Use and Care Manual

9
WARNING: The exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
STARTING THE PLATE COMPACTOR:
1. Check the oil and fuel levels.
2. Turn the fuel valve to the “ON” position.
3. Move the choke lever to the “START” position.
4. Set the engine switch to the “ON” position.
5. Move throttle lever to “MIN” position.
6. Pull on the recoil starter handle slowly until a slight resistance is felt. Then pull quickly to start the
engine. Return cord gently into the machine. Never allow the cord to snap back.
7. Allow the plate compactor to run for several minutes before increasing the speed using the throttle.
8. This plate compactor is designed for compacting loose, granular soils, gravel, and paving stones. It is
intended to be used in confined areas and areas next to structures such as walls, curbs, and
foundations.
9. This plate compactor is not recommended for compacting cohesive soils with heavy clay content.
10. Run the engine at full throttle and allow the plate to pull itself along at its normal speed. When
operating on an incline it may be necessary to assist the plate by pushing it forward slightly. When
operating downhill, hold the plate back slightly if it begins to pick up speed. Depending on the
material being compacted, three or four passes are recommended to achieve the best compaction.
11. While a certain amount of moisture in the soil is necessary, excessive moisture may cause soil particles to stick
together and prevent good compaction. If soil is extremely wet, allow it to dry somewhat before compacting.
WARNING: DO NOT operate the plate on concrete or on extremely hard, dry, compacted surfaces.
The plate will jump rather than vibrate and could damage both the plate and the engine.
IMPORTANT: The plate compactor should not be used for more than two hours at a time without any
breaks to cool down, as the heat of operation may cause the lubricant in the bearings to liquefy, which
could leak out and cause significant problems.
GENERAL OPERATION
• The machine is best suited to the compaction of bituminous and granular materials e.g. granular soils,
gravels and sands or mixtures of both．
• Where possible the site should be graded and leveled before commencing compaction.
• Correct moisture content in soil is vital to proper compaction. Water acts as a lubricant to help slide
soil particles together. Too little moisture means inadequate compaction；too much moisture leaves
water-filled voids that weaken the soil's load bearing ability.
• Use unleaded grade petrol and ensure that the fuel is free from contamination.
• The vibratory motion provides a self -propelling action. Position the handle at the opposite end of the
machine to the vibrator．
• Start the motor using the recoil starter. If the motor is fitted with an on/off switch this must first be
turned to ON before starting.
• Increase the motor speed to the maximum setting using the hand throttle lever, before commencing
compacting.
• The machine should be controlled by grasping the handle with both hands and applying restraint to