Best jumping jack and plate compactor reviews in 2023
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Soil compaction is the process of reducing air and water percentage in the soil. A jumping jack, plate compactor, or tamping rammer are popular devices that are used in soil compaction.
Among all of these machines, a jumping jack compactor seems to be the most budget-friendly and relevant item to have.
By producing consecutive impacts on the ground, a jumping jack compactor greatly helps in reducing the percentage of air and soil present in the ground.
In this article, I am here to introduce you in my experience to the seven most popular and efficient jumping jack compactors so that you can choose the right one for your desired application-
Where to use a jumping jack compactor?
To compact cohesive soil and tight spots, a constructor mostly relies on a jumping jack compactor. Basically, soil compaction is the appropriate field where jumping jack compactors are widely used.
- Works as a replacement to plate compactors.
- Does the job done in tight areas?
- To compact cohesive soil.
- To reduce the number of voids in soil particles.
- Sometimes, it is okay for granular and mixed soils.
In construction areas, where large compactor rollers can’t go inside, jumping jack compactors come in handy. The compact design with powerful vibration lets the user compact the soil. But the condition is to have enough moisture in the soil.
It can conveniently make the soil compact in tighter areas. However, never use it on gravel or asphalt surfaces. It won’t compact the soil, rather make holes on the surface and damage the machine.
How to use a jumping jack compactor?
A jumping jack compactor is a heavy-duty engine that works using an air-cooled engine. It makes the soil compact through continuous vibration, which comes from the power produced by the engine.
However, a degreaser for heavy equipment will come in handy to maintain the engine’s performance here. One needs to go through the following steps to make the machine working.
- Fill the engine with gasoline up to the indicated mark.
- Switch the power on button.
- Start the machine by pulling the lock lever.
- Open the throttle lever by closing the carburetor lever.
- Move the throttle lever to a fully open position.
- Use the throttle lever to adjust the jumping position.
- Have a strong grip on the handle for easy maneuvering.
- Close the fuel cock at the end of the work.
- Finally, clean the handle and engine.
However, before letting the compactor get going, you must take a look at the weather condition. You may be using it in cold weather or hot weather. On a hot sunny day, don’t open up the throttle lever fully.
Let it get cool down a bit by opening halfway. On the opposite circumstance, you should ignite the engine before starting the work.
How to choose a jumping jack
When you are buying a jumping jack, you shouldn’t purchase one blindly. There are some crucial aspects you need to consider before making the final decision. However, the above discussion might have already given you a basic idea.
Now, here are the things you need to go through before buying any jumping jack compactor and have the best result out of it.
- A powerful 196cc or 212cc Honda engine.
- Upgraded horsepower of minimum 6.5 HP for enhanced performance.
- Air-filtration system for prolonged engine life.
- Durable base plate with adequate pressure.
- Enough vibration on the soil, but less on the hand.
- Easy to start the engine.
- Hassle-free transportation with handles and rollers.
- Strong metal construction for extended reliability.
The engine power defines how powerful the compactor is and how efficient performance you are going to get from it. The powerful the engine, the more horsepower it will produce. It can enhance the compacting speed.
If you don’t want to get airborne dust getting inside the engine while working, look for one with a better air-filtration system. It keeps airborne dust away and enhances the lifetime.
Both body and base plate construction is crucial to provide a long-lasting compact machine. You shouldn't compromise getting the highest quality construction. A cheaper one might cost less but won't be long-lasting.
Proper vibration will do the job in a much better way. But it becomes annoying when the vibration comes to your hand and arm. So, look for one that keeps the vibration in the machine's handle only.
Not many people think about transportation, even though it's a necessary aspect. You might have to transport the machine from one construction spot to another. Only when it provides better portability, it is possible to enjoy hassle-free transportation.
Jumping jack compactor vs. plate compactor
In construction areas, both plate compactor and jumping compactor come in handy. The basic job of these machines is to compact the soil, whether it’s dry or wet. However, both these compactors have different working fields.
Comparison | Jumping jack compactor | Plate compactor |
Soil type | Cohesive soil with moisture | Granular soil like gravel and sand |
Plate underneath | Small plate with vibration | Wider plate with vibration |
Weight | Lightweight and compact | Heavyweight and large |
Area for using | In tight and compact areas | In large areas |
Prohibit to use | On asphalt and gravel | Small areas and wet clay surface |
You may be wrong if you think of one of these as the alternative to the other one. The jumping jack compactor isn’t ideal for grave or asphalt surfaces. Instead of compacting on the soil, it will make holes and damage the machine.
