Affiliate disclosure: Firebusters may receive a commission if you purchase through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Ground Preparation Guide Choosing a Plate Compactor Plate compactors consolidate suitable soil, sand, gravel, road base and asphalt during paving, landscaping and construction work. Machine weight is important, but it should not be the only selection factor. Also consider the material, required finished density, layer thickness, plate dimensions, centrifugal…