How to Know When to Use a Static vs. Dynamic ...

If you're not ready to invest in a large, dedicated compactor, but need something more efficient than a walk-behind unit, a compaction attachment could be your solution. These attachments offer the flexibility to use the carrier—whether it's an excavator, backhoe-loader, or skid-steer loader—for multiple tasks.

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"Owning a self-propelled roller means the entire machine will remain idle until the specific task of compacting comes up again," says Heather Christensen of Mountain Valley Equipment. "With an attachment, you can just remove it and use the primary machine for other tasks. Only the attachment sits unused, representing a smaller portion of your investment."

Idle equipment means no profit. "Any equipment a contractor buys is an expense. Getting the most value out of a capital investment improves your return," says Bo Pratt of Rockland Mfg. "A dedicated machine for a specific job that isn't always needed offers less return than a versatile machine that adds value frequently."

Attachments can also make job sites safer. An extended-reach attachment can eliminate the need for workers to enter trenches, reducing the dangers and potentially removing the need for shoring.

Since the power comes from the carrier, compaction attachments require less maintenance compared to dedicated equipment. Fewer engines mean lower maintenance time and costs.

Static Compaction Options
There are various compaction attachments, including static and dynamic models.

Static models like compaction wheels use the machine's weight and applied downward force to compact soil. These are cost-effective because they don't require hydraulics. They're versatile across several soil types.

"They're ideal for cohesive and clay soils where vibration methods may fail or even harm the soil by bringing water to the surface," Christensen points out.

Compaction wheels penetrate trench fill with specially designed "feet," achieving compaction from the bottom up. This soil mixing and displacement prevent voids and bridging.

Compaction wheels come in different sizes and styles. Generally, choose the largest size your carrier supports, but avoid too-heavy or bulky wheels that are difficult to maneuver.

Styles include hexpad, sheepsfoot, and tamper-type "feet," as well as solid drum wheels. Soil type often determines the best style. For cohesive soils like clay and silt, a sheepsfoot/roundfoot wheel is recommended for its penetrating and mixing actions.

For granular soils like sand and gravel, hexpad or tamper feet offer more impact area and compact through pressure and some manipulation.

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Solid drum wheels typically feature general-purpose feet for various soil types. Ensure the wheel self-cleans, especially in wet conditions, to prevent "balling up."

Dynamic Compaction Options
Attachment-based dynamic compaction, like boom-mounted hydraulic plate compactors, uses the carrier’s hydraulic oil flow and pressure, creating vibration and impulse force for compaction. This method rearranges soil particles and expels trapped air.

Vibratory plate compactors are excellent for granular materials as vibration effectively moves particles. "The impulse force makes them effective for driving piles and posts, sheetings, and sea walls," adds Tony Neikirk from Okada America.

Vibratory plate compactors come in single, double, and triple-plate styles. Double and triple-plate models are used on skid-steers and tractors for flat areas like road bases.

Single-plate versions are ideal for trenching with excavators and backhoes or for cellular structures like mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls, often found beside highways for soundproofing. "A single-plate compactor is handy for reaching small trench spots," says Christensen.

According to Neikirk, boom-mounted plate compactors deliver more impulse energy than static methods and are cost-effective. "They maximize the carrier’s capabilities, are easy to install or remove, and are great for trench compaction, inclines, or any application needing 3,000 to over 20,000 lbs of impulse force at 2,000+ cycles per minute."

Easier Slope Compaction
Compaction on slopes is also possible with attachments like Rockland's Thompson Slope Packer. This excavator-mounted drum with dozer cleats uses the excavator's down pressure to compress slopes in any condition and grade.

Usually, contractors use a crawler loader or dozer to "walk" across the slope. However, with the Slope Packer, the excavator remains at the top and reaches down with the attachment to pack the soil. This avoids walking horizontally, making it suitable for conditions other equipment can't handle. The precise positioning of the attachment allows soil packing near obstacles without causing damage.

Compaction Wheels in Action