Full Product Manual
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.
If soil is so dry as to create dust clouds while operating 
plate, some moisture should be added to the ground 
material to improve compacting. This will also reduce 
service to the air lter.
IDLE SPEED
Set the throttle control lever to the SLOW position to reduce 
stress on the engine when compacting is not being performed. 
Lowering the engine speed will help extend the life of the engine, 
as well as conserve fuel and reduce noise level.
STOP ENGINE
To stop the engine in an emergency, simply turn the engine switch 
to the OFF position. Under normal conditions, use the following 
procedure:
1. Move the throttle lever to the SLOW (
) position.
2. Let the engine idle for one or two minutes.
3. Turn the engine switch to the OFF position.
Do not move the choke control to CLOSE to stop the 
engine. Backre or engine damage may occur.
Do not disengage the belt drive with the machine 
running. This will cause friction and vibration on the 
belt drive.
Sudden stopping at a high speed under a heavy load 
is not recommended. Engine damage may result.
Rapid retraction of the starter cord (kickback) will pull 
your hand and arm toward the engine faster than you 
can let go. Broken bones, fractures, bruises, or sprains 
could result.
Do not operate plate on concrete or on extremely 
hard, dry, compacted surfaces. The plate will jump 
rather than vibrate and could damage both plate and 
engine.
4.     Pull the recoil starter until engine compression has become 
difcult to pull. Let the recoil return to the home position, 
then pull quickly to start the engine. Repeat steps as needed. 
Fully open the choke and set the throttle to the FAST position, 
before operating the unit.
1.  After engine warms up, pull throttle lever to accelerate engine 
speed. Plate will begin vibrating and move forward.
2.     The plate compactor is designed to run at an engine speed 
(engine take off shaft) of 3600 rpm (Normally considered 
full throttle). Running the engine at lower rpm will result in a 
decrease of compaction force and lower travel speed. It will 
create  excessive  “out-of-sync”  vibrations  resulting  in  poor 
compaction, maneuverability, excessive wear to the machine, 
and discomfort to the operator.
3.    In operation, guide the machine, but let the compactor do the 
work. Bearing down on the handle is unnecessary and causes 
shock absorber wear.
4.     On level surfaces the compactor moves forward rapidly. On 
uneven surfaces or inclines, light forward pressure on handle 
may be required to assist the compactor in moving forward.
5.  The number of passes required to reach a desired compaction 
level will depend on the soil type and on the soil’s moisture 
content. Maximum  soil  compaction has been  reached  when 
excessive kickback is noticed.
When using plate on paving stones, attach a pad 
to the bottom of the plate to prevent chipping or 
grinding surface of the stones. A special urethane pad 
designed for this purpose is available as an optional 
accessory.
OPERATING
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 Operation
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