However, a plate compactor is a heavyweight and extra powerful machine that covers a large area. It doesn’t matter, whether you use it on wet or dry granular soil, it can ensure the job is done. The wider plate with vibration comes in handy.
On the other hand, it becomes unusable in compact or tighter spaces. Therefore, when you need to compact the soil in between two buildings or any such areas, it is better to rely on jumping jack compactors.
The small plate with maximized vibration compacts the soil with cohesion. But the soil must have enough moisture to make the compactor machine useful.
Name | Image | Features |
|---|---|---|
  | *Honda GX100 engine *Power: 3 HP *3,350 lbs. PSF | |
  | *Power: 3.2 HP *1,543 lbs. PSF *Weight: 156.5 pounds | |
  | *Honda GX100 engine *3,060 lbs. PSF *Weight: 141 pounds | |
  | *6.5 HP/196 cc *10,000 lbs. PSF | |
  | *1.3 HP *Honda GX35 engine *2922.52 lbs. PSF | |
  | *6.5 HP | |
  | *7 HP *Powerful 212cc engine |
Best jumping jack compactor
Whether the soil is wet or dry, compacting it is a necessary task in the construction areas. On cohesive soil with moisture, the constructors use jumping jack compactors. It has a small plate and vibration underneath to compact the soil efficiently.
Although the mechanism of these compactors is pretty similar, there are a lot of machines from different manufacturers. When you have made your mind to purchase a jumping jack compactor, you should go through the following products first.
Brand | |
Weight | 150 pounds |
Key Features
Construction material | Metal construction |
Engine | Honda GX100 with 3 years of engine warranty |
Power | 3 HP |
Voltage | 380 volts |
Baseplate | German-made bellow with 13 by 11 inches steel shoe |
Impact force | 3,350 pounds per square ft |
Compaction density rate | 98% to 100% compaction density |
Jumping strokes | 1.6 to 3.4 inches even jumping |
Air filter | Dual air filter design |
For loading and unloading | Lifting hook and rollers |
Users’ opinion after using the product
The jumping jack compactor is easy to handle and does the pretended job very well. The construction quality is satisfactory here that ensures long-term usability. Moreover, the engine power gets on the soil with extra efficiency for compacting.
Also, it starts the engine after pulling the cord a couple of times. Therefore, most users get extra time to finish the job perfectly. To prevent soil erosion or to make the surface even, it comes in handy every time.
More details to know
The manufacturer has used a durable German-made bellow underneath to withstand heavy vibration strokes. It comes with a jumping stroke capacity that ranges from 1.6 to 3.4 inches. It can provide equal compaction on cohesive and granular soils up to 26 inches.
From the on-field density tests, it is found that the compactor can achieve 98% to 100% compaction. Moreover, it has a higher compaction force of 3,350 pounds per square ft. The manufacture has ensured the reliability of the engine.
It comes with a GX100 engine from Honda with 3 years of warranty. For an extended engine life, the machine has a dual air-filter design. It avoids the clog or dirt getting inside and hampers the performance.
For day-to-day support for transporting, it has lifting hooks, handles, and rollers. Above the rammer shoe, you will find an oil level sight glass to know the exact oil level.
Things we liked
- Works on both cohesive and granular soils.
- Avoids engine clogs for long-lasting service.
- Lifting hook and handles ensure easy loading and unloading.
- Pulling the cord twice starts the engine.
- Maintains the quality for long time use.
- Works even in the dirtiest conditions.
Things we disliked
There's nothing to complain about so far.
Brand | |
Weight | 156.5 pounds |
Key features
Construction material | Metal |
Engine | Air-cooled single-cylinder four-cycle gasoline engine from Honda |
Power | 3.2 HP |
Maximum engine RPM | 4,200 |
Baseplate | 13 inches by 11 inches plate |
Impact force | 1,543 pounds per square ft |
Percussion rate | Maximum 680 blows per minute |
Operating speed | 28 ft per minute |
Jumping strokes | 2.7 inches stroke at the ramming shoe |
Air filter | A unique four-stage air filtration system |
Fuel tank capacity | 3.2 US qt. |
Loading and unloading | Large & flexible transport lug with transport rollers on the handle |
Users opinion after using the product
After a few months of usage, users have taken it as a long-lasting compactor machine. The easy and simple operating system makes it always ready to use. Moreover, none of them has experienced any difficulties while transporting it to the construction area.
