Plate Compactors - What to buy?

[thirdcoaster]

I will be needing a 24" plate compactor (hoepac) for an upcoming project. We will be prepping for residential foundations. It will be mounted to a 580 Super M.

Are there any brands/models that are preferred, or maybe more importantly, brands to avoid?

[Kgmz]

We have a Allied 8700 Ho-Pac, current model is now called the 1000. Works great and a very common brand around here. Only problem we have had was a bearing went out for the counter weight about a year ago, and was a easy fix and not too bad for being 10 years old.

Is you machine already plumbed for a ho-pac or breaker? I got the kit for ours from Allied also, and was a lot cheaper than what the JD dealer wanted.

Allied Construction Products
http://www.alliedcp.com/

[gggraham]

We have had great success with Allied also it would be the one I would recommend. If your machine is not plumbed you may also want to check out Burlington Installations. They are the approved manufacturer for Case. http://www.burlingtoninstallation.com/
On the allied packers some still have a small pipe plug on the motor near the bearing side. This is where the drain line was usually plumbed in. Although most guys do not run a drain line we still run a small 1/4" drain line and it saves the seals.

[KSSS]

Allied is popular here as well. I also like the BTI hoe pac. What I like about the BTI is the method they use to cushion the hoe pac. Instead of side mounting the rubber cushions, BTI uses a honey comb type system that I think looks like a much better design. You don't get the tearing of the rubber mounts on the BTI like you do on the side mounts on most other hoe pacs.

I have a Kent hoe pac and it is as tough a hoe pac as I have had.

[rino1494]

We paid $1,000 for a brand new Genpac at a RB auction and have it mounted on our 580D and 590 super M and have more than 1,000 hrs on it with no problems at all.

[Hendrik]

Talking about compactors, I have been thinking (oh no they all say) would it be possible to attach a compacting plate to a rock breaker.
One day I would like to get a rock breaker (or should I say machine breaker) for the Kubota and if it is possible to also use it for compaction this would be a advantage is several ways.

[thirdcoaster]

We paid $1,000 for a brand new Genpac at a RB auction and have it mounted on our 580D and 590 super M and have more than 1,000 hrs on it with no problems at all.

After posting the original post, I went surfing the 'net, and came across the Genpac and Dynatec units. They seem almost too cheap in comparison to Kent and Allied. The prices on the Kent and Allied are similar.

I hate to spend top dollar on a hoepac because this unit will likely only be used for 12 residential foundations, and then either sold or used on our ranches as a t-post driver. I also hate to rent, so I'm wondering if anyone else has experience with the Genpac units or other "cheap" compactors.

[BIAVAEX]

After posting the original post, I went surfing the 'net, and came across the Genpac and Dynatec units. They seem almost too cheap in comparison to Kent and Allied. The prices on the Kent and Allied are similar.

I hate to spend top dollar on a hoepac because this unit will likely only be used for 12 residential foundations, and then either sold or used on our ranches as a t-post driver. I also hate to rent, so I'm wondering if anyone else has experience with the Genpac units or other "cheap" compactors.

I have a similar situation. We do some res. driveways and had the thought of purchasing these rather than renting a wacker for small jobs. Is the roi pretty good on these units?? as opposed to just renting the attatchment? There's another post...