What Size Wacker Plate Do I Need?

Two Things Decide the Size

Plate width is the obvious one — a wider plate covers more ground per pass, so a big area goes quicker. But width isn’t the whole story. Compaction force is what determines how thick a layer the machine can actually compact. A light plate can skim the surface of a deep layer and leave it soft underneath; a heavier plate drives the energy further down.

For the jobs most people hire for, you’re choosing between a 400mm forward plate and an 18 inch (approx. 450mm class) reversible plate. The width difference is modest; the force difference is what matters.

Match the Plate to Your Job

For the full breakdown of how the two machines differ, see our forward vs reversible plate compactor guide.

Don’t Forget Layer Depth

Size matters less if you ignore how you build up the material. As a rule of thumb, compact granular sub-base in layers of around 75-100mm at a time rather than tipping it all in and trying to compact it in one go. A plate compactor only drives its energy so far down — load it too deep and the bottom stays loose, which is exactly what causes a finished surface to sink later.

How Long You’ll Need It

A single day covers most patio and small driveway jobs; larger or staged groundworks usually need two to three. Both plates are petrol-powered for outdoor use, hired per day and delivered kerbside across London from our Greenford UB6 base. New to the machine? Read how to use a wacker plate safely first.

Perfect For

• Homeowners sizing a plate for a one-off patio or path
• Landscapers matching the machine to the area and depth
• Driveway installers deciding between forward and reversible
• Groundworkers who need force, not just width, for deeper layers

What each size costs to hire

Once you know the plate size, this is what it costs. Rates are ex-VAT and match each product page.

Prices are ex-VAT and match each product page. The 3–7 day band is one flat rate, so a five-day job costs the same as a three-day one — on the forward plate that works out around £12 a day. A refundable deposit applies and comes back in full when the machine returns undamaged. Delivery is £35 + VAT next working day, or collect free from our Greenford UB6 depot.

A worked example. A driveway sub-base laid in two lifts over three days: the 400mm forward plate at £59.99 + VAT, because three days sits in the same flat band as seven. Undersizing here is the expensive mistake — a plate too light for the layer means the base settles later and the surface has to come up.

Frequently Asked Questions