With the easy functionality, it keeps the engine dirt-free for an extended using period. The filtration system comes in handy every time. However, you don’t have to think about the fuel level while working.
It has low fuel showing indicator that lets the operator concentrate on the work rather than worrying about the fuel.
More details to know
In confined construction areas, you will find this compactor very handy. The manufacturer has made it usable on cohesive soil, granular soil, and mixed soil. There’s an integrated fuel valve on the throttle, which is a lone lever used for acceleration.
When a long-lasting compactor is what you need, it must remain dust-free. And with the unique four-stage filtration, the engine remains virtually dust-free for a long time. It has an LED indicator light that shows the low fuel level.
The compactor has both transport lugs, and roller handles to make the transportation hassle-free. It comes with Wacker Neuson 100 engine to operate. The base plate is 13 inches by 11 inches, which works with an operating speed of 28 ft per minute.
It produces 3.2 HP power and the maximum engine RPM is up to 4,200.
Things we liked
- Shows the insufficient oil level with the LED light indicator.
- Easy transportation with lugs and roller handles.
- Extended engine life with four-stage air filtration.
- Built-in shock system reduces hand-arm vibration.
- Single lever for throttle acceleration.
Things we disliked
So far, it has had no bad impacts.
Brand | Multiquip |
Weight | 141 pounds |
Key Features
Construction material | Steel body |
Engine | Honda GX100 engine |
Baseplate | 10.4 inches, long-lasting laminated steel, and wooden shoe |
Impact force | 3,060 pounds per square feet |
Compaction density rate | 98% of compaction density |
For comfort | Low vibration handles |
Extra feature | Combination hour meter and tachometer |
Air filter | Cyclonic air cleaners |
Fuel tank | EPA standards meeting redesigned tank |
Users opinion after using the product
It is an easy-to-use compactor machine, which turns on smoothly without much difficultly. As it has steel construction both on the body and base plate, there isn't any question regarding the durability.
Moreover, the users are satisfied with the compacting strength. It also ensures minimal vibration on the hand and arms while using the machine. The air-filtration system keeps the airborne dust away from the engine.
Therefore, anyone using the compactor can enjoy a long-lasting service from it.
More details to know
The jumping jack compactor is not only good at its looks, but you need to praise it for the functionality too. It has a complete steel construction. Moreover, the manufacturer used long-lasting laminated wood along with steel on the shoe for an extended lifetime.
It is equipped with cyclonic air cleaners that remove 98% of airborne dust particles from the engine. Therefore, you can notice an improvement in the machine’s performance. Also, the engine comes with protective, durable guards around.
The guards keep it safe from several damages that enhance the functionality. It comes with a combination of a tachometer or hour meter. Now, you need not worry about the vibration while operating.
The manufacturer has added low vibration handles on the machine letting it produce almost zero vibration on the arm. They have redesigned the fuel tank that meets EPA standards for evaporative emissions.
Things we liked
- Offers low vibration handles.
- Protects the engine from damage with the guards.
- Keeps the majority of airborne particles away from the engine.
- The fuel tank comes meeting EPA standards.
- Easy to start the machine.
Things we disliked
Nothing to dislike so far.
Brand | Stark USA |
Weight | 207 pounds |
Key features
Construction material | Metal, steel & aluminum |
Engine | 196cc, 4 stroke engine |
Power | 6.5 HP |
Fuel type | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity | 0.59 gallon |
Baseplate | 13 inches in length and 11 inches in width |
Impact force | 10,000 pounds per square feet |
Impact depth | 450 mm |
Compaction depth | 17.71 inches |
Jumping strokes | 60 to 65 mm per second |
Air filter | Air-cooled heat dissipation |
Travel speed | 9 to 12 meters per minute |
Ramming frequency | 600 to 650 RPM |
Users opinion after using the product:
From our research, we have found mixed reactions from the user regarding the compactor. First of all, the majority of the users are satisfied with the price, what it offers. Secondly, the air cooling system seems satisfactory to ensure long-lasting service.
But when it comes to construction, it is not amongst the durable ones. Users have experienced breakage after a few times of use. Also, instead of the fuel tank, the gas returns to the operator.
