Our vast inventory from top manufacturers like BOMAG, Ingersoll Rand, Multiquip, and Wacker includes compaction equipment for every surface type: granular, mixed and cohesive soils, asphalt, and sub-bases. From single and double drum rollers, rammers, and plate compactors — for trenches, road construction paving, backfill, landfill, and foundation work — we have the equipment to help you get the job done right. For rough terrain we have a full line of compaction rollers with durable padfoot rollers. Or, for parking lots and other smooth asphalt surfaces, we offer smooth drum rollers.

FAQs about Compaction

What compaction equipment should I use for granular or cohesive soil?

• Rammers are ideal for high-clay or high-silt (cohesive) soils and high-moisture soils. They deliver thousands of pounds of impact force to the soil and a degree of vibration, compacting wet or dry soils. Plate compactors and ride-on rollers work best on granular soils such as gravel and sand.

What type of engine oil do I need for a plate compactor?

• SAE 30, 10/30 or 10/40 will work well in the engine of gas/petrol-powered plate compactors. For diesel engines, use 15/40 oil for maximum productivity. Call United Rentals for more information about the care and use of our plate compactors at 833-525-6346.

When should I use a drum roller instead of a plate compactor?

• Drum rollers are heavy-duty compactors that you drive across large areas such as parking lots, entire construction sites and more. Plate compactors are ideal for smaller sites and narrow work areas such as trenches; they are also ideal for granular soils. They are not ride-on rollers but operated on foot. Single drum rollers or double drum rollers can handle granular and more cohesive soils such as silt or clay.