – Reversible powerhouse with over 33kN of force. Excellent for road base and trench backfill.
  • Weber CR 2 Hd – Solid middleweight for landscaping crews who want maneuverability and solid force.

Tamping Rammers

Best For: Cohesive soils like clay and silt, trench work, backfill around foundations

  • Rammers use a direct impact pounding motion — not vibration — to compact sticky soils that plates can’t handle.
  • Go-to tool for utility contractors, foundation crews, and anyone compacting tight zones with high moisture.

Top Picks:

  • Wacker Neuson BS60-4As – Lightweight but hits hard; great all-around rammer for trench and utility work.
  • Multiquip MTX70HD – A bit heavier, delivers more stroke and higher impact for deep compaction.

Compaction Rollers

Best For: Large areas, asphalt, base layers under slabs or roads

  • Double-drum rollers give the most even compaction across broad surfaces.
  • Good for commercial paving, parking lots, and soil prep before pouring large pads.

Top Picks:

  • Husqvarna LP 6505 – Smooth drum, vibration on both drums, built-in water system — clean results on asphalt.
  • Multiquip RX1575 – Heavier compaction, better for base layers before large concrete pours or structural pads.

 

What to Look for When Choosing a Compactor

Feature Why It Matters
Compaction Force Higher force means deeper compaction in fewer passes — better for road base, but not always ideal for delicate surfaces.
Plate/Drum Size Impacts how wide your compaction path is. Match to the size of your work area.
Operating Weight Heavier = more force, but harder to maneuver on tight or sloped terrain.
Water Tank Essential for asphalt to prevent sticking.
Forward vs. Reversible Travel Reversible plates save time on larger or trench-based jobs.
Transportability Know whether it fits in a pickup bed or needs trailer transport.


Contractors who frequently work with granular or cohesive soils will benefit long-term from owning the right compactor outright — both in job quality and crew productivity.

Compaction Equipment Comparison Chart

Plate Compactors

Model Type Engine Centrifugal Force Plate Size Applications
Husqvarna LF 80 LAT Forward Honda GX160 16 kN 500 x 345 mm Asphalt, granular soil
Multiquip MVH308GH Reversible Honda GX270 33.8 kN 600 x 480 mm Gravel, sand, road base
Weber CR 2 Hd Reversible Honda GX160 25 kN 450 x 450 mm Landscaping, small road jobs


Tamping Rammers

Model Stroke Height Impact Force Weight Engine Best For
Wacker Neuson BS60-4As 2.8 in 3,375 lb 145 lb Honda GXR120 Clay, trench work
Multiquip MTX70HD 3.5 in 3,350 lb 165 lb Honda GXR120 Confined areas


Compaction Rollers

Model Drum Width Frequency Water System Surface Type
Husqvarna LP 6505 650 mm 55 Hz Yes Asphalt, soil
Multiquip RX1575 650 mm 60 Hz Yes Trench, asphalt


Application Guide

Material Best Equipment Notes
Clay Tamping Rammer Requires impact force and moisture control
Silt Tamping Rammer High energy compaction needed
Sand/Gravel Plate Compactor Use vibratory force; avoid over-compaction
Asphalt Plate Compactor/Roller Use water system and non-stick plate
Rockfill Heavy Reversible Plate High-energy force required for stability


Pro Tips for Better Compaction

  • Compact in layers — never try to do it all in one pass
  • Don’t over-compact granular soils — you’ll reduce bearing strength
  • Always match tool to soil type
  • Use water kits for asphalt to reduce sticking
  • Know your space and job size before choosing a reversible or roller

The best compactor isn’t just about price — it’s about matching tool to task. At CMU Supply, we stock contractor-grade equipment from top brands and help you find what’s right for your material, site conditions, and job size.

Ready to find your compactor?

Reach out to our team — we’re happy to match you with the best equipment for your soil, application, and budget.