The throttle cable isn't durable as well, and most users suggested not going for it to have long-lasting support.
More details to know
The manufacturer used aluminum, steel, and metal to construct this jumping jack compactor. It is the durable construction with air-cooled heat dissipation that enhances the compactor's performance. It comes with a 2.2-liter fuel tank, which uses gasoline for operating.
According to the manufacturer, it is EPA and CARB compliant. You should use SAE 15w40 oil in the engine. After the engine is ready to operate, it can produce from 60 to 65 mm in height. It comes with a recoil start type.
With the folding wheel kit, the compactor stays safe while moving it around. However, the traditional-sized metal base provides effective service.
Things we liked
- Hassle-free transportation by deploying the wheels.
- Maintains a heightened clearance for extra protection.
- The traditional base measurement provides effective service.
- Exterior ribcage housing for extended protection.
- Lightweight and well-balanced construction.
Things we disliked
- Throttle cables are weak and require readjusting.
- Hard plastic spark plug boot.
Brand | HOC |
Weight | 71 pounds |
Key features
Construction material | Steel |
Engine | Honda GX35 engine |
Power | 1.3 HP |
Percussion rate | Maximum 680 times per minute |
Travel speed | 55 feet per minute |
Baseplate | 11 by 5.5 inches shoe size |
Impact force | 2922.52 pounds per square ft |
Compaction depth | 8 inches |
Jumping strokes | Maximum 3.15 inches |
Fuel tank capacity | 2.8 liter |
For loading and unloading | Lifting hook |
Air filter | Unique for-stage air-filtration system |
Users opinion after using the product
Well, it has a powerful operating capacity but is easy to load and unload. You can single-handedly load the compactor and unload it using the lifting hook. The users loved the capacity of high power and low fuel consumption mostly here.
For tight spots, you can take it easily in and make the soil compact. The narrow design makes it an ideal choice in these conditions. Also, the air-filtration system comes in handy because it prolongs the engine's lifetime.
You can enjoy a dust-free service for an extended period because of the air filtration.
More details to know
If you are looking for a lightweight and narrow compactor, it seems one of the perfect choices anytime. The four-cycle rammer comes with a better impact force. It is equipped with a four-stage air-filtration system that keeps the dust away from the engine.
It comes with only one lever for acceleration and shutoff as there’s an integrated fuel valve throttle available. With the Honda GX35 engine, it can produce up to 1.3 HP power. The compact design makes it suitable for tight spots.
The Honda engine provides high power and low fuel consumption. The maximum jumping stroke in the engine is 3.15 inches. It comes with a fuel tank capacity of 2.8 liters.
Things we liked
- Dust-free engine for extended lifetime and durability.
- Provides ease of portability.
- Easy to apply in tight spots because of the narrowness.
- High power and low fuel consumption.
- One lever for acceleration and shutoff.
Things we disliked
The 1.3 HP engine power seems low.
6. CORMAC, RM75 Tamping Rammer
Brand | CORMAC |
Weight | 167 pounds |
Key features
Construction material | Aluminum, rubber, steel, plastic |
Engine | Single-cylinder 4-cycle air-cooled engine |
Power source | Gas-powered |
Power | 6.5 HP |
Baseplate | 13.3 inches by 11.2 inches plate |
Impact force | 14 kN |
Vibration frequency | 560 to 620 VPM |
Compaction depth | 19.6 to 21.5 inches |
Percussion rate | 450 to 650 times per minute |
Travel speed | 32.8 to 42.6 feet per minute |
Air filter | Air-cooled type engine |
Users opinion after using the product
The machine is easy to start and works perfectly on the cohesive surface to compact the soil. With D-ring inclusion, the users can conveniently transport it into the construction spot. Moreover, transportation becomes much easier when you are using a tractor and chain.
However, there's something about what the users seem dissatisfied with. The bolts available in the package are not durable enough to withstand long-term usability. Also, after using it for a while, it seems losing its speed a bit.
More details to know
It is a perfect jumping jack compactor that comes with an air-cooled engine. The addition of an air-cooling feature in the engine enhances the lifetime by removing the airborne dust. It functions through a single-cylinder four-cycle engine that produces 6.5 HP power.
According to the manufacturer, it is a gasoline-powered engine, which has up to 14 kN impact force. The manufacturer has used aluminum, steel, rubber, and plastic to complete the construction. The plate available underneath the machine is 13.3 inches by 11.2 inches.
