[Stonehenge]

I'm starting to look for a larger, reversible plate compactor. I've been pretty happy with the smaller Wacker we own (1550) as compared to the similar sized Stone and Bomag.

Here are the specs on the model I think will best fit our needs:

BPU 3545A
Weight: 700 lbs
Compacted Area: up to 8500 sqft/hr
Compaction Depth: up to 28"
Centrifugal Force: 7870 lbs
Engine: 9hp Honda

The price I was quoted was $6,600, which seems a shade high. What's a reasonable price for a 9-horse, 700# reversible plate?

[Stonehenge]

Does nobody have a plate like this?

[Stonehenge]

UPDATE

Called one of my notoriously high-priced suppliers, and they quoted $8,000.

$6,600 still seems high, though.

[PSUscaper]

Price sounds fair to me....

When it comes to construction equip, its hard to get a 'deal', especially on items like compactors.

If it is a 'deal', then it probably is a piece of junk.

For reference, check out Northern Tool.

They have a reveresible 448 lb Ingersol rand with a diesel yanmar, 7053 lbs force for $8399.

They also have 2 'no name' reversible with 9hp honda. The 6500 lb is $5179, the 8542 lb is $7469.00.

Judging from those prices, I would say the price for the wacker is right in line....

For some reason, the price on the reversible's really jumps up when you compare it to the non-reversible.

I would check out dyna-pac........they have some good machines also for reasonable prices. But overall, I think your price is close to a deal as you'll get.

I still haven't hit the point of needing a machine so big, but I've been considering a roller/plate for a skidsteer instead of a dedicated machine.......the problem with the big plates is that you have to have a machine on the job anyway to move the thing around........so, why not just mount it on the machine. Seems more logical. I know you lose some maneuvability, but with the few spots you can't get too, you can still use the smaller plates.



steve

[Paul]

I have to agree with steve on this you should look at skid steer mounted plates, they are more cost effective. A 66"-72" skid steer plate will be about as much as a 24" reversable plate. You'll be hitting with as much force as a smaller plate but covering 3X as much width as one. No it's not the greatest for 3'-4' sidewalks but drives and big patios you can't beat them.

[Stonehenge]

They may be faster but for our project sizes, and the need for maneuverability, a stand-alone seems like a better choice for us.

[Stonehenge]

I just agreed to purchase a Bomag 40/45 from one of my suppliers. It's a gently used diesel, 3 years old. We've been working with it on their hardscape display, and it has started and run well. Here are the specs: http://www.bomag-americas.com/equip/...R30_38_2pg.pdf

9,600+ pounds of compaction. (insert Tim Allen noise here)

One of my new guys was floored when the shop guy told me the price and I said "SOLD".

They had the next model up that had been sitting there for a year or more, new, selling for $10,500. I got this one for about half that. Seems to be a very nice machine.

And good timing, too. We've had a run of paver driveway bids in the last few weeks.

[Paul]

Sorry to hear that LOL Did you check out a plate for the skid steer? new they run around $7K

[Stonehenge]

They probably do, but I don't think those will fit our needs, with their lack of maneuverability. Your guys do projects much larger than ours, and for the smaller jobs we take on, that skidder mounted unit wouldn't get it for us.

Now I can start shaking the pictures off my client's interior walls.

[PSUscaper]

Just don't shake the wall's off your client's pictures..........................