I've gotten great and poor results with both methods.
I've got a hoe pack for my 200 sized hoes, rent a moonwalker (trench roller) as needed. I prefer to use a roller wherever possible. I'd rather see the hoe continuing to work while a labourer packs, than pause a hoe for the change over, pack, and changeover. If for some reason we can't multitask or have a dedicated hoe pack hoe, I'd also rather pay for a roller rental than hours on a hoe/operator.
I feel a hoe pack is quicker to pack, less passes across, but I also feel it's easier to wreck something by getting carried away working in close proximity to foundations or underground utilities, due to the aggressiveness of it. Or due to carelessness/accidental contact. The hoe pack will leave a smooth finish but maybe less level , whereas the trench roller is typically a sheeps foot, pock marked but level. (Are you laying out cloth, insulation, gravel etc on top)
A hydraulic quick attach would be very sweet for hoe packing. A hoe pack is great between utilities, around risers. Not as great if you have a thumb on the hoe.
Much of the time we can't get back with the hoe to reach for packing, at least the first few lifts.
Trench rollers can be used to static roll the first lifts over utilities.
Just some of my thoughts.
Just get a big plate tamper and a short chain, poor man's hoe pack!
