Plate Compactors

Kane Machinery sells two petrol plate compactors in Australia, both powered by a genuine Honda GX160 engine: the KAU120 with up to 18kN of compaction force for soil, gravel and paving bases, and the KAU90 with 15kN of force and a water tank for asphalt work. Both are delivered Australia-wide from Sydney, NSW.

Compare our plate compactors

Model Force Engine Water tank Best for
KAU120 plate compactor 18kN Honda GX160 No Gravel, crushed rock, driveways, paving bases
KAU90 plate compactor with water tank 15kN Honda GX160 Yes Asphalt, paving, landscaping, dust control

How to choose a plate compactor

Material: plate compactors work best on granular material such as gravel, crushed rock and sand. For clay and other cohesive soils, a tamping rammer is usually more effective.

Job type: choose the higher-force KAU120 for deeper base layers on driveways and paths. Choose the KAU90 with water tank when working with asphalt, because water stops the hot mix sticking to the plate and reduces dust.

Access: check the width of your work area. For narrow trenches and footings, a rammer fits where a plate cannot.

Still deciding? Read our buying guide: Plate Compactor vs Tamping Rammer: Which One Do You Need?

Frequently asked questions

What is a plate compactor used for?

A plate compactor compacts granular base material, such as crushed rock under pavers, paths and driveways, so the finished surface stays level and does not sink.

Why does a plate compactor need a water tank?

A water tank wets the base plate so asphalt does not stick to it, and helps control dust on dry material.

Plate compactor or tamping rammer?

Use a plate compactor for open, flat areas of granular material. Use a tamping rammer for trenches, footings, backfill and clay soils.

Do you deliver plate compactors across Australia?

Yes. Freight is calculated at checkout from your delivery postcode. Warehouse pickup in Sydney is also available by appointment after your order is confirmed.

Always follow the supplied manual and confirm the machine suits your ground conditions before work.

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  • Plate Compactor with Water Tank – 15KN, Honda GX160

    Plate Compactor with Water Tank – 15KN, Honda GX160

    $999.00
  • Plate Compactor – 18KN, Honda GX160

    Plate Compactor – 18KN, Honda GX160

    $1,099.00

KANE MACHINERY · PREPARE THE BASE

Plate Compactors

Honda-powered plate compactors for paving bases, pathways, landscaping and driveway preparation. Compare the machine and features that fit your next job.

Start your next project on a firm base.

18kN Plate Compactor

FOR BASE PREPARATION

18kN Plate Compactor

Prepare suitable soil and granular bases for paths, paving, landscaping and driveway projects.

18kN forceHonda GX160540 × 450mm plate

COMPARE THE JOB

A firm base starts with the right machine.

MachineTypical workKey difference
15kN Compactor + Water TankPaving & asphalt work where water application is usefulHonda GX160 · Integrated water tank
18kN Plate CompactorGranular base preparation for paving, paths & landscapingHonda GX160 · 540 × 450mm plate

Choose by material, plate dimensions and site access as well as compaction force. For confined trench work, compare a tamping rammer.

Need a hand choosing?

Tell us about your material, property or next job. Our Australian-based team can help you compare the Kane range.

Talk to Kane →

Choosing a plate compactor for your job

Kane Machinery sells two petrol plate compactors in Australia, both powered by a genuine Honda GX160 engine: the KAU120 with up to 18kN of compaction force for soil, gravel and paving bases, and the KAU90 with 15kN of force and a water tank for asphalt work. Both are delivered Australia-wide from Sydney, NSW.

Compare our plate compactors

Model Force Engine Water tank Best for
KAU120 plate compactor 18kN Honda GX160 No Gravel, crushed rock, driveways, paving bases
KAU90 plate compactor with water tank 15kN Honda GX160 Yes Asphalt, paving, landscaping, dust control

How to choose a plate compactor

Material: plate compactors work best on granular material such as gravel, crushed rock and sand. For clay and other cohesive soils, a tamping rammer is usually more effective.

Job type: choose the higher-force KAU120 for deeper base layers on driveways and paths. Choose the KAU90 with water tank when working with asphalt, because water stops the hot mix sticking to the plate and reduces dust.

Access: check the width of your work area. For narrow trenches and footings, a rammer fits where a plate cannot.

Still deciding? Read our buying guide: Plate Compactor vs Tamping Rammer: Which One Do You Need?

Frequently asked questions

What is a plate compactor used for?

A plate compactor compacts granular base material, such as crushed rock under pavers, paths and driveways, so the finished surface stays level and does not sink.

Why does a plate compactor need a water tank?

A water tank wets the base plate so asphalt does not stick to it, and helps control dust on dry material.

Plate compactor or tamping rammer?

Use a plate compactor for open, flat areas of granular material. Use a tamping rammer for trenches, footings, backfill and clay soils.

Do you deliver plate compactors across Australia?

Yes. Freight is calculated at checkout from your delivery postcode. Warehouse pickup in Sydney is also available by appointment after your order is confirmed.

Always follow the supplied manual and confirm the machine suits your ground conditions before work.