Manufacturers of plate compactors say the machine is a simple piece of equipment that experiences breakdowns in two main areas: the engine and the belts. So preventive maintenance on those key areas will lead to effective and efficient compaction all summer.

Daily and monthly checks
Peter Price, product manager, Bomag Light Equipment, says that for plates compacting dirt, wash the plate each day because when excess dirt and debris are removed, hidden maintenance issues may become visible.

"Don't focus the pressure washer directly on sensitive areas, such as electrical components, as the excess force can cause damage," he says. "Avoid using a steam pressure washer since steam can penetrate seals that are normally watertight."

Other daily checks, for dirt and asphalt plates, include:

Check fluid levels. Place the plate on a flat surface (an uneven plane could result in an inaccurate reading). Check the oil and hydraulic fluid levels, and look for contamination. If the hydraulic oil begins to look milky or discolored, change it.

Check the belts. Vibration causes a lot of wear and tear on belts, so tension them when needed and replace if necessary. Ed Varel, engineering project manager, Stone Construction Equipment, stresses using the manufacturer's recommended belt is essential for optimum performance.