SOIL COMPACTION: FLEXTOOL AND MIKASA EQUIPMENT

SOIL COMPACTION IS A CRUCIAL ELEMENT OF MOST CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS, FROM SMALL DOMESTIC APPLICATIONS, SUCH AS LANDSCAPING AND PAVING, TO LARGER CIVIL PROJECTS INCLUDING ROADWAYS AND TRENCHES.

Soil compaction equipment generates a downwards force helping to remove air voids from the substrate, and providing a solid foundation. This reduces the risk of substrate settlement in the weeks and months after the job is completed. With many types of soil compaction equipment available, here are some considerations when selecting the right piece of equipment for the job.

There are two types of plate compactors — forward and reversible. Forward Plate Compactors operate in a forward direction only and are ideal for use in confined spaces and for compacting thin layers such as granular soils including gravel, road base and asphalt. They are usually lighter and smaller than Reversible Plate Compactors, ranging in weight from a portable 40 kg unit to a larger 100 kg machine. Options to consider include if there’s a need for: a water tank for asphalt and dust suppression; a wheel kit for on-site manoeuvrability; and a folding handle for easy transportation and storage.

Reversible Plate Compactors operate in both a forward and reverse direction. They are ideal for use on larger civil and commercial projects requiring deeper compaction or on large areas requiring compaction. This includes deep compaction of road base and the backfilling of trenches. They come in larger sizes of up to 600 kg. Options to consider are the required weight and working width of the machine to suit the job application and whether a petrol or diesel engine is preferred.

Tamping Rammers (AKA Jumping Jacks) are used for a specific range of projects. They are ideal for confined spaces, such as trenches and deep excavations when compacting cohesive soil and backfill, and are especially good for soil with a high clay content. Ranging from 45 kg to 95 kg, they come in petrol and diesel options with a range of working widths to suit any job. Find one with a wheel kit option for ease of getting around the job site and low vibration handles to reduce vibration transfer to the operator.

Flextool has a large selection of soil compaction equipment across Flextool and Mikasa. Whatever the demands of your business, Flextool has the right equipment for the job.

Flextool is the exclusive distributor of Mikasa, premium soil compactors in Australia. Mikasa Rammers and Plate Compactors are recognised as the industry standard for compacting granular soils and asphalt. That’s why professional contractors trust Mikasa for the job. Built to last, they are the perfect machine to hire again and again.

Find more information on the Soil Compaction range at flextool.com.au

(https://www.flextool.com.au/ products/soil-compaction)