Excavator Compaction Wheels & Plates

Excavator compaction wheels and plates compact backfill in trenches, around foundations and on embankments using your excavator's reach and down-force, so the work is done from the cab rather than by someone in the trench. Choose a sheepsfoot compaction wheel for clay and cohesive soils, or a vibrating compaction plate for hardcore, gravel and sand.

Compactor Excavator size Width Weight Best for
1–2 tonne compaction wheel 1–2 tonnes 200mm wheel 52kg Clay and cohesive soils
2.5–5 tonne compaction wheel 2.5–5 tonnes 300mm wheel 142kg Clay and cohesive soils
6–8 tonne compaction wheel 6–8 tonnes 300mm wheel 182kg Clay and cohesive soils
12–14 tonne compaction wheel 12–14 tonnes 465mm wheel 360kg Clay and cohesive soils
17–22 tonne compaction wheel 17–22 tonnes 510mm wheel 613kg Clay and cohesive soils
12–14 tonne compaction plate 12–14 tonnes 1,053 x 650mm plate 465kg Hardcore, gravel, sand and soil

The compaction wheels are fully mechanical. The plate runs off your excavator's auxiliary hydraulics. Ask us about a compaction plate for a 2 to 8 tonne machine, or browse all our excavator tools.

Not sure which you need? Read compaction wheel or compaction plate for how to choose and how to compact backfill in layers.
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Compaction Wheel or Compaction Plate?

  • Compaction wheel: a narrow sheepsfoot drum with clubfoot lugs that knead the soil. Best for clay and other fine-grained, cohesive soils, and narrow enough to work down a trench. No hydraulics needed.
  • Compaction plate: a hydraulic vibrating plate that works at almost any angle. Best for granular material such as hardcore, gravel, sand and sub-base, and for slopes and embankments. Runs off your auxiliary circuit.

How a Sheepsfoot Compaction Wheel Works

The lugs around the drum push into the soil and concentrate your excavator's down-force onto a small area, kneading cohesive soils so they compact better than under a smooth roller. The bearings sit in a sealed housing and lubricate themselves, so there's no routine maintenance.

How the Compaction Plate Works

A hydraulically driven rotating unbalanced weight makes the plate vibrate, so it doesn't rely on down-pressure from the boom. Four heavy-duty rubber mounts soak up the vibration before it reaches your machine. It compacts at up to 50m² an hour and can also drive fence posts.

Getting a Good Result

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sheepsfoot roller?

A compaction wheel with lugs, or feet, around the drum. The lugs push into the soil and concentrate the load, which compacts clay and cohesive soils better than a smooth roller.

Do compaction wheels need hydraulics?

No. They're fully mechanical and work off your excavator's own down-force. The compaction plate needs an auxiliary circuit.

Which size do I need?

Match it to your excavator's operating weight in the table above, then send us your pin and linkage details so it's made to fit.

How long does delivery take?

Usually 7 to 10 working days. Each one is made to fit your machine, so we confirm your measurements first. Ask us if you need it for a fixed date.