After starting the engine, it works with a vibration frequency from 560 to 620 VPM. However, the compaction depth ranges from 19.6 to 21.5 inches.
Things we liked
- The machine is easy to start.
- The inclusion of a D-ring makes transportation hassle-free.
- Durable construction using aluminum and steel.
- Works greatly and finishes the task on cohesive surfaces.
- Prolongs the engine's lifespan with an air-cooled design.
Things we disliked
- The bolts quality is not up to the mark.
- It seems not firing at full speed after a little bit of use.
Brand | WEN |
Weight | 199.6 pounds |
Key features
Construction material | Welded-steel, powder-coat finish, high-density foam |
Engine | Powerful 212cc engine |
Power | 7 HP |
Power source | Gas-powered |
Percussion rate | Maximum 400 blows per minute |
Baseplate | 24 by 17.75 inches contoured edge plate |
Impact force | 496 pounds-force per ft |
Travel speed | 82 feet per minute |
For loading and unloading | Lift handles at the plate with central lifting or load bar |
Users opinion after using the product
As a replacement to the old plate compactor, this one proves to be a handy one for the users. It is worth to money product that starts easily and does the job well as you have intended from it.
The users don't need to pull the cord again and again to make the machine run; rather it gets ongoing at only one pull. Talking about the construction materials, the manufacturer has maintained the quality as the users have a long-lasting service.
More details to know
If you are about to change the previous compactor and looking for a functional one in the construction area, this one is perfect. The manufacturer used welded steel to construct the body and the base plate.
However, they also put on a powder-coated finish to extend durability. The base plate is a bit larger than traditional jumping jack compactors that measure 24 by 17.75 inches.
It has a lift handle at the plate to ensure convenient transportation. Moreover, the handle is equipped with high-density foam for comfortable portability. In order to enhance the portability, it comes with a central lifting or load bar.
Things we liked
- The compactor starts easily with one pull.
- It is a value for money product.
- Easy and comfortable transportation with foamy handle.
- The enlarged base plate enhances the work.
- Enhanced the durability with powder-coat finish.
Things we disliked
- The engine suddenly stops working sometimes.
- The handle’s quality is not satisfactory.
Cost of jumping jack compactors?
On average, jumping jack compactors cost from $600 to $1,300. The cost varies depending on engine power, vibration speed, machine weight, etc. However, some high-grade, powerful compactors can cost you from $2,000 up to $3,300.
You don’t need to spend that many dollars for a jumping jack compactor if the work is done with the affordable ones. Check out the details of a product before you spend your valuable money on it.
FAQs
Which is better, jumping jack compactor or plate compactor?
There are a couple of things you need to notice while using a compactor. The first thing is how solid it makes the soil, and the second is the finish after use.
The jumping jack has an extended pressure on the soil compared to plate compactors. It makes the soil solid but drops some ridges. On the other hand, the plate compactor isn’t as powerful as the jumping jack. However, it does provide a smoother finish.
When you should use a hand compactor instead of a jumping jack compactor?
Basically, you should never use a hand compactor when you have a jumping jack compactor. Hand compactor needs much energy, and the process is long-term as well. As it’s not a machinery compactor, you won’t get adequate pressure on the soil.
However, if it’s a slope, you should go for the manual compacting process. Therefore, a hand compactor goes better than a jumping jack in such situations.
Is it okay to use jumping rammers on asphalt?
Nope, jumping rammers are not okay to use on asphalt. Jumping jack compactors or rammers came to use on cohesive soil, not on any gravel or concrete. Using asphalt can create holes instead of compacting on the surface.
Moreover, the hard asphalt surface can damage the machine. Therefore, it’s not suggested to using jumping rammers on asphalt.
How to prolong the compactor service?
A compactor engine needs proper cleaning after every time you use it. As it is used on cohesive soil, it is easy to get dirty. Experts suggest cleaning the compactor engine and handle regularly to prolong the compactor service.
Final verdict
Don’t mix jumping jack compactor and flat plate compactors because these have different working fields. If you have got cohesive soil in the construction spot, you must go for a jumping jack compactor.
- And the listed ones will provide the following benefits to the users.
- Easy to start the machine with a single or double pull.
- It prolonged engine life with dust removal using air filtration.
- Some compactors are usable on both cohesive and granular soils.
- Gasoline-powered engine with a minimum 3 HP.
- Conveniently works in tight